Sweden is home to many magical phenomenons—the northern lights, a panoply of festivals, and Swedish meatballs (which have captured the hearts of many). It even features unique accommodations like treehouse hotels and castle hotels that provide a great stay. On top of those, Sweden also has a rich history, and it has influenced the way its buildings are designed and built. From iconic buildings that are peculiar in shape or landmarks with history of housing royalties, Sweden has all of them, so keep your eyes peeled as this article will introduce to you to the best famous buildings in Sweden that many visitors flock to visit every time they travel to the country.
1. Turning Torso, Malmö
The tallest building in Scandinavia, Turning Torso is known for its unique form—a tower with a twist, so to speak, against the backdrop of a beautiful skyline. If you wish to catch the jaw-dropping view from the top of the building, a visit can be arranged in groups of 10 to 75 people. You’ll be able to visit the 53rd and 54th floors, where slideshows are prepared to enlighten visitors on how the skyscraper was built. What’s more, telescopes are provided to magnify the view from the top—you might even glimpse Denmark and the city of Malmo. Even without entering the building, you’ll see that Turning Torso is a masterfully manufactured work of art, so be sure to get your cameras ready to capture a photo of this impressive architecture.
Turning Torso
Address: Lilla Varvsgatan 14, 211 15 Malmö, Sweden
Website: Turning Torso
2. Stockholm City Hall
Stockholm City Hall is one of the most famous buildings and best places to visit in Sweden. It has attracted many tourists to visit due to its many intricate pieces of art and elegant ceremonial halls. In fact, this venue has hosted the Nobel Banquet! Inspired by Italian Renaissance palaces, the architect designed the city hall with two piazzas—Borgargården and Blue Hall. There are many places to explore in this building, such as Council Chamber where 101 members of Stockholm’s municipal council congregate, Vault of the Hundred that comprises of around 100 small vaults, and even Prince’s Gallery that provides a spectacular view of the azure-blue Lake Mälaren and also Stockholm’s shores.
Stockholm City Hall
Address: Hantverkargatan 1, 111 52 Stockholm, Sweden
Website: Stockholm City Hall
Opening hours: 8:30am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 100 - 120 SEK (10.20 - 12.25 USD)
3. Gripsholm Castle, Mariefred
Built as early as 1957, Gripsholm Castle boasts historic value, initially belonging to the royal Swedish family. The structure bears an uncanny resemblance to castles in fairy tales, standing out in the small town of Mariefred in Sodermanland. A guided tour of Gripsholm Castle allows you to walk through chambers and passages that hold over 400 years of history and learn about how they were used over the years by earlier rulers—including how the castle had been a royal residence as well as a prison. As of today, the place has since been transformed into a museum with some of the most ancient portraits and paintings, so get ready to feast your eyes on some works of art and learn more about Swedish history.
Gripsholm Castle
Address: Lake Mälaren, Mariefred, Sweden
Website: Gripsholm Castle
Opening hours: Vary
Price: 70 - 140 SEK (7.25 - 14.50 USD)
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4. Lund Cathedral
Attracting a grand total of 700,000 people annually, Lund Cathedral has become a hotspot for tourists in search of spiritual renewal or just wanting to marvel at the beauty of the infrastructure itself. It is a functioning church that holds services for believers to come and worship and sing praises to God. There are guided tours as well to educate about the Christian faith. You can even learn about the Nordic Romanesque architecture that makes the building so aesthetically pleasing. Further, Cathedral Museum has artifacts from the 12th century up to the present, and Clothing Chamber exhibits fine costumes from the 13th century.
Lund Cathedral
Address: Kyrkogatan 6, Lund, Sweden
Website: Lund Cathedral
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 6pm; Sat: 9:30am - 5pm; Sun: 9:30am - 6pm
Price: 11 - 13 SEK (1.25 - 1.50 USD)
5. Uppsala Cathedral
Uppsala Cathedral is a functioning church, and there are regular services held here on a daily basis. It also serves as a performing arts theater showcasing exhibitions, concerts, lectures, and worship services. Built in the 11th century, this cathedral was and still is the tallest building in the whole of Scandinavia, and it is built with a French High Gothic style, explaining why it is elegant and majestic at the same time. Uppsala Cathedral is a sanctuary to many believers who come to attend services and congregate in the house of the Lord. It is also a place where there is an exchange of culture, knowledge, and experience.
