Pharmarium, Norrland Travel Guide

4.5 (1383)

Alchemy reborn: Prize-winning cocktails in Sweden's first apothecary site, blending 1575 mystique with Gamla Stan's historic heartbeat.

Nestled in Stockholm's historic Gamla Stan at Stortorget 7, Pharmarium is a prize-winning cocktail bar housed in the site of Sweden's first public apothecary from 1575. This intimate venue blends alchemical heritage with modern mixology, offering inventive cocktails named after potions like Amortentia and Demon Cleaner, paired with creative small plates. The atmospheric space features a green marble bar, cozy sofas, and walls lined with vintage apothecary drawers, creating a timeless fusion of mystique and gastronomy. Open evenings, it draws discerning locals and visitors for its thoughtful drinks and snug seating for 45 guests. Reservations recommended; no minors after 10 PM.

A brief summary to Pharmarium

Stortorget 7, Stockholm, 111 29, SE
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Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
Mid ranged
Indoor
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

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

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Book ahead, especially for weekends; walk-ins may snag window seats but bar spots fill fast.
Arrive by 10 PM if with minors, as the venue enforces a no-underage policy after that hour.
Pair cocktails with small plates like beef tartar or gravlax for the full mixology-gastronomy experience.
Savor the rotating menu; ask bartenders for pairings rooted in the apothecary theme.

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Explore Pharmarium on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Pharmarium, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From Gamla Stan T-bana station, 7-10 minute walk along Västerlånggatan's cobblestones to Stortorget; uneven historic paving suits comfortable shoes, no strollers advised.
Taxi

Taxi from central Stockholm like Centralstationen takes 8-12 minutes, costing 150-250 SEK depending on traffic; drop-off directly at Stortorget, limited parking nearby.
Bus

Bus 3 from Slussen to Gamla Stan stop, 5-7 minutes ride then 4-minute walk, fares 30-40 SEK with SL card; frequent service evenings but confirm schedules.

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Discover more about Pharmarium

Alchemical Origins at Stortorget

Pharmarium occupies a storied spot on Stortorget 7 in Stockholm's Gamla Stan, where on March 21, 1575, Dutch apothecary Anthonius Busenius received permission to sell medicines to the public from what was once part of the royal court's medical stores. This marked Sweden's inaugural public apothecary, evolving from the earlier Hovapoteket in the royal palace under Gustav Vasa. The site embodied an era blending science, folklore, and magic, stocking remedies alongside exotic ingredients like mumiepulver, unicorn horn, and pulverized gemstones amid the quest for elixirs and gold through alchemy.

Reviving Apothecary Mystique

Today, Pharmarium channels this legacy into a cocktail bar where walls display wooden drawers labeled with curious herbs and elixirs, and the logo features the serpent-coiled Rod of Asclepius. The interior evokes a 16th-century laboratory reimagined for the 21st century, with a solid green marble bar, plush sofas around low tables on carpeted floors, and a large round table for groups. Soft lighting and historical artifacts create an intimate cocoon amid Gamla Stan's cobblestone charm, seating just 45 guests in a space designed by the team behind conceptual spots like Brasserie Le Rouge.

Mixology as Modern Alchemy

The bar's core is its award-winning cocktails, crafted through artistic mixology with names evoking potions—Amortentia, Demon Cleaner—and ingredients mirroring historical curiosities. Menus rotate frequently, showcasing innovative combinations like soy-pickled shiitake with wild rice puffs or citrus-gravad herring with tomato-browned butter. These spirituosa pair seamlessly with substantia small plates, pioneering the sharing-plate trend in Stockholm since 2014. Microbrews and select wines complement the focus on house-composed drinks.

Intimate Evening Rituals

Pharmarium unfolds in the evenings, transforming into a haven for cocktail enthusiasts. Bar stools invite close-up views of bartenders at work, while window nooks—reserved for walk-ins—offer glimpses of Stortorget's bustling square. The no-stroller policy and minor restriction after 10 PM ensure a sophisticated vibe, with reservations scattering guests across bar, lounge, and communal seating for balanced flow.

Gamla Stan's Timeless Allure

Set in the heart of Stockholm's old town, Pharmarium enhances the neighborhood's medieval tapestry of narrow alleys and vibrant squares. Its position on Stortorget places it steps from iconic landmarks, yet the venue's enclosed warmth contrasts the outdoor energy, providing a portal to sensory indulgence rooted in centuries of pharmaceutical intrigue and innovation.