Helgeandsholmen – Small But Essential For Stockholm And Sweden

I don’t think there are many tourists who do not visit the island when visiting Stockholm. It’s the Riksbron bridge, used only by pedestrians, that crosses Helgeandsholmen and connects Gamla Stan with Norrmalm.

Almost without noticing, people cross the island on their way from the city center to the popular old town (or Gamla Stan) - or the other way round.

Don’t be surprised if some of the people around you are ministers or members of parliament. In Sweden they walk freely on the streets, without bodyguards or other forms of protection.

Two more bridges – if you’re a fan of bridges, then Stockholm is the place to be – connect the island with its southern and northern neighbors: Stallbron and Norrbro.

Riksdagshuset is a remarkable piece of architecture, designed by Aron Johansson.

The east wing of the building of the Swedish parliament was opened in 1905, but looks older than it is. It gets a little overshadowed by the neighboring Royal Castle, but maybe that’s how it should be – after all, the King is higher in rank than the Prime Minister.

There are guided tours for those interested in the work of the Swedish parliament. The tour takes an hour, showing you the various locations where the politicians decide what’s best for Sweden – or what’s worst, as some will say. Obviously you will also visit the Plenary Chamber.

In summer tours are held daily, in Swedish, English and German.

If you don’t feel like walking you can join the Stockholm Grand Tour which also includes Helgeandsholmen.

You will also find the Museum of Medieval Stockholm (Medeltidsmuseet) on this island. However, it closes 15 June 2007 due to renovation of the Norrbro bridge, only to reopen in late 2009 or early 2010. In the meantime smaller exhibitions are held in Kulturhuset, Sergels Torg.

And now we come to speak of history, here’s a tiny bit of it.

The name Helgeandsholmen first appeared in a letter from 1320, but it is believed city history actually started here some before. Research has shown it wasn’t just one island back then, but a set of three islets.

There have been many different structures like city gates and royal stables, before the Swedish parliament was housed here.

Originally the parliament shared Riksdagshuset with Riksbanken or the National Bank. However, they moved in 1976 to a (depressingly black) granite building at Brunkebergstorg, just a little to the north close to Sergels Torg.