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Pharmarium, Angermanland Travel Guide

4.5 (1383)

Award-winning cocktails in a historic apothecary haven at Gamla Stan's Stortorget, blending alchemy-inspired mixology with intimate Nordic gastronomy.

Pharmarium is a celebrated cocktail bar in Stockholm's Gamla Stan, housed in a 16th-century apothecary site at Stortorget 7. It blends historical mystique with innovative mixology, offering creative cocktails, small plates, and an intimate atmosphere amid checkered floors and antique apothecary cabinets. Perfect for evenings of sophisticated drinks and gastronomic pairings in a cozy 45-seat venue.

A brief summary to Pharmarium

  • Monday 5 pm-11 pm
  • Tuesday 5 pm-11 pm
  • Wednesday 4 pm-12 am
  • Thursday 4 pm-12 am
  • Friday 3 pm-1 am
  • Saturday 3 pm-1 am
  • Sunday 5 pm-11 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Pharmarium.

  • Book ahead for peak evenings, as the 45-seat space fills quickly with locals and visitors seeking prime bar or window seats.
  • Pair cocktails with small plates like beef tartar or oysters for a full apothecary-inspired tasting experience.
  • Arrive early for walk-in window seats overlooking Stortorget's lively square.
  • Note the 10 PM minor restriction and no-stroller policy to plan accordingly.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Gamla Stan T-bana station, walk 5-7 minutes along Västerlånggatan's pedestrian streets to Stortorget; flat cobblestone terrain suits most visitors but watch for uneven stones.

  • Taxi

    Taxis from central Stockholm like Sergels Torg take 8-12 minutes to Stortorget 7, costing 150-250 SEK depending on traffic; drop-off at the square edge due to no vehicle access inside.

  • Bus

    Bus 3 from Slussen to Gamla Stan stop runs every 10-15 minutes, 3-5 minute ride for 30-40 SEK, then 4-minute walk to Stortorget; frequent daytime service.

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Apothecary Origins at Stortorget

Pharmarium occupies a storied spot on Stortorget 7 in Gamla Stan, where Sweden's first public apothecary opened on March 21, 1575. Anthonius Busenius, a Dutch apothecary who served kings Gustav Vasa, Erik XIV, and Johan III, received permission to sell medicines to the public here, moving stock from the royal castle. The site later became Schmidtens Apotek, operating until 1625. This blend of science, folklore, and alchemy defines the bar's essence, with decor evoking old-world pharmacies through wooden drawers labeled with curious herbs and elixirs.

Mixology Mastery and Creative Cocktails

The bar excels in artisanal cocktails named after potions like Amortentia and Demon Cleaner, crafted with precision to unfold complex flavors. Mixologists draw from apothecary traditions, incorporating infusions, tinctures, and garnishes that surprise the palate. Complementing drinks are spirituosa pairings with substantia—small plates such as beef tartar with shiitake mushrooms, puffed wild rice, and smoked marrow mayonnaise, or citrus-gravad herring with tomato-browned butter. These between-sized dishes highlight innovative Nordic ingredients.

Intimate Interior and Ambiance

Inside, a solid green marble bar seats guests alongside sofas around low tables in carpeted rooms and a large round table for groups. Checkered floors, soft lighting, and historical artifacts create a cozy, dimly lit haven for 45 patrons. Window seats offer views of Stortorget's bustling square, ideal for people-watching. The design, by the team behind Brasserie Le Rouge, fuses vintage apothecary charm with modern elegance.

Gastronomic Pairings and Evening Rhythm

Pharmarium pioneered small-plate trends in Stockholm around 2014, serving snacks like charcuterie, oysters, and inventive bites alongside house-brewed beers and select wines. Evenings build from relaxed afternoons to lively nights, with reservations spreading across bar and lounge areas. The venue maintains a sophisticated vibe, prohibiting strollers and minors after 10 PM to preserve its adult-oriented intimacy.

Gamla Stan's Historic Heart

Nestled in Stockholm's medieval old town, Pharmarium enhances explorations of cobblestone streets and royal landmarks. Its location captures Gamla Stan's timeless allure, where 16th-century facades meet contemporary creativity. Seasonal outdoor seating extends the experience during warmer months, allowing guests to sip amid the square's vibrant energy.

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