Uppsala Cathedral
Address: Domkyrkoplan, Uppsala, Sweden
Website: Uppsala Cathedral
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
6. Ericsson Globe, Stockholm
Holding the record as the world’s largest spherical building, Ericsson Globe is a significant landmark in Sweden. The arena has hosted numerous major events. It is also home to the Swedish national hockey team. In addition, this venue has witnessed Nelson Mandela’s speech in 1990 and is where top music artists such as Lady Gaga and Beyonce have held large-scale concerts! It accommodated 17,303 visitors at one time during a Metallica concert, showcasing the colossal size and might of this building—one of the reasons why many come over to visit.
Ericsson Globe
Address: Globentorget 2, 12150 Södra Hammarbyhamnen, Stockholm, Sweden
Website: Ericsson Globe
7. Kalmar Castle
Here is yet another place that offers interesting things to do. Dating back 800 years ago, Kalmar Castle holds historical significance, detailing the history of international politics, battles, and court happenings. To get the most from this informative site, a guided tour is provided wherein visitors get to learn about the castle’s architecture along with cultural and historical facts. You can even see the ancient furniture of the castle, display rooms, and a decorated kitchen, making the learning process all the more enriching. Furthermore, here you can marvel at the Van Gogh exhibition located in the basement. The experience is multi-sensory, where visitors get to immerse themselves amid interactive displays of Van Gogh’s artworks.
Kalmar Castle
Address: Kungsgatan 1, Kalmar, Sweden
Website: Kalmar Castle
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)
Price: Varies
8. Drottningholm Palace
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Drottningholm Palace has been standing tall and proud since the 17th century and has been home to generations of royalties. Showcasing a French architectural design, the palace is spectacular and grand on the outside and spacious and elegant within—truly fit for kings and queens. The current royal family moved in in 1981 and has been staying here ever since. With the exception of the royal rooms, the castle and the park are mostly open to visitors.
Drottningholm Palace Tour - Klook
9. St. Peter's Church, Malmö
A Gothic church in Malmo, Sweden, St. Peter’s Church is constructed almost entirely out of bricks, and it is made with a fully white interior. Marveling at the grand scale and vast expanse of the church, with its sleek interior, you’ll feel a sense of tranquility wash over you. If you are lucky enough, you might catch the choir at the altar singing melodious harmonies, which is sure to enhance the peace and calm exuded by the church itself. Furthermore, the place is located conveniently close to restaurants like Paddy’s and Torget Bistro Burgers Bar, so do grab a bite after your day of exploring.
St. Peter's Church
Address: Göran Olsgatan 4, Malmö, Sweden
Website: St. Peter’s Church
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
10. Scandic Victoria Tower, Kista (from USD 152)
Scandic Victoria Tower is an elegant and astounding building that is fully clad in glass, and its interior has been intricately decorated and refurbished with designer furniture, aiming to provide visitors with nothing but the best. The lobby, lounge, and restaurants are common areas, all of which are classy and sophisticated, making them ideal locations to conduct business or relax with a group of friends. As you ascend to the 34th floor, you will find the hotel’s Skybar, which offers tantalizing food and drinks. The spot overlooks the whole of Stockholm, providing a bird’s-eye view like no other.
Scandic Victoria Tower
Address: Arne Beurlings Torg 3
Accommodates: 5
Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna Fitness centre
Buildings fit for kings and queens
Head down to Sweden to take a look at famous buildings praised by both regular tourists and royalty alike. These structures have spectacular architectures as well as majestic interiors, providing a grand experience for anyone that comes to visit. You can even learn an interesting fact or two about each site if you’re curious enough. Afterward, you can also check out the top theme parks in the area and stay in one of the best countryside hotels for the night.