How long does it take to walk across Västerbron?

Walking across the bridge itself takes about 10-15 minutes. It is approximately 600 meters long, but you will likely want to stop frequently to take photos of the Stockholm skyline.

Is Stockholm City Hall worth visiting?

Yes, it is one of Stockholm's most iconic buildings. While the exterior and gardens are free to explore, the interior is only accessible via guided tour Stockholm visitors can join on-site to see the Blue and Golden Halls.

Can I see the Nobel Prize banquet location?

The banquet is held in the Blue Hall (Blå hallen) of the City Hall. You can see this hall if you join one of the official interior tours, though the courtyard and park are free to enter.

Is the Kungsholmen waterfront walk accessible?

The path along Norr Mälarstrand is very flat and paved, making it excellent for strollers and wheelchairs. The only challenging part of this specific route is the incline leading up to the West Bridge.

What are the three crowns on top of the City Hall?

The Three Crowns (Tre Kronor) are the national emblem of Sweden. They sit atop the 106-meter-high tower of the City Hall and are a prominent feature of the Stockholm skyline.

Are there places to eat along Norr Mälarstrand?

Yes, the promenade is lined with several popular seasonal cafes and restaurants, including Mälarpaviljongen, which offers beautiful views of the water.

Where is the best place to take photos of Stockholm?

The summit of Västerbron offers one of the highest and most comprehensive views of the city. Additionally, the view from Stadshusparken looking toward Riddarholmen is one of the most photographed spots in Sweden.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Discover the architectural evolution and civic heart of Stockholm on this self-guided walking route through Kungsholmen. Known as the 'King’s Island,' this neighborhood offers a unique blend of grand institutional power and the laid-back charm of waterfront living. This walking route Stockholm exploration begins with a breathtaking view from the West Bridge, providing a panoramic introduction to the city's skyline before descending into the lush greenery and social spaces of Rålambshovsparken. As you traverse the scenic Norr Mälarstrand, you will encounter the pinnacle of Swedish Functionalism—an architectural movement that reshaped the city in the 1930s with its emphasis on light, air, and social progress. The journey culminates at the Stockholm City Hall, a masterpiece of National Romanticism that stands as a beacon of Swedish identity and the prestigious venue for the Nobel Prize banquet. Along the way, you will learn about the urban planners who transformed former industrial sites into elegant promenades and the artists whose sculptures decorate the public parks. This neighborhood stroll is perfect for photography enthusiasts and history buffs alike, offering plenty of opportunities to capture the reflection of the Three Crowns tower in the waters of Lake Mälaren. Whether you are interested in the engineering feats of 20th-century bridges or the intricate brickwork of civic monuments, this self-guided walk provides a comprehensive look at how Stockholm balances its historical roots with modern urban design. By choosing this independent walking route Stockholm enthusiasts can experience the city's 'civic pride' at their own pace, away from the crowds of the Old Town, while still hitting some of the most iconic landmarks in the Swedish capital.

Highlights

Panoramic city views from the summit of the West Bridge (Västerbron)

The 'Funkis' style architecture along the Norr Mälarstrand promenade

Relaxed atmosphere of Rålambshovsparken, a local favorite green space

Iconic sculptures by Carl Eldh in the tranquil Stadshusparken

The majestic Stockholm City Hall, home of the Nobel Prize banquet

Tour Stops (5)

West Bridge (Västerbron)

Begin your journey atop Västerbron, or the West Bridge, which stands as one of Stockholm's most significant engineering feats of the 1930s. Completed in 1935, this arch bridge connects the islands of Södermalm and Kungsholmen. From this vantage point, nearly 26 meters above the water, you get a clear view of how Stockholm is built upon fourteen islands. To the east, the spire of Riddarholmen Church and the tower of the City Hall dominate the horizon. This bridge was a symbol of modernity when it opened, facilitating the expansion of the city's traffic network and providing a dramatic entryway into the residential heart of Kungsholmen.

Rålambshovsparken

Descending from the bridge, you enter Rålambshovsparken, affectionately known by locals as 'Rålis.' This park is a prime example of Stockholm’s commitment to public green space. Originally the site of a manor house, it was transformed into a park in the 1930s. It serves as a social hub where the city's residents gather for sports, picnics, and outdoor theater. Notice how the massive concrete pillars of the bridge overhead have been integrated into the park's landscape, often featuring vibrant street art or hosting skate parks. It’s a place where the industrial scale of the city’s infrastructure meets the intimate scale of daily life.

Norr Mälarstrand

Walking eastward along the water, you are on Norr Mälarstrand. This promenade is world-renowned among architects for its 'Stockholm Style' of park design, pioneered by Holger Blom in the 1940s. To your left, the residential buildings represent the height of Swedish Functionalism, or 'Funkis.' These apartments were designed to maximize natural light and views of the water, reflecting the social democratic ideals of the era—providing high-quality living standards for all citizens. The path itself is a carefully curated experience of nature, with weeping willows and rocky outcrops designed to feel like a slice of the Swedish archipelago in the middle of the city.

Stadshusparken

Just before reaching the City Hall, you enter Stadshusparken. This small, formal garden is an oasis of calm. It is adorned with several bronze sculptures by Carl Eldh, one of Sweden's most prominent sculptors, including figures representing Song, Dance, and Painting. The park offers an unobstructed view across the water to the island of Riddarholmen and the Royal Palace. The juxtaposition of the rugged granite walls of the City Hall and the delicate greenery of the park reflects the National Romantic style, which sought to combine traditional Swedish materials with grand, monumental forms.

Stockholm City Hall

Your walk concludes at the Stockholm City Hall, one of the most famous silhouettes in Scandinavia. Designed by architect Ragnar Östberg and completed in 1923, it is built from roughly eight million dark red bricks. The tower is topped with the Three Crowns, the national symbol of Sweden. While it serves as the seat of the City Council, it is globally famous as the venue for the Nobel Prize banquet, held annually in the Blue Hall. The Golden Hall upstairs features over 18 million gold leaf mosaic tiles. It is a building that celebrates both the craftsmanship of the past and the civic pride of a modern capital.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk through Kungsholmen is widely considered the best for architecture, as it showcases everything from 1920s National Romanticism at the City Hall to 1930s Functionalism along Norr Mälarstrand. This route allows you to see the city's transition into modernity.