The haunted house in Vasastan Stockholm

The Haunted House in Vasastan

On Drottninggatan stands the Haunted House – a building where myths, power and memories have long lived side by side. Built around the turn of the 18th century by merchant Hans Petter Scheffler, the house was soon surrounded by rumors. Diplomats, soldiers and secret guests moved through the halls, and as the house began to decay, stories of ghosts, nocturnal sounds and inexplicable visions grew. The Haunted House became a place where fantasy and reality merged.

But the walk doesn't stop here. Around Observatoriekullen was once Spelbomskan – a windmill from the 17th century that ground flour and malt for the city's inhabitants. Here, everyday life, science and superstition met, side by side with the newly built observatory.

We move on through a Stockholm in change, to the Hamburger Brewery's quarter. Here, industrialization took shape in the scent of malt and steam, where horses pulled beer carts through the streets before the engines took over. A piece of working history, still visible in the walls.

In contrast are the Dalkullorna's house and the Borgerskapets änkehus – places that tell of women's work, loneliness and cohesion in the city. Here lived women who supported themselves, took care of each other and created everyday life in the middle of growing Stockholm.

And as a low-key companion throughout the walk is Josabeth Sjöberg. With her watercolors, she documented 19th-century homes, sickrooms and city views – small rooms where life went on, often unseen. Through her eyes, we get to meet the city from within.

This walk is a journey through Stockholm's invisible layers – from ghost stories and science to work, everyday life and women's lives.

What is included in the city walk?

• Narrative city walk at a leisurely pace through Vasastan

• Stories about the Haunted House and the place's myths, placed in their historical context

• The city's landscape and everyday life, from windmills and breweries to widow's houses

• Authorized Stockholm guide with deep local knowledge and storytelling ability

Practical information

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Children
Children under 15 are welcome in the company of a paying adult and can join free of charge.

🌦 Carried out in all weathers
(unless otherwise notified)

👥Group size
Smaller groups for a personal, present and lively experience.
Max 25 people.

 🐾Pets
Kind dogs on leashes are welcome together with their owner

🧥 Clothing
Clothes according to the weather and comfortable shoes. Keep in mind that it is colder to stand still and listen than to be out walking in the cold. 

⏱ Time/Length
Approx. 90 minutes / approximately 2.3 km.

Collection & completion

📍 Meeting point: In front of the Strindberg Museum, Drottninggatan 85

🏁 Completion: at Borgerskapets änkehus/Norrtullsgatan. Feel free to use SL's travel planner for a smooth journey 🚇

🗣Language
Swedish. English and Italian are offered on request 

👟Pace
Leisurely walking pace with several stops for stories, pictures and reflection.

♿ Accessibility
Please notify in advance of any special needs
The surface varies between asphalt, gravel, hills and stairs.

Do you want to help more people find this hike?

After the city walk, you are welcome to leave a review or share a picture from the experience 💚
It helps others find the right one – and means a lot to me.

👉 Please leave a review here:
http://bit.ly/41uPTbh

Thank you very much – and see you again in the city 🌱