Stadshuset, Stockholm’s City Hall, stands on Kungsholmen beside Lake Mälaren. Completed in 1923 and designed by Ragnar Östberg, the red-brick building is known for its Swedish National Romantic style and three golden crowns atop the tower. Guided tours take you through ceremonial rooms, including the Blue Hall, used for the annual Nobel Prize banquet, and the Golden Hall, whose mosaics depict Swedish people and events. You can admire the building and garden without joining a tour, or visit from May to September to climb the tower for city views.
A City Hall in National Romantic style
Ragnar Östberg designed Stadshuset in the Swedish National Romantic style. The building was completed in 1923, after 12 years of construction, and its red-brick exterior has become a familiar part of Stockholm’s skyline. Three golden crowns top the tower.
Set on Kungsholmen at the edge of Lake Mälaren, the City Hall is arranged around two large squares. Its setting gives you views of the waterfront and nearby islands, while the courtyard provides a closer look at the building. The garden is open to visitors without charge, so you can see the exterior even if you do not take a tour.
The Blue Hall and Golden Hall
The Blue Hall is the venue for the annual Nobel Prize banquet. The Golden Hall is decorated with mosaics made from millions of pieces, depicting people and events from Swedish history. Both are among the main stops on guided tours, which also include the council chambers and other ceremonial spaces.
Stadshuset is still used for Stockholm City Council meetings as well as formal occasions. The Nobel banquet takes place here each year on December 10. The rooms therefore serve both civic and ceremonial roles, and a guided visit gives you a look inside spaces not accessible on a self-guided tour.
Guided visits and the tower
Entry to the interior is by guided tour. Public tours run daily and are paid; booking ahead is sensible because tour slots can fill. The tour is a way to see the historic rooms and learn about the building’s architecture and role in Stockholm.
From May to September, visitors can also go up the City Hall Tower for panoramic views across central Stockholm, the harbour and nearby islands. Part of the ascent can be made by lift. Outside the tower season, you can still visit the garden and view the building from the waterfront.
The Nobel banquet and Stadshuskällaren
Stadshuset’s connection with the Nobel Prize extends beyond its banquet hall. The building is also home to Stadshuskällaren, a restaurant that has prepared Nobel banquet menus since 1901. The restaurant serves as an option for visitors interested in the banquet’s food as well as its setting.
Häufige Fragen
Can you go inside Stadshuset without a tour?
No. Visits inside are by guided tour. You can visit the garden and admire the exterior without taking a paid tour.
Where is the Nobel Prize banquet held in Stockholm?
The annual Nobel Prize banquet takes place in the Blue Hall at Stadshuset.
Can you climb the Stadshuset tower?
The tower is open to visitors from May to September and has panoramic views of Stockholm. Part of the way up can be done by lift.
Should you book a Stadshuset tour in advance?
Booking ahead is advised because tour time slots can fill up.
