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Mingling With the “Nobelity” at Stadshuset, Stockholm’s Grandiose City Hall

Home » DESTINATIONS » Europe » Sweden » Mingling With the “Nobelity” at Stadshuset, Stockholm’s Grandiose City Hall

Last Modified: January 5, 2022 //  by Anda //  33 Comments

Towering over the waterfront of Kungsholmen island, Stockholm City Hall flaunts its redbrick façade and 100-meter tall bell tower topped with three crowns. Stadshuset, or Stockholm City Hall, is most likely the city’s most impressive landmark and one that you will want to visit as soon as you arrive in Stockholm. Although a relatively new building (1908-1909), Stadshuset made a name for itself pretty fast. 

Stockholm City Hall
Stockholm City Hall

Why is Stockholm City Hall so Famous

Stockholm City Hall became famous for its grand ceremonial halls and unique art pieces, but especially for being the venue of the Nobel Prize banquet which is held each year in the Blue Hall on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel‘s death.

The banquet follows the Nobel Prize Award Ceremony that has taken place without exception at the Stockholm Concert Hall. The Swedish royal family has always been the guests of honor at both the Prize Award Ceremony and the Banquet.

The Golden Hall of Stockholm’s City Hall

The dinner is followed by a dance, which takes place in the Golden Hall. The event is always broadcasted live on radio and television.

Besides its renowned banquet halls, the building also houses an an array of offices and meeting rooms for over 200 politicians and civil servants, including the Municipal Council.

Visiting Stockholm City Hall

The tour starts in the so-called Blue Hall, which is actually not blue at all. Initially, the architect intended to cover the walls in blue tiles. But after seeing the beautiful red shade of the bricks, he decided to leave them uncovered. The famous Blue Hall is equipped with a 10,000-pipe organ, considered to be Scandinavia’s largest musical instrument.


Upstairs the tour continues through the Council Chamber, designed to resemble the open roof of a Viking longhouse and decorated with furniture created by Carl Malmsten. 

The Council Chamber at the Stockholm City Hall
The Council Chamber

The opulent Oval Room is a popular place for marriage ceremonies. Unfortunately, the room is in such high demand, that the ceremony lasts about 40 seconds!

The Oval Room at the Stockholm City Hall
The Oval Room

The Prince’s Gallery bears the name of Prince Eugen who painted all the wall frescoes. The frescos depict views of Stockholm’s various island. The Gallery runs along City Hall’s southern side and is the place where the reception for the honor guests takes place. The French windows running the entire length of the Gallery offer a wonderful view of Lake Mälaren and Södermalm.

The Prince's Gallery at the Stockholm City Hall
The Prince’s Gallery

The Ceremonial Rooms at the Stockholm City Hall

The most impressive of the ceremonial rooms at the Stockholm City Hall is the Golden Hall. Its gold mosaics are absolutely fantastic. The elaborate mosaics surrounding the hall sparkle with over 18 million pieces of gold leaf and colored glass, depicting scenes from the history of Sweden. Initially the Golden Hall was not golden at all, but gray built with stone and granite. In 1917, thanks to a generous donation by a private person the Golden Hall was redecorated to its current form. 

The hall is dominated by the ”Queen of Lake Mälaren” on the northern wall which depicting a woman that holds Stockholm in her lap, while the city is being honoured by the East and the West.

the Golden Hall of Stadshuset
Queen of Lake Mälaren mosaic in the Golden Hall of the Stockholm City Hall

Practical Information 

Stockholm City Hall is one of the city’s greatest attractions. If walking where the Nobel Prize laureates walk would make you feel like a winner, then Stadshuset should be on your list of places to visit in Stockholm.

Guided tours are available in Swedish and English. There is no pre-booking except for large groups. Tickets for individuals are available on the day itself at the cash desk. For those who want to stroll outdoors, the Stockholm City Hall has a beautiful water promenade. 

From May to September, visitors can also climb the bell tower from where they can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the neighboring islands. There is an elevator that will take you half way to the top and from there you can continue on the stairs. On the way up you will also pass by the Tower Museum, located in the middle of the Tower.

Category: DESTINATIONS, Europe, SwedenTag: Stockholm

About Anda

Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Madz

    September 7, 2018 at 12:53 am

    I’ve been to Stockholm a couple of years ago and I really wished to see the inside of the city hall. I just tried the tower climb and it’s worth it for Stockholm’s captivating beauty.

    Love your photos and story bits!

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      September 7, 2018 at 1:07 am

      I didn’t have time for the city hall tower unfortunately, but I hope to return to Stockholm someday.

      Reply
      • M humayun Khattak

        October 23, 2021 at 6:40 am

        I had been there few years back. It carries the fantastic history of the city.

        Reply
        • Anda

          October 23, 2021 at 10:08 am

          Agree, it’s a fantastic place to visit in Stockholm.

          Reply
  2. Rhonda Albom

    November 20, 2016 at 2:50 pm

    Wow, what a masterpiece. That gold room is so impressive. I do wonder why they didn’t change the name of the blue room. Thanks for bringing me here in photos, as I don’t know if I will get there otherwise.

    Reply
  3. Vlad

    November 14, 2016 at 11:33 am

    I admired the Stockholm City Hall from the outside, but I had no idea it was this beautiful on the inside! If I’m going to Stockholm next year, I’ll make sure to visit it too.

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      November 14, 2016 at 12:44 pm

      You definitely should go inside, Vlad. It’s very beautiful.

