Stockholm attractions

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Stockholm perhaps has the most attractions among the Scandinavian countries. The Swedish capital is a perfect place for a few days’ trip!

Sweden’s largest city is located on the central southeastern coast of the Scandinavian Peninsula, where the excess water of Lake Mälaren – Sweden’s third-largest freshwater lake – flows into the Baltic Sea. The central parts of the city lie on fourteen small islands, which are collectively called the Stockholm archipelago.

Stockholm attractions

City Hall (Stadshuset)

The administrative center of Stockholm, but also serves as a tourist attraction.

This iconic building was designed by Swedish architect Ragnar Östberg and was inaugurated in 1923. It was built in the Scandinavian national romantic style, which combines traditional Swedish architectural elements with modern influences. The brick building’s 106-meter-high tower is one of the city’s symbols, with the golden three crowns (Tre Kronor) at its top, the Swedish national symbol.

Its famous ceremonial halls include the Blue Hall (Blå hallen) and the Golden Hall (Gyllene salen). The Blue Hall is where the Nobel Prize banquet is held annually, while the Golden Hall’s famous mosaics depict significant events and figures from Swedish history.

Birger Jarl’s Cenotaph

This memorial is located at the base of one of the City Hall’s towers, erected in honor of Birger Jarl, the 13th-century Swedish statesman.

Birger Jarl was one of the most significant figures of the Swedish Middle Ages. He worked on political and legal reforms in Sweden and strengthened the Swedish kingdom. Although historians debate whether he was truly the founder of Stockholm, tradition considers him the creator of the city.

The sarcophagus is only a symbolic tomb and does not contain Birger Jarl’s remains. Nevertheless, it’s an important attraction in the city.

Riksdag

Sweden’s parliament is located on Helgeandsholmen island, near the Old Town.

The original building was constructed at the turn of the 20th century in neoclassical and baroque styles. It was renovated and expanded in the 1980s. Its plenary chamber is the scene of parliamentary sessions, which is open to the public.

Kungsträdgården

One of Stockholm’s most popular and important parks.

It was originally the private garden of Swedish kings, later becoming a public park. Its most famous attraction is the row of cherry trees, which are particularly beautiful in spring during blossom time. There are also several statues commemorating important figures in Swedish history.

Drottninggatan

Stockholm’s famous pedestrian street stretches from the Riksbron bridge all the way north to Observatorielunden park.

Its name means Queen Street. It was named in the 17th century after Queen Christina, during whose reign the street was designed as part of royal urban development. There are many shops, stores, restaurants, and cafes here.

Old Town (Gamla Stan)

Stockholm’s historical center is one of the best-preserved medieval city districts in Europe.

The neighborhood, which developed in the 13th century, was originally known as Stadsholmen and was Stockholm’s primary commercial and administrative center for centuries. The medieval architectural elements and narrow, labyrinthine streets still convey the atmosphere of that time.

There are many notable buildings here, some of which I’ll mention below.

Stockholm Palace (Kungliga Slottet)

The official residence of the Swedish king is one of Sweden’s most important historical and cultural buildings. The changing of the guard can be seen every day in a ceremonial setting.

The original royal castle was built in the 13th century and was called Tre Kronor Castle. This was destroyed in a fire in 1697, and the current one was built in its place. The palace is a huge, 600-room building, which is one of the largest royal residences in Europe. It’s not only the official residence of the royal family but also houses several important institutions and museums.

The palace’s representative halls and salons are impressive examples of baroque interior design. One of the most famous rooms is the throne room, where royal ceremonies such as coronations and receptions take place. The royal throne stands at its center.

Another attraction is the Royal Treasury, where the royal crown jewels and other valuable objects can be viewed. The crown, the royal scepter, and the royal robe stand out among these.

All information can be found here!

Storkyrkan

Stockholm’s oldest church, officially called St. Nicholas Cathedral, stands in the center of the Old Town. It has been the site of Swedish coronation ceremonies and royal weddings for centuries.

According to legend, Birger Jarl himself, the founder of Stockholm, ordered its construction. It was significantly remodeled in the 15th century, when it became Gothic in style. The church’s tower stands out in Stockholm’s skyline and is visible from afar.

Its most famous attraction is the statue of St. George and the Dragon, created by German sculptor Bernt Notke in the 1480s. The statue, made of wood and horn, depicts St. George’s heroic battle against the dragon and has become one of the symbols of Swedish history.

Riddarholmskyrkan

One of Stockholm’s most significant historical churches is located on Riddarholmen island, next to the Old Town.

