Hat makers, barons, counts, silk producers, saddlers and actors. Many people with exclusive titles have rested their heads in “our” house on Guldgränd throughout the centuries. It’s been sought after ever since it was first built: because it’s made from stone. Not particularly noteworthy today, but Södermalm only had wooden buildings in the 17^th century. The stone buildings were primarily located in the Old Town, at the core of the capital.

The buildings on Södermalm were modest and farmhouses were a regular sight. It was a completely different area compared to what exists today. Hotel Guldgränd’s four-storey building was built in the early 1640s and became one the area’s first upper class homes. The current façade and windows were built in 1880.

Survived The Great Stockholm Fire

Parts of Södermalm were completely destroyed in The Great Stockholm Fire of 1759. Three hundred houses in 20 blocks burnt down and Maria Magdalena church was destroyed. Thanks to the building material, our house on Guldgränd and a few other stone houses survived.

Before the fire, Guldgränd was called stora Badstugatan, named after the many bathing houses located in Stockholm at the time. After the fire it was named Brännkyrkagatan (Church burning street). Our little stretch was later named Guldgränd, after Riddarfjärden’s former name: Guldfjärden. Guldgränd curves in a ninety degree angle to connect to Hornsgatan.

In the front row

Slussen was built in 1642 and has since then been rebuilt several times. It’s currently undergoing a renovation that’s hard to miss. Situated at a safe distance, Guldgränd is unaffected by the works. It is however exciting to follow the development and Second Home Apartments are happy to be on the front row of these changes.