      Reply
  4. Ahila

    November 13, 2016 at 5:53 pm

    The stadshuset is indeed a beautiful iconic landmark of Stockholm city. I did visit the city hall once for a university reception for international students in the Golden hall and it was a special experience to be in the place where the Nobel prize banquet is held each year. Enjoyed your tour and photos of the rest of the city hall. I especially like the Prince’s gallery (his home and museum, Waldermarsudde, is a must-see when visiting Stockholm) and the Council chamber.

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      November 14, 2016 at 12:48 pm

      Thanks for letting me know about the Prince’s home and museum in Stockholm, Ahila. I’d definitely like to go back to Stockholm and explore it more.

      Reply
  5. Laszlo

    November 13, 2016 at 1:09 pm

    Anda, I love the pictures!

    Reply
  6. Cathy

    November 13, 2016 at 7:37 am

    Such beautiful photos as always! I’d love to climb to the top of the tower for the views!

    Reply
  7. Sand In My Suitcase

    November 13, 2016 at 7:08 am

    We couldn’t miss seeing Stadshuset rising up over the city! But we didn’t have time to see inside. Pity, as we can see from your photos :-). That Queen of Lake Mälaren mosaic is quite stunning!

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      November 14, 2016 at 12:50 pm

      I think the inside of the Stockholm City Hall building is by far more beautiful that its outside.

      Reply
  8. Lara Dunning

    November 12, 2016 at 9:51 pm

    A 10,000 pipe organ! I can’t even imagine the sound that would make. This city hall is quite something. I hope to see it one day.

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      November 12, 2016 at 9:58 pm

      I hope to hear the 10,000 pipe organ in the Stadshuset one day, Laura. The City Hall looks amazing.

      Reply
  9. Elaine J Masters

    November 12, 2016 at 3:22 pm

    What a grand and elegant space. I’ve never been to the nordic countries and love the aesthetic, a spareness and embellishment style unseen elsewhere. Wouldn’t it be grand to attend a Noble gala there?!

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      November 12, 2016 at 7:14 pm

      Sweden was a good surprise for me too, Elaine. Of course I’d love to be able to attend the Nobel Prize banquet. I’m sure it’s wonderful.

      Reply
  10. Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net)

    November 12, 2016 at 10:16 am

    What a beautiful building. The Golden Hall has always been very impressive to us – as has the Blue Hall, simply by its sheer size! Certainly befitting of the Nobel ceremonies. 🙂

    Reply
  11. Ruth

    November 12, 2016 at 8:15 am

    The Golden Hall is my favorite! I have always had a thing for mosaics. The Council Chamber has an some sort of Asian touch, don’t you think? In my opinion, the building doesn’t look that interesting from outside. However, the inside is very lavish. #TheWeeklyPostcard

    Reply
  12. Wandermust mummy

    November 11, 2016 at 8:26 pm

    My time in Stockholm was very rainy and filled with morning sickness. I really want to return and do it properly. Will put this on my list

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      November 12, 2016 at 9:26 pm

      So sorry to hear you had such a bad experience in Stockholm. It’s a really beautiful city, you should go back to visit at a better time.

      Reply
  13. Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields

    November 11, 2016 at 1:16 pm

    David and I visited Stockholm about twenty years ago and loved it. It is a beautiful city. We didn’t tour the city hall. I don’t even remember the outside but then we were there a very long time ago. We are planning a return trip soon and I will put a city hall tour on my wishlist.

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      November 11, 2016 at 4:00 pm

      I’m sure you’ll find Stockholm even more attractive the second time, Lyn. We loved strolling to the Gamla Stan and visiting all the attractions. Besides, they Swedes have so good food.

      Reply
  14. Lolo

    November 11, 2016 at 12:15 pm

    Wow! That City Hall is definitely pretty amazing! It’s one of my favorite part of every city! #TheWeeklyPostcard

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      November 11, 2016 at 4:06 pm

      There are some very beautiful City Halls in the world, Lolo, you are right. However, the one in Stockholm is absolutely unique. Perhaps because it is linked to the Nobel Prize banquet as well.

      Reply
  15. Donna Janke

    November 11, 2016 at 6:58 am

    Wow! Stockholm City Hall is stunning. It’s now on my list of things to see if I ever get to Stockholm.

    Reply
  16. Tanja (the Red phone box travels)

    November 11, 2016 at 2:01 am

    I’ve only visited it from the outside because it was closed at that time

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      November 11, 2016 at 4:08 pm

      The beauty of the Stadshuset is on the inside, Tanja. The outside is just like any other building in Stockholm, nothing outstanding.

      Reply
  17. eileen g

    November 10, 2016 at 7:11 am

    wow. who would have imagined Stockholm had anything like this? Not me. It’s never held much intrigue for me but maybe it’s a city I want to visit after all.

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      November 10, 2016 at 9:50 pm

      I didn’t expect to find Stockholm so attractive, Eileen. It was a great surprise. I can strongly recommend it as a great place to visit.

      Reply
  18. Suze - Luxury Columnist

    November 10, 2016 at 2:18 am

    I went to Stockholm briefly years ago but I haven’t been inside City Hall. Those gold mosaics are amazing

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      November 10, 2016 at 9:51 pm

      Maybe you should go back for another visit, Suze. I found Stockholm very attractive.

      Reply
  19. Albom Adventures

    November 9, 2016 at 7:03 am

    What a magnificent building. The wall murals are beautiful.

    Reply

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