Things to see and do on Södermalm
Publish date: 24 November 2023
Amongst all the trendy shops, innovative restaurants, and busy bars, you'll find plenty to see and do on Södermalm. Here are the highlights.
During the early years of the 20th century, Södermalm was an impoverished and rough district, consisting mainly of cramped residential housing for factory workers. The contrast with present-day Södermalm couldn't be more significant as it has transformed into Stockholm's trendiest neighborhood, with many innovative restaurants and shops.
While Södermalm isn't packed with museums, its close proximity to Gamla Stan makes it an alternative stop if you want to take a short walk to the Stockholm Palace or Nobel Prize Museum.
Furthermore, the ferries to Djurgården (where you'll find The Vasa Museum, Skansen - Open Air Museum, and ABBA Tha Museum to name a few) depart and arrive just a short walk from Slussen. The museums located on Söder are Fotografiska (the popular museum of photography), The City Museum of Stockholm, and Sweden's only remaining silk mill; K.A. Almgren Silk Weaving.
Besides being a hotspot for bars and nightlife, Södermalm also has a lot of culture to offer. You'll find small cozy cinemas, like Victoria and Bio Rio, and concert venues/theatres like Debaser, Folkoperan, and Södra Teatern. Along Hornsgatans eastern edge you'll also find Hornsgatspuckeln ("The Hornsgatan Hump") which has a large concentration of art galleries.
Stockholm in general is famous for its urban nature, and Södermalm in particular is a great place to experience this mix of lush greenery and metropolitan neighborhoods. There are several public parks on the island, like Vita Bergen and Tantolunden, and Årtsaviken in the south is a popular place for Sunday walks.
Fjällgatan and Monteliusvägen on the northern side of Södermalm are also popular walking routes, with the added bonus of being fantastic places to experience scenic views of Stockholm. A short walk from Hornstull is the small island of Långholmen, a green oasis and a popular place for a summer swim. Here you'll also find Långholmen's old prison that was in use as late as 1975. Today though, the prison has been turned into a hostel and museum.
Looking for more tips on Södermalm? Read our district guide for more inspiration and suggestions.