Walking along the 1.3-mile (2.2 kilometer) Söder Mälarstrand shoreline harkens back to olden days, when the Hanseatic League ruled the North Sea and Stockholm’s inlets and islands bustled with commercial shipping. The area was first used in the late 1600s and remained commercially active until well into the 20th century. Today, peacefulness rather than hubbub reigns, but marks of that seagoing trade are still apparent alongside new, architecturally interesting constructions. Cross the bridge from Gamla Stan, right across the strait, and take a stroll through time.

Start at the western edge, at Heleneborg, an almost incongruous farmstead that is the street’s oldest remaining building. It was constructed in 1721 by Count Magnus de la Gardie. Climb a few steps up onto the nearby Pålsund Bridge for a different perspective on the typical 18th-century façade. Walk along, noticing restaurant boats moored by the quay. Spot the Seamen’s School, a vivid reminder of what this place looked like historically.

Note the sheer size of the redbrick Munich Brewery, a conference center that was formerly a weaving factory, printer and foundry. At the eastern end, admire the neo-Gothic elegance of the Mariahissen, designed in the late 19th century by architect Gustaf Dahl. Go behind the street up the steep paths of the Skinnarviksparken to the Skinnarviksberget lookout for amazing views of Stockholm’s islands and waterways.

The eastern end of Söder Mälarstrand incorporates Monteliusvägen, a quarter mile (500 meters) of walking path offering views of Lake Mälaren, which are particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset.

Söder Malarstrand is located along the northern shore of Södermalm Island, near the uber-hip neighborhoods of Hornstull and SoFo. Reach the street in 8 minutes by car or 16 minutes by train from Stockholm’s Central station. Find limited street parking nearby. A few passenger boats still leave from Malarstrand’s quay.

After walking up and down Söder Mälarstrand’s hill, dine at a moored restaurant boat or walk for 15 minutes to Hornstull, where, during the summer, the Hornstulls Marknad congregates a nice selection of the city’s food trucks.