Never have I been to a city where I wanted to spend more time underground than above ground. But that was before I visited Stockholm.
Built on 14 islands and connected by 57 bridges, Stockholm is surrounded by water and takes the title of Northern Europe’s most elegant city. So with this much outdoor beauty, you may be wondering why I chose to swooped down every underground I could find.
I have two words: underground art.
Stockholm's Underground Metro Art
It’s mystifying how these stunningly quirky undergrounds never made it to my attention before they did. I had read my fair share of articles on Stockholm but it wasn’t until I started looking for offbeat things to do and see in Sweden’s capital city that the lid to this feast of underground art finally popped open.
And once the lid was opened, I couldn’t keep it shut. I spent hours hammering the keys of my laptop in search of more pictures and more information, and made notes of all the ones which really stood out. There are 100 stations in Stockholm and over 90 of them display art in various forms.
How had I not seen these before? I kept muttering to myself as I gazed over them with an expression of delight in finding something that fills me with wonder does. Surely they deserve a song and dance? That’s why these undergrounds are Stockholm’s best kept secret.
Here are my favourites:
Kungsträdgården
A harlequin design sweeps through the cave-like underground of Kundsträdgården. Painted by Ulrik Samuelson in 1977, you will also find archaeological remains from the old city which was torn down in the 50s and 60s in favour of modern architecture.
I can’t help but feel, along with many I’m sure, that this was a regrettable attack on the city’s history, but thankfully, Gamla Stan, the Old Town, survives.
T-Centralen
There are many stops at T-Centralen as this is where all trains connect and interchange. This wing of this station links to Kundsträdgården so it’s a good idea to see this one after paying a visit to the aforementioned. The figures represent the people who work on the undergrounds, and were painted by Swedish artist, Per Olof Ultvedt.
Solna Centrum
Out of all the stations this one is definitely the most photographed. Looking like the burning stairway to hell, it’s no surprise why.
Shame about the construction impeding the full effect! Grrrrr.
Stadion
As I stepped off the train onto the platform at Stadion, I felt like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow had just been found – by me!
Easily one of my favourite stations for the wow factor, so if you only have time to visit one or two, make sure to include this one!
Hötorget
If you were to find one of these stations inside a contemporary art space, it would be this one. Cool, clean, minimal. Neon strips of white light adorn the ceiling, while mint green tiles awash the walls.
Perhaps it’s just my over-active imagination, but this station has the potential to be very creepy at night. Imagine when no one is there but you, the lights are flickering, a gentle breeze swarms past and a stranger is walking towards you… *shudders*
Fridhemsplan
This Stockholm metro station looks more like a cave interior. I’m not sure what the colour green represents in this context, but a naval theme was definitely evident. Look out for a big installation of a ship, anchor and compass on your underground voyage of Fridhemsplan station.
Östermalmstorg
Love, peace, and the women’s rights make up the powerful theme of Östermalmstorg station.
Sweden has for a long time been associated with open-mindedness and equal rights and this station represents these beliefs brilliantly. The etching are the work of Swedish artist and sculptor, Siri Derkert, who died in 1973.
Tekniska Högskolan
This station looks really cool. The combination of the textured waves and blue graphics gives the appearance of movement, almost like you’re being engulfed by the Pacific Ocean. You will lao find geometric shapes etched into the floor and a glass pentagonal cube dropping down from the ceiling.
Västra Skogen
If bright, colourful and shiny tiles are your thing, shimmy over to Västra Skogen metro station.
Odenplan
The piece by David Svensson consists of jagged white neon lines, shining brightly in the tunnels. The shape of the lights was inspired by the heartbeats of the artist’s son, as shown on the CTG-monitor during the childbirth.
These were just a few of my favourites stations. I didn’t have time to explore all 100, but it’s a very good reason to go back. If someone were to ask me about Stockholm, I wouldn’t be able to talk about it without mentioning what goes on below street level…
The secret is out.
Which is your favourite Stockholm metro station?
For more tips, recommendations about what to see and do in Stockholm, read these following blog post:
If you’re planning a longer trip to Sweden, take a longer at my archives for more inspiration.
Where to stay in Stockholm
Stockholm offers a wide mix of accommodations that range from the charming to the modern across luxury, mid-range and budget options.
