Saint Gertrude, German Church — Attraction in Stockholm

We had the pleasure of visiting S:ta Gertrud (Tyska Kyrkan)—the German Church—during a cruise stop in Stockholm, and it ended up being one of the most memorable sights of the day.

Tucked away in the historic German quarter of Gamla Stan, this beautiful church is easy to miss if you’re not paying attention, but it’s absolutely worth seeking out. The walk along Svartmangatan to reach it is full of Old Town charm and history (and don’t let the street’s name throw you off—it refers to a long-gone Blackfriars monastery, not anything offensive).

The exterior of the church is elegant and understated, blending in with the surrounding medieval buildings, but once you pay the modest 50SEK entrance fee, you step into a breathtaking Baroque interior. High vaulted ceilings, intricate wooden carvings, gorgeous stained glass windows, and golden accents make this one of the most visually impressive churches in Stockholm. You can really feel the rich history and craftsmanship here—it's peaceful, majestic, and incredibly well-preserved.

If you're in Gamla Stan and looking to explore beyond the typical tourist spots, this is a must-visit hidden gem. It’s a quiet, reflective space with deep cultural roots, and a great way to experience another layer of...

Rude church staff (unlike almost any other church I have ever been to). Instead of greetings once you enter, they look at you like you're an alien. I will have to assume it's because of my Middle Eastern background, as they don't know anything else about me. Today was an event celebrating the church's anniversary and you'd think they'd be somewhat welcoming but No. Again, rude manners. As my German isn't perfect, I had to ask what was happening at certain hours and the response I got was from a rude old lady pointing in the direction of the exit telling me I have to read the schedule outdoors (which is only in German), basically telling to leave. Not very Christ-like. Two other staff members stood next to her and they didn't respond to my question either. Other than that, it's a really beautiful historic church which deserves...

Tucked away in the heart of Stockholm’s Old Town, the German Church is a hidden gem that blends history, architecture, and serenity. Passing through the ornate iron gate inscribed with “Fürchtet Gott! Ehret den König!” (“Fear God! Honor the King!”), you step into a peaceful courtyard that feels worlds away from the busy cobbled streets outside. Inside, the church dazzles with its baroque interior, stained-glass windows, and rich wood carvings that tell stories of the city’s once-thriving German community. It’s not just a church—it’s a time capsule of Stockholm’s cultural crossroads.

👉 A must-visit if you love quiet corners with a lot of history...