The founding of Stockholm, while shrouded in myth, is typically placed around the mid-13th century. The name "Stockholm" first appears in letters written by Birger Jarl and King Valdemar in 1252, suggesting that the city was already of some significance by then. One common legend from the 17th century claims that the location was determined by a log, bound with gold, sent adrift from the Viking settlement of Birka, eventually landing at present-day Riddarholmen. While this is not substantiated by historical evidence, it reflects the importance of Lake Mälaren and its surrounding region in Stockholm's origin story.
Map of Stockholm in 1547. @ Anonymous
The more established theory is that the name "Stockholm," meaning "Log-Islet," derives from logs driven into the water at the strait north of today’s Old Town. These structures, dated to around 1000, likely served as early fortifications. Stockholm's strategic location at the junction of Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea made it an ideal hub for trade and defense. German merchants, invited by Birger Jarl, played a crucial role in its early development, helping Stockholm grow into Sweden's largest city by the late 13th century.
Stockholm quickly became Sweden's political and economic center, even though it wasn't a formal capital in the modern sense until later. By the end of the Middle Ages, Stockholm had cemented its place as the key city in Sweden, closely tied to the royal court and the governance of the country, laying the foundation for its future role as the national capital.