Gångarnas

Gångarnas is a district and historic quarter in the fictional city of Vinterstad, in the country of Nordlandia. The name derives from gång, the Swedish word for a walkway or passage, and the suffix -arnas, indicating “the walkways.” The district is known for its interconnected network of covered pedestrian passages that link houses, shops, and public spaces.

Geography and urban form: Located in the central belt of Vinterstad, Gångarnas covers a compact area surrounding the Market Square. Its most distinctive feature is a lattice of wooden and brick walkways that run above and between street level, allowing sheltered movement between blocks. The built environment mixes timber-framed houses dating to the 17th and 18th centuries with later brick structures.

History: The core emerged around the Market Square in the 1600s as a trading hub. Covered walkways were added in successive phases from the 1700s to the mid-1800s to protect merchants from inclement weather. Many original structures survive, though some interiors have been restored or repurposed.

Economy and culture: Today, Gångarnas hosts boutique shops, cafés, and small galleries that sustain a pedestrian-oriented economy. The quarter preserves a tradition of street performances and weekend markets. An annual festival, Gångarnas Day, highlights local crafts and the historic walkways.

Transportation: Access is primarily on foot, by bike, or by public transit. The district connects to the city tram network and features several car-free lanes. The Walkway Network, or Gångarleden, links major neighborhoods and public spaces.

Notable sites: Lantern Arcade, Market Hall, Bridge of Doors.

See also: Walkways (Gångar), pedestrian zones.