S:ta Gertrud, Tyska kyrkan

S:ta Gertrud, also called Tyska kyrkan or the German Church, stands on Svartmangatan in Stockholm’s Old Town. Founded for the German community, it has served as a local church since the Middle Ages. Step through the ornate iron gate into a courtyard, then look inside for Baroque wood carvings, stained glass and gold details lit by natural light. The church also has a copy of an original Baroque organ. Its tower rises above Gamla Stan’s rooftops, making the church easy to spot as you explore the old streets.

A church for Stockholm’s German community

The German guild of St. Gertrude was established at this site in the 14th century. The church takes its name from the guild and from Saint Gertrude, patron saint of travellers. In the Middle Ages, it served Stockholm’s German community, a reminder of the connections between the city and German merchants and residents.

The church is known in Swedish as Tyska kyrkan, meaning the German Church. It is one of three churches in Gamla Stan alongside the Finnish Church and Stockholm Cathedral, also known as Storkyrkan.

The church in Gamla Stan

The church stands at Svartmangatan 16, among the streets and alleys of the Old Town. Its spire is the highest point in Gamla Stan, so it also serves as a landmark above the surrounding rooftops.

A visit begins at an ornate iron gate and courtyard. Inside, the Baroque furnishings include detailed wood carvings, stained glass and a golden pipe organ. The organ is a copy of an original Baroque instrument. Natural light brings out the gold details, so pause to look around rather than moving straight through.