Hötorget: Stockholm’s historic market square
Hötorget (Haymarket), located in central Stockholm, is a vibrant market square with a rich history dating back to the 13th century. Originally established as a hay market during the reign of Magnus Ladulås in the 1200s, the square officially received its name in 1644 and has since remained an important cultural and commercial center.
Historical evolution
– 1670: The square received its first stone paving
– 1856: The hay market moved to Norrmalmstorg
– 1882-1884: The first Hötorgshallen was constructed
– 1953: The old market hall was demolished
– 1958: King Gustav VI Adolf inaugurated the new Hötorgshallen
Hötorgshallen: A culinary paradise
Hötorgshallen, located one level below street level, is a large indoor market offering a comprehensive culinary experience:
– Over 40 merchants selling a variety of products
– Diverse range of restaurants and cafes
– Notable vendors include Melanders Fisk, Hellbergs Vilt, and Fromageriet
– Systembolaget wine store on the bottom floor
For the best experience, visitors are advised to arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a relaxed browsing experience.
Attractions around Hötorget
The area surrounding Hötorget offers a diverse array of attractions:
- Museums and Cultural Experiences: Paradox Museum, Avicii Experience, Stockholm Concert Hall, and Kulturhuset Stadsteatern
- Wellness: Centralbadet, a historic bathhouse
- Historical Sites: Olof Palme Memorial Plaque
- Entertainment: Sergel & Saga Cinemas
Hidden History: The Hötorget bomb shelter
Beneath Hötorget lies a fascinating piece of Stockholm’s history: a massive bomb shelter known as Skyddsrummet Hötorget. Constructed in 1939-1940, this underground facility was designed to protect up to 4,000 people during wartime. Today, it serves as both a civil defense facility and a public parking garage.
Greta Garbo and PUB department store
The former PUB department store, located at Hötorget, has a special connection to Hollywood icon Greta Garbo. A film director discovered Greta Garbo while she worked in PUB’s hat department in the early 1920s. The building now houses the Haymarket by Scandic hotel, preserving its historical significance.
Transportation
Hötorget is also a subway station on Stockholm’s T-Bana, featuring a unique neon lighting installation added in 1998 by artist Gun Gordillo, which preserves its retro 1950s charm.
Conclusion
Hötorget offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Stockholm’s vibrant urban life, blending history, culture, culinary experiences, and modern attractions in the heart of the city.
