Stadshuset (City Hall), Stockholm (must see)

Stockholm City Hall (Stadshuset) serves as the seat of the Stockholm Municipality and stands as one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Located on the eastern tip of Kungsholmen island, it overlooks Riddarfjärden and faces the islands of Riddarholmen and Södermalm, creating a picturesque backdrop that integrates the city's architectural heritage with its natural waterways.

The building is renowned for its striking National Romantic style, characterized by a blend of robust Northern European brick construction with elements reminiscent of Venetian Gothic architecture. Designed by architect Ragnar Östberg, the City Hall was the result of an architectural competition initiated in 1907, with construction taking place between 1911 and 1923.

A prominent feature of the building is its monumental tower, rising 106 meters and crowned with the Three Crowns, a symbol of Sweden. Visitors can access the tower by elevator or by climbing a 365-step staircase. At the base of the tower is a gold-plated cenotaph dedicated to Birger Jarl, a 13th-century Swedish statesman.

The interior of Stockholm City Hall is equally impressive, with its Blue Hall and Golden Hall serving as major highlights. The Blue Hall, despite its name, lacks blue decorations; instead, it features a grand organ with 10,270 pipes, the largest in Scandinavia, and is the venue for the annual Nobel Prize banquet. The Golden Hall, located above the Blue Hall, is adorned with magnificent mosaics made of over 18 million tiles, depicting scenes from Swedish history and created by the German firm Puhl & Wagner.

Surrounding the City Hall is a small park that features several notable sculptures, including works by Carl Eldh, such as the ensemble representing artists August Strindberg, Gustaf Fröding, and Ernst Josephson. Another striking sculpture is the pillar topped with a statue of Engelbrekt Engelbrektsson, a 15th-century Swedish rebel leader, facing Riddarholmen.

Why You Should Visit:
Imposing from the outside but once inside, with the free guided tour that runs every 30 minutes, the building reveals its treasures.
The wall art is interesting and well-preserved; courtyards are attractive and the gardens provide great views across the water.

Tip:
From May to September, for a small fee, you can climb the tower (or take the lift up if needed) where you have a wonderful 360-degree view of Stockholm.
If you're short on time and want to both take the tour and climb the tower, make sure you visit the website and make note of the time slots (entry only at scheduled times).