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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
Vasa, the Swedish War Vessel that Never Sailed
Madz
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!
Anda Galffy
I didn’t have time for the city hall tower unfortunately, but I hope to return to Stockholm someday.
M humayun Khattak
I had been there few years back. It carries the fantastic history of the city.
Anda
Agree, it’s a fantastic place to visit in Stockholm.
Rhonda Albom
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.
Vlad
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.
Anda Galffy
You definitely should go inside, Vlad. It’s very beautiful.
Ahila
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.
Anda Galffy
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.
Laszlo
Anda, I love the pictures!
Cathy
Such beautiful photos as always! I’d love to climb to the top of the tower for the views!
Sand In My Suitcase
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!
Anda Galffy
I think the inside of the Stockholm City Hall building is by far more beautiful that its outside.
Lara Dunning
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.
Anda Galffy
I hope to hear the 10,000 pipe organ in the Stadshuset one day, Laura. The City Hall looks amazing.
Elaine J Masters
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?!
Anda Galffy
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.
Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net)
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. 🙂
Ruth
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
Wandermust mummy
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
Anda Galffy
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.
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields
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.
Anda Galffy
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.
Lolo
Wow! That City Hall is definitely pretty amazing! It’s one of my favorite part of every city! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Anda Galffy
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.
Donna Janke
Wow! Stockholm City Hall is stunning. It’s now on my list of things to see if I ever get to Stockholm.
Tanja (the Red phone box travels)
I’ve only visited it from the outside because it was closed at that time
Anda Galffy
The beauty of the Stadshuset is on the inside, Tanja. The outside is just like any other building in Stockholm, nothing outstanding.
eileen g
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.
Anda Galffy
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.
Suze - Luxury Columnist
I went to Stockholm briefly years ago but I haven’t been inside City Hall. Those gold mosaics are amazing
Anda Galffy
Maybe you should go back for another visit, Suze. I found Stockholm very attractive.
Albom Adventures
What a magnificent building. The wall murals are beautiful.