Stockholm Islands – Fourteen Of Sweden's Main Attractions

The Stockholm islands that make the heart of the Swedish capital all have their own charm. Here they are!

Historically Stockholm was built on 14 islands. As a result of reclamation works not all are still fully surrounded by water, but like everywhere in this city, the water is never far away.

Of course the region consists of far more islands. Just think of the archipelago and you can add about 24,000.

For now, let's take a look at the islands and peninsulas of the city centre.

Locate the Stockholm islands on this map. You can keep it open in a separate window.

Tiny little island at the south side of Djurgården. The Swedish navy and shipbuilder Finnboda had their shipyards at Beckholmen until 1982.

Blasieholmen

Now a peninsula between Norrmalm and Skeppsholmen, Blasieholmen is characterized by mundane buildings like the Grand Hotel and Nationalmuseet (National Museum).

At the eastern side of Blasieholmen you will find the pretty Berzelli Park.

Djurgården

For centuries this was the royal hunting ground, now it’s a huge park, part of the world’s first - and unique - legally protected National City Park. For nature lovers this is the finest of all Stockholm islands.

Only 800 people live at Djurgården. It’s also the home of several museums, like Skansen, Junibacken and the Vasa Museum. There is also an amusement park, Gröna Lund. All these attractions are located at the west side, and easy to reach by bus and streetcar.

The east side of Djurgården is a beautiful green area with forests and footpaths, perfect for nature lovers and people who like long walks.

It’s the greenest of all Stockholm islands, and a true paradise in the heart of a cosmopolitan city.

There is also Rosendals Slott, a former summer residence of the king, built in Empire Style. It’s now a museum, dedicated to the life of Karl XIV Johan.

At the south side you will find Prins Eugens Waldemarsudde. After the death of Prince Eugen in 1947 the palace became a museum, displaying his collection of Nordic art. For more art you can go to Thielska Galleriet, a gallery at the south eastern end of Djurgården.

Gamla Stan

The famous old town centre. Read more about the best known of all Stockholm islands.

Helgeandsholmen

City history started around 1250 on this little island, between Norrmalm and Gamla Stan. Now it’s the home of the parliament called Riksdagshuset and the Medieval Museum Medeltidsmuseet.

The front part of the parliamentary building dates back from the early 20st Century. The newer back section houses the meeting room. In summer there are daily guided tours.

Read more about Helgeandsholmen and the Swedish Parliament Building.

Kastellholmen

Little island with high rocky cliffs, connected by bridge with Skeppsholmen. There's a small red brick castle, built in 1846-1848.

Kungsholmen

Main building of Kungsholmen is the city hall, at the eastern tip. Along the waterside Norr Mälarstrand with its stately houses leads you to the popular Rålambshovsparken and the mighty Västerbron bridge.

Cross this busy bridge and you get a terrific view over Riddarfjärden and the Stockholm islands, with Långholmen and Södermalm at the right, Kungsholmen at the left, and Riddarholmen/Gamla Stan in front.

At Kungsholmen you will also find hospitals, the main police station, parks, housing blocks and restaurants. Kungsholmen has a busy nightlife.

Långholmen

Long island in Swedish, northwest of Södermalm and crossed by Västerbron bridge. This is a great place for walks. There are also a few beaches where you can sunbathe. Great views too.

The old prison building at Långholmen is now a hostel. Go there if you always dreamt of waking up in a prison cell.

Norrmalm

Norrmalm is the commercial heart of Stockholm. It has a modern business and shopping district in the south, concentrated around Sergels Torg.

The Central Station is at the west side of Norrmalm. On the east you can have a rest in the pleasant central park Kungsträdgården.

The blue Konserthuset (Concert Hall) and the market square Hötorget are located between Drottninggatan and Sveavägen.

The northern part of Norrmalm is called Vasastaden or Vasastan.

Riddarholmen

This island, one of the first that was inhabited, is now separated from Gamla Stan by the railway and a motorway.

Previously called Kidskär and later Gråmunkeholmen, Riddarholmen has a rich history. Traditionally the government uses a lot of the palaces and buildings here.

Most notably is the Wrangelska Palats, a former royal residence at Birgel Jarls Tog. It is now home of the court of cassation.

The skyline is dominated by the nearby Riddarholmskyrkan. This church belonged to a Franciscan monastery. The oldest part dates back from the 13th Century. It is the burial place of Swedish royalty.

At the west side of Riddarholmen you have a stunning view over Riddarfjärden, the Stockholm islands Södermalm (on your left hand)and Kungsholmen (right).

If you want to see the east side of Gamla Stan in all its beauty, you should cross the bridge from Blasieholmen to Skeppsholmen. If you book in time, you can stay here for the night in the Af Chapman, a beautiful old ship that now serves as a hostel.

Skeppsholmen also houses museums: Moderna Museet (modern art), Östasiatiska Museet (exhibits from the Far East) and Arkitektur Museet (architecture).

A bridge connects Skeppsholmen with Kastellholmen.

Södermalm

One of the most charming of the Stockholm islands is the southern Södermalm. It’s hilly and rocky, with narrow streets at the north side, a complex traffic interchange (Slussen), some nice views and a busy nightlife.

Söder, as locals call it, has always been a residential area. In the past workers lived here, now it’s a very trendy place where artists found their home.

Östermalm

Beautiful residential area for the rich and wealthy, developed at the end of the 19th Century. You need money to live here.

Strandvägen, the road that leads from the city centre to Djurgården, is worth your time. If you ever felt being on the French Riviera, then it’s here – even although you are in Stockholm.

Karlavägen, with impressive houses and statues, is another street not to miss. Swedish TV and Radio have their buildings at the east side of Östermalm.

The famous Kaknästornet, a TV tower, is the city’s highest building. It is 34 floors and 155 meters high. From the restaurant at the 28th floor you have stunning views over the Stockholm islands.