Stockholm City Hall – About A Town With A Symbol Named Stadshuset
The Stockholm city hall is one of the capital’s major landmarks and national symbols of Sweden. The town hall looks a bit like a dark-brown church. But, as you will know, first impressions are sometimes deceptive. Once you see the inside or pictures of it, you will understand why it is one of the most photographed buildings of Stockholm. Elegant, dignified and serious. That’s how the town hall looks. The Stockholm city hall is one of the first major buildings you see when entering the center by train or car, coming from the south. Look at the left! The town hall – Stadshuset in Swedish - was designed by Ragnar Östberg, one of Sweden’s leading architects from the 20st Century. It was built between 1911 and 1923. The architecture is an amazing combination of Scandinavian and Italian styles. The Stockholm city hall has a piazza with walls covered with green ivy. The beautiful garden at the side of lake Mälaren is a favorite spot for tourists to take pictures.
Inside you will find the meeting room of the Stockholm council: 101 local politicians decide here about the capital’s future. There are also several beautifully decorated halls for banquets and official meetings. Most famous are the Golden Hall with an impressive Byzantine mosaic (18 million pieces!) and the Blue Hall where the yearly banquet for Nobel Prize winners is held. In the Blue Hall you also find one of Europe’s biggest pipe organs. Wedding ceremonies take place inside Stadshuset too. About 200 people, mainly politicians and civil servants, have their office in Stadshuset. Daily tours last from 10.00 till 12.00, during summer there are also tours at 11.00, 14.00 and 15.00. The tower is open daily from May to September and also Saturdays and Sundays in April, from 10.00-16.30. Pictures on this page show the piazza and the tower, seen from the garden.
You'll find more pictures and a video of the Stockholm city hall here!
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The 106 meters high tower wears three golden crowns, an ancient symbol of Sweden. It is possible to climb the tower. Your reward? A breathtaking view over the city!