It was originally built at the end of the 13th century as a Franciscan monastery. At the beginning of the 16th century, the monastery was dissolved. From then on, it became the burial place of the Swedish royal family. It’s not an active church, mainly visited as a memorial.

Most Swedish rulers from the 1600s until the 20th century were buried here. The church contains the burial sites of prominent figures, including Gustav II Adolf, Charles XII, and Gustav V.

Skansen

The world’s first open-air museum and zoo is located on Djurgården island.

Its founder, Artur Hazelius, established the museum with the aim of preserving Swedish rural life, architectural and cultural traditions, which were rapidly changing at the end of the 19th century due to industrialization. Hazelius aimed to showcase folk architecture, old crafts, and traditional Swedish way of life.

Its most important elements are the historical buildings that come from various regions of Sweden. There are more than 150 original buildings from different eras on the museum grounds, which were dismantled, transported here, and rebuilt. One of the most beautiful buildings is a small 18th-century wooden church that originally came from Seglora village. The church is a characteristic example of religious life in the Swedish countryside.

Skansen’s zoo showcases animals living in the Scandinavian wilderness, as well as some domestic animals that have been part of Swedish farming for centuries. Brown bears, wolves, moose, lynx, and otters can be seen. There’s also an aquarium where exotic fish, reptiles, snakes, and other animals can be observed.

All information can be found here!

Södermalm

One of Stockholm’s largest districts, famous for its bohemian atmosphere and cultural life.

Once the home of the poorer working class, it was considered the city’s industrial center in the 17-18th centuries. The oldest parts of the district still retain the characteristic atmosphere of the old working-class neighborhoods, especially in the form of old wooden houses and cobblestone streets.

Here you can find the city’s trendiest cafes, boutiques, and galleries. The center of this is the SoFo neighborhood. Medborgarplatsen and its surroundings are particularly lively in terms of nightlife, with bars, clubs, and live music venues awaiting visitors.

Sofia Church

The Evangelical church in the Södermalm district is named after Queen Sofia, wife of King Oscar II.

The church was built with red brick, which was a typical material in Scandinavian neo-Gothic architecture. Its most spectacular part is the large central tower that towers over the church. With its distinctive shape and height, it’s visible from afar.

As it stands on one of Stockholm’s highest points, Sofia Hill, there’s a fantastic view of Södermalm and the rest of the city.

Mariaberget

This is a small hill in the northern part of Södermalm, offering a great view of the waterfront and the city.

There are a few tables and benches along the short promenade, so we can enjoy the wonderful view while resting.

Skyview

One of Stockholm’s most spectacular and modern tourist attractions, located at the Globen Arena, officially called Avicii Arena. This is the world’s largest spherical building.

The SkyView itself is a glass-walled gondola-like cabin system. It consists of two cabins that move on a rail system on the outside of the building. Visitors can board the cabins and slowly ascend to the top of the Globen, which is about 130 meters above sea level.

The cabins are completely transparent, so you can enjoy the 360-degree view of the city throughout the journey. From the top, you can see Stockholm’s city center, the islands, the harbor, and distant landscapes.

All information can be found here!

Hagaparken

One of Stockholm’s largest and most famous parks, located in the northern part of the city on the shore of Lake Brunnsviken.

The park is famous for its English garden-style landscaping. It’s crisscrossed by several kilometers of walking paths that pass through the lakeshore and wooded areas. Boating and rowing opportunities are also available at Lake Brunnsviken.

The park is home to Haga Palace (Haga slott), which is currently the home of the Swedish royal family. The palace was originally built for King Gustav XVI Adolf, but it still functions as an official royal residence, so it’s not open to visitors.

The Butterfly House is worth mentioning, where you can admire various exotic butterflies. There’s also a tropicarium that showcases tropical flora and fauna.

Karlberg Palace

The palace located in the northwestern part of the city, on the banks of the Karlberg Canal, is a significant historical site.

The 17th-century building also served as a residence for King Charles X Gustav of Sweden, and several members of the Swedish royal family lived here. From 1792, it became the center of the Swedish Royal Naval Academy, which still operates here to this day. It’s one of the oldest operating military academies in the world.

The palace is surrounded by a beautiful, huge park known as Karlbergs slottspark. The park features walking paths, statues, and waterfront areas, making it popular among locals as well.

Metro stations

The Stockholm metro network is not only considered a means of transport but also one of the world’s longest art galleries.

There are artworks, sculptures, paintings, and installations at more than 100 stations of the Tunnelbana, which in many cases are related to nature or Swedish culture.

The T-Centralen station is considered the most beautiful station, especially where rock walls decorated with blue and white patterns can be found. Other notable stations include Kungsträdgården and Stadion stations.