Riddarholmen: the island of nobles and the great hall
The cast-iron spire, the Lake Mälaren view, and across the water to the tower of the Nobel banquet. This is a Claude-drafted route awaiting the editor's walk.

1. Riddarholmskyrkan
The burial church of the Swedish monarchs, and the only surviving medieval abbey church in the city. The cast-iron openwork spire is the one you'll spot from the water all walk. Step inside if it's open; the royal sarcophagi are extraordinary.

2. Wrangelska palatset
The Wrangel Palace, the largest private palace ever built on the island, and the seat of the crown after the old castle burned in 1697. It now houses a court of appeal, so you admire it from the courtyard rather than the inside.

3. Riddarholmen quay
The western edge of the island, looking straight out over *Riddarfjärden* — the easternmost bay of Lake Mälaren. The City Hall tower sits across the water. This is the afternoon-light view; lean on the railing and don't rush it.

4. Stadshuset
The City Hall — eight million dark-red bricks and a tower you can climb in season for the best wide view of the city. The courtyard and waterside are free and open; the interior halls are guided-tour only.

5. Blå hallen
The Blue Hall, where the Nobel banquet is held each December — and despite the name, it was left bare brick rather than painted blue. You see it on the tour; the grand staircase is the bit that catches everyone.

6. Gyllene salen
The Golden Hall, upstairs from the Blue — eighteen million gold mosaic tiles, the Queen of Lake Mälaren glittering on the end wall. Tour only, and worth the half-hour. After, it's a ten-minute walk up to *T-Centralen*.

Riddarholmen: the island of nobles and the great hall