7.5 C
Stockholm
21 April , 2025

Stockholm City Hall
– Explore Stockholm's Historic Landmark with Panoramic Views and Rich History

The municipal structure known as Stockholm City Hall, or Stockholms stadshus in Swedish, is situated in Sweden’s capital city of Stockholm on the eastern side of Kungsholmen Island. It essentially houses the municipal government’s offices and serves as the banquet hall for the annual Nobel Prize banquet.

A marvel of national romantic architecture

Between 1911 and 1923, Swedish architect Ragnar Östberg designed and built the city hall in Stockholm in the then-popular National Romantic style. In 1909, he emerged victorious in the competition to design the new city hall. The building’s construction required over 8 million bricks and over 19 million tiles, making it an enormous undertaking. Additionally, three golden crowns, Sweden’s national symbol, adorn the city hall’s 106-meter-tall tower.

Many consider the Stockholm City Hall as one of the most significant pieces of early 20th-century Swedish architecture. It is a historic landmark that displays the period’s architectural and cultural legacy.


Main attractions of the Stockholm City Hall

The City Hall in Stockholm is one of the most popular tourist destinations and offers a number of intriguing attractions for tourists. Here are some of the main highlights:

  • The Nobel Prize banquet is held annually in the Blue Hall, the city hall’s main banquet space. The hall is well-known for its majesty and unusual shade of blue. The 10 million mosaic tiles that cover the walls are the source of this color.
  • Located adjacent to the Blue Hall, the Golden Hall is decorated with more than 18 million gold-leaf mosaic tiles. The tiles show scenes from mythology and history in Sweden.
  • The Tower: To get a broad perspective of Stockholm and the neighboring islands, visitors can ascend the tower. The tower is 106 meters tall and has three observation decks.
  • The Prince’s Gallery: This is a long hallway that runs along the outer edge of the building. It offers views of the waterfront and the city.
  • The Council Chamber: The Stockholm City Council holds its meetings here. Moreover, frescoes adorn the room, as well as a throne for the mayor.
  • Guided tours: Visitors can take guided tours of the city hall to learn more about its history, architecture, and significance.

Venue for the Nobel Prize: A celebration of excellence

The Nobel Banquet is an annual event that takes place in Stockholm City Hall on December 10th, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s passing. It is a formal and distinguished dinner that concludes the Nobel Prize presentations. The purpose of the banquet is to honor and celebrate the Nobel Laureates in the fields of economic sciences, literature, physiology or medicine, chemistry, and physics.

Dignitaries, Nobel Laureates, members of the Swedish royal family, and visitors from other countries attend the Nobel Banquet. Usually, speakers deliver speeches, musicians perform, and chefs serve a sumptuous multi-course meal at the event. Additionally, officials present the laureates with their diplomas and Nobel Prize medals.

The construction of the Stockholm City Hall

The massive project of building Stockholm City Hall took more than ten years, from 1911 to 1923. Notably, the building was designed by Swedish architect Ragnar Östberg, who won the 1909 design contest for the new city hall. Here are some key features of how they constructed the city hall:

  • Materials: More than 8 million bricks and 19 million tiles went into building the structure. Furthermore, the tiles’ varied decorative patterns and designs give the building its unique appearance.
  • Foundation: The construction crew thoroughly excavated and fortified the site before building the city hall on solid rock.
  • Structure: A steel frame supports the exterior brick and tile work of the building. The main building anchors the separate tower structure.
  • Architects created the building in the then-popular National Romantic style in Scandinavia. Essentially, the design combines Swedish folk art and mythology with Gothic and Renaissance architectural elements.
  • Decoration: The building’s interior is embellished with mosaics, murals, and frescoes that portray Swedish history and culture. Additionally, with millions of tiles arranged in elaborate patterns, the Golden Hall and Blue Hall are especially elaborate.

Overall, building Stockholm City Hall was a huge project that needed to be completed by talented engineers, architects, and craftspeople. It is now regarded as a true architectural wonder and one of the most significant examples of early 20th-century Swedish architecture.

Other attractions near the City Hall

  • Situated on the neighboring island of Riddarholmen, the historic Riddarholmen Church (Riddarholmskyrkan) serves as the Swedish monarchs’ final resting place.
  • One of the biggest palaces in Europe, the Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet), is the official residence of the Swedish monarch and is situated in the Old Town (Gamla Stan).
  • Old Town, or Gamla Stan, is a quaint medieval neighborhood with cobblestone streets, old buildings, stores, and eateries. It is among Europe’s best-preserved medieval city centers.
  • The Swedish Parliament (Riksdagshuset): The seat of the Swedish parliament, located on Helgeandsholmen island, is just a short walk from City Hall.
  • A popular public square in the heart of Stockholm, Sergels Torg is renowned for its lively atmosphere and modernist architecture.
  • Klara Church (Klara Kyrka), a striking church close to Sergels Torg, has become renowned for its lofty spire and exquisite interior.
  • National Museum of Fine Arts (Nationalmuseum): Sweden’s premier museum of art and design, also located on the waterfront.

These attractions provide a mix of historical, cultural, and recreational experiences, all within reach of Stockholm City Hall.

