Hop over to “King’s Islet” to take in epic city views from under the Swedish national coat of arms on top of the iconic City Hall tower.
Visit Kungsholmen (King’s Islet), a residential island within central Stockholm. Check out the island’s prominent historical buildings, enjoy the nightlife around the square of Fridhemsplan, go for a scenic waterfront walk or laze on the beach on a sunny day.
The Kungsholmen borough provides a pleasant escape from the ever-busy streets of the capital’s Gamla Stan (Old City). You can walk around the entire island by just following the paths and quays along the waterfront.
Cross over to the island from Stockholm’s Central Station, then head south to follow the quay of Norr Mälarstrand. This promenade is lined with trees and is popular with walkers and joggers. Depending on the weather, watch sailing boats glide past or rent a kayak and go for a paddle.
Have a picnic in Rålambshovsparken, a pleasant urban green space that extends to the waterfront.
On a hot day, relax on the sands of Smedsuddsbadet, the largest beach in the Stockholm city centre, or swim from the rocks of Fredhällsbadet on the far end of the island.
Take a guided tour of the Stadshuset (City Hall), which hosts the Nobel banquet each year. The red-brick building on Hantverkargatan was designed in the national romanticism style. The municipal council meets in the City Hall’s Rådssalen (Council Chamber). Banquets are held in the Blå Hallen (Blue Hall), and the ballroom is the stunning Gyllene Salen (Golden Hall). In summer, climb the tower to enjoy some of the best views of Stockholm from below the golden Three Crowns, the symbol used as Sweden’s coat of arms.
The nearby Stockholm Court House (tingsrätt) is another example of national romanticism architecture.
The central streets of Hantverkargatan and Fleminggatan are home to many trendy bars, cafés, restaurants and nightclubs. A little farther out, but nice to visit on a balmy night, is the man-made beach of Hornsbergs Strand with lively café terraces.
Being so close to Stockholm’s Central Station and connected by traffic bridges and the subway, it’s easy to travel to Kungsholmen. There are great accommodation options here, including romantic rooms on refurbished boats. The Västerbron (Western Bridge) connects the island to Södermalm, a bohemian hub with more budget options.