Here are a few of my recommendations on where to stay in Stockholm, covering various neighbourhoods and types of accommodations.
Hotel Skeppsholmen – For tranquility
- Location: Gröna gången 1, Skeppsholmen
- Description: I stayed here on my last trip to Stockholm and I loved it. Located on a peaceful island that’s still within walking to the city centre. This hotel offers a serene retreat with stylish rooms that focus on contemporary design and eco-friendly practices. The hotel has a superb bakery and is just a stone’s throw away from the Modern Art Museum.
Hotel Rival – For atmosphere
- Location: Mariatorget 3, Södermalm
- Description: I went inside here for a drink and was taken by the atmosphere which blends old-world theatre with luxury touches. If you love boutique hotels, this Hotel Rival is the one for you. Owned by ABBA’s Benny Andersson, this boutique hotel offers a vibrant atmosphere with individually designed rooms, a fantastic bistro, and a cocktail bar. It’s located in the trendy Södermalm district, known for its bohemian vibe.
18 responses
It’s funny, if you live in Stockholm you’re so busy getting from A to B that you don’t notice the art that surrounds you anymore. At least I didn’t 😀
But my favourite station is Bagarmossen. Have you been there? They have lights on the wall in every possible colour. It’s so cool!
It’s easy to forget the beauty of things when they’re on your doorstep, we all have a habit of doing it! Sadly I didn’t go to Bagarmossen, but I will definitely keep it in mind for my next visit to Stockholm – I want to explore them all!!
What wonderful ambiance. It must enhance mood, consciously or subconsciously. I think the open-mindedness is intelligent. I can’t imagine a reason to to not integrate a giant underground contemporary art museum into an extensive subway system.
Hi Mike! I completely agree with your thoughts on how these undergrounds elevate mood, consciously or subconsciously. For this reason I wish London would take heed, you can see the stress steaming off the walls during rush hour! There is, however, one underground in London which I enjoy looking at and that’s Tottenham Court road – it’s old but really bright and colourful! http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2013/jan/09/five-best-tube-stations-architecture
Shing,
This is bloody brilliant – the coolest art I have seen in any underground system. I would spend hours here just taking pictures (Savi won’t like that haah!). Stadion is my favourite 🙂
Cheers
Hi Vid! You’d be in your element here, the photo opportunities are endless. There are sooo many undergrounds to see, and sooo many photos to take – I think Savi’s patience would get a good testing hah! Hope you both had a cracking time in Iceland – your photos tell me you did 🙂
Out of this world pity my country could do that .
I second your comment Hazel!
Kungsträdgården is my fave. They have a water fountain. Also very guilty of not paying enough attention to these though.
Hi Cameron! Kungsträdgården is definitely one of the most striking ones and I love how it contains some of the old remains of the city. If push came to shove, I think I would choose the rainbow! I hope you start giving these works of art more attention now 😉
jag lovar! come back soon. Fika is on me.
I would have to agree with Kungsträdgården! I am biased as it’s my home station but the artwork there is exceptional. It’s not just art though. Last year in Odenplan they turned the escalator into a playable piano. Never seen so many people so happy going to work.
Stockholm is just one part of Sweden that focuses on culture and art. All over there are many hidden gems to enjoy. Try the troll walk in Gamleby or the art in Dalarna. From Nörrland to Skåne it’s a country brimming with exploration. Nice to see a blog promoting our country.
Gorgeous photos! I can’t wait to explore these stations when I make it up to Stockholm!
Beautiful captures! I’m a sucker for a beautiful subway, so this is just one more reason to travel to Stockholm. I might never leave the underground…
I’ll be visiting Stockholm in less than a week and thought about you as I remembered seeing a lot of your beautiful photos.
This is so impressive! Looks like Stockholm’s the winner for the world’s best underground. Will try to check out one of these!
Hey Shelyn! I hope the sun shines for you during your trip and you have a wonderful time! I’ll look forward to reading your impressions! Yeh don’t miss some of these beauts 🙂 X
can i get some help? i am flying to stockholm tmr but not sure how to take a subway.
im going from the stockholm airport to Flemingsberg station.
Could you tell me how to get there? my google map says different to the actual map here
can i get some help? i am flying to stockholm tmr but not sure how to take a subway.
im going from the stockholm airport to Flemingsberg station.
Could you tell me how to get there? my google map says different to the actual map here?