Places to stay in the area

Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel Stockholm
9.1

Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel Stockholm

⭐ 4.0 | 📈 9.1 | 🏨 Hotel | 📍 Nils Ericsons Plan 4, Norrmalm

The hotel offers flawless service, free Wi-Fi, and a fitness center. Enjoy room service, daily housekeeping, and non-smoking rooms. Select rooms offer entertainment and mini bars. Start your day with breakfast and coffee, savor meals on-site, and relax at the bar, sauna, or massage facilities. BBQ facilities are available for personal cooking.

Sheraton Stockholm Hotel
8.7

Sheraton Stockholm Hotel

⭐ 4.5 | 📈 8.7 | 🏨 Hotel | 📍 Tegelbacken 6, Norrmalm

The Sheraton Stockholm Hotel provides a luxurious stay with free Wi-Fi, car hire, and on-site parking. Enjoy a cozy lobby with a fireplace and amenities like a laundromat, dry cleaning, and room service. Rooms offer blackout curtains and entertainment options. Relax in the executive lounge or spa, and savor on-site dining and drinks at the bar and cafe. Stay fit at our gym.

Radisson Blu Royal Viking Hotel Stockholm
8.6

Radisson Blu Royal Viking Hotel Stockholm

⭐ 4.5 | 📈 8.6 | 🏨 Hotel | 📍 Vasagatan 1, Norrmalm

Radisson Blu Royal Viking Hotel Stockholm: Stay connected with free Wi-Fi, an airport shuttle, and parking. Enjoy express check-in, concierge, and luggage storage. Relax in smoke-free rooms with entertainment options. Indulge in a shared kitchen, pool, hot tub, and fitness center.

Scandic Continental
8.9

Scandic Continental

⭐ 4.0 | 📈 8.9 | 🏨 Hotel | 📍 Vasagatan/Klara Vattugrand 22, Norrmalm

Scandic Continental ensures connectivity with free Wi-Fi and offers parking. Enjoy room service, TV entertainment, and essential bathroom items. Savor delicious on-site meals and unwind at the bar and nightclub. Refresh in the sauna and stay fit at the gym.

Thon Hotels Kungsbron
8.6

Thon Hotels Kungsbron

⭐ 3.0 | 📈 8.6 | 🏨 Hotel | 📍 Västra Järnvägsgatan 17, Norrmalm

Thon Hotels Kungsbron provides free internet, parking, and express check-in. Relax with daily housekeeping, cable TV, and in-room amenities. Enjoy a hearty breakfast and on-site dining. Unwind at the bar and steam room, or stay active in the fitness center.

Attraction Info

Stockholm City Hall
Stadshuset

Address

Hantverkargatan 1
Kungsholmen, Stockholm

Contact

+46 (0)8 508 290 25
https://stadshuset.stockholm/en/
receptionen.slk@stockholm.se

Getting there

T-Centralen, Rådhuset.
3 (stop Stadshuset).
Bicycle stands outside the City Hall on Hantverkargatan 1.
The nearest available parking can be found along Norr Mälarstrand or further up on Hantverkargatan.

Hotels Nearby, Loved by Guests

Nomad City Hostel
9.9

Nomad City Hostel

⭐ 3.0 | 📈 9.9 | 🏨 Hostel | 📍 Kungsholmsgatan 13a, Kungsholmen

Immerse yourself in the lively spirit of Nomad City Hostel, where adventure meets comfort. Ideal for budget travelers, this hostel offers a friendly atmosphere with shared dorms and private rooms. Located centrally, it's a stone's throw from local attractions, restaurants, and public transport.

Nordic Light Hotel
9.3

Nordic Light Hotel

⭐ 3.0 | 📈 9.3 | 🏨 Hotel | 📍 Vasaplan 7, Norrmalm

Nordic Light Hotel offers free Wi-Fi, convenient parking, and attentive reception services. Enjoy diverse dining options, a vibrant bar, and engaging activities. Relax with massage services and stay fit at the gym. Start your day with a stress-free breakfast in a smoke-free setting.

Downtown Camper by Scandic
9.2

Downtown Camper by Scandic

⭐ 4.0 | 📈 9.2 | 🏨 Hotel | 📍 Brunkebergstorg 9, Norrmalm

Downtown Camper by Scandic offers free Wi-Fi, car hire, and concierge services. Enjoy room service, cable TV, and essential amenities. Start your day with a hearty breakfast and enjoy evenings at the bar. Relax at the spa, sauna, and pool, and stay fit at the gym.

At Six
9.2

At Six

⭐ 5.0 | 📈 9.2 | 🏨 Hotel | 📍 Brunkebergstorg 6, Norrmalm

At Six provides free Wi-Fi, concierge services, parking, and a fitness center. Enjoy room service, daily housekeeping, and spa facilities like massage and sauna. Select rooms feature balconies, mini bars, and cable TV. Breakfast and excellent meal options are available, along with an entertaining bar experience for guests.

Hobo
9.3

Hobo

⭐ 4.0 | 📈 9.3 | 🏨 Hotel | 📍 Brunkebergstorg 4, Norrmalm

Hobo offers top-tier comfort with complimentary Wi-Fi, parking, and concierge services. Rooms boast linen service, cable TV, and coffee makers. Start your day with homemade breakfast and enjoy diverse dining options. Relax at the bar and stay fit with exercise amenities and leisure facilities.

The StockholmMuseum Map

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