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Attractions in Stockholm. Sunrise at the City Hall.

Photo: Henrik Trygg

Categories: Tourist attractions

Architecture in Stockholm

Publish date: 5 February 2024

With relatively few skyscrapers and many historical buildings preserved, Stockholm has an unusually short skyline for a city of its size. That, of course, doesn’t mean that it lacks in architectural beauty.

Note: ArkDes is currently closed due to renovations.

The museum is scheduled to open again in June 2024. More info on the museum's website.

Historically, Swedish architects have been very influenced by movements and styles from abroad. But due to its geographical location, these cultural currents have arrived later and by that time evolved into something uniquely Swedish.

When Art déco came to Sweden in full force it transformed into Nordic Classicism to cater to Swedish tastes, and functionalism morphed into its Swedish offshoot “funkis”.

Modern Swedish architecture, both commercial and residential, is characterized by sustainability in tune with nature. New projects are planned to work in unison with the surrounding nature and much care is put into making sure that building materials are energy-efficient and eco-friendly. This has produced some truly spectacular projects, for example, the New Crematorium at the Woodland Cemetery.

Here is just a sample of some architectural highlights, both new and old, that Stockholm has to offer.