Tucked away in the backyard of the Finnish Church, you’ll find the Järnpojke (Iron Boy). At only 15 centimeters high, he is officially Stockholm’s smallest public statue. The artist, Liss Eriksson, originally titled the piece “Little boy looking at the moon,” but locals and travelers alike simply call him the Iron Boy. He has been sitting on his tiny stone plinth since 1967, gazing up at the sky with a look of quiet wonder.
Despite his size, he is one of the most beloved figures in the city. Over the years, I’ve noticed that no matter how many times I visit, he always looks a little different.
A lucky charm with a big wardrobe
There is a beautiful tradition surrounding this little sculpture. It is said that if you caress the boy’s head, it will bring you good luck. Some locals even believe that a gentle pat ensures you will eventually return to Stockholm.
You can tell just how many people have visited by the way his head shines; it has been polished smooth by thousands of “loving hands”.
But it’s not just about the luck. People leave him gifts every single day. I’ve seen him with:
- Small coins tucked around his feet.
- Tiny pieces of fruit or even sushi.
- Hand-knitted scarves and hats during the biting Swedish winter.
- Once, during a particularly grey and rainy afternoon, I found him wrapped in a tiny protective plastic skin with a single flower tucked into his arms. It’s these small acts of kindness that make this spot so incredibly special.
Who clears the offerings away at night and ensures that the fun can start all over again in the morning?
Plan your Stockholm adventure
Want to make the most of your time in the Swedish capital? Here is how to see the Iron Boy and everything else Gamla Stan has to offer:
- Guided tours: To hear more local legends, I recommend a walking tour: Gamla Stan walking tours
- Where to stay: If you want to be steps away from the Iron Boy, look for boutique hotels in the Old Town: Hotels in Gamla Stan
- The Stockholm Pass: This is a lifesaver for entry to the Royal Palace and the Cathedral. Get your pass here: Go City Stockholm All-Inclusive Pass
Insider tips from 30 years of Sweden travel. This guide contains affiliate links (marked with ➔) to help support my work at no extra cost to you.
How to find him
Finding the Iron Boy is half the fun – it feels like discovering a secret. He is located on Slottsbacken, which is essentially the “backyard” of the Finnish Church (Finska kyrkan).
Since he is right next to the Royal Palace and the Stockholm Cathedral (Storkyrkan), he’s the perfect detour during your exploration of the Old Town.
My insider tip: The backyard is quiet and reflective. Take a moment to sit on the bench nearby and just watch the world go by. It’s the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of the main tourist drags.
Conclusion
The Iron Boy might be small, but the joy he brings to Stockholm is massive. Whether you’re looking for a bit of luck, a unique photo opportunity, or just a moment of peace, he’s waiting for you in that quiet backyard.
Directions
See map on Google Maps.
Hotels in Stockholm
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The artist: Liss Eriksson (1919 – 2000)
Liss Eriksson was a titan of Swedish sculpture. Growing up in Södermalm, he spent much of his childhood in the studio of his father, who was also a sculptor. After studying at the Royal Institute of Art in Stockholm and further refining his craft in Paris, Eriksson became known for a style described by the Swedish National Encyclopedia as having “deep human sensitivity and formal clarity.”
You can truly feel that sensitivity when you look at the Iron Boy. If you enjoy his work, I highly recommend visiting his other famous piece, “Paret” (The Couple). This large bronze sculpture of two lovers has stood in the park of Waldemarsudde on Djurgården since 2000.
Sightseeing tours, activities and entrance tickets
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