10 fun facts about Stockholm

7. Stockholm’s Avicii Globe is the second largest spherical building in the world

From 1989 until 2023 the Avicii Globe, formerly known as the Globe Arena and the Ericsson Globe, was the largest spherical building in the world. It has a diameter of 110 metres and a capacity of 16,000 people, and represents the Sun in the Sweden Solar System. In 2023, the Sphere in Las Vegas took the crown, which seats 20,000 people.

8. The city’s highest point is in a public park

The highest natural point in Stockholm is Skinnarviksberget on Södermalm, at 53 metres. You can climb to the top with different walking paths that run through Skinnarsviksparken. From the top you have incredible views over the city, including Gamla Stan, City Hall and Skeppsholmen. This spot is popular with both locals and tourists, especially at sunset.

9. Stockholm boasts the world's first national city park

Many countries have multiple national parks, but national city parks are much rarer. There are less than 100 national city parks in the world and most of them are in Sweden. The very first of its kind is the Royal National City Park in Stockholm, which was established in 1995.

The sprawling park stretches from the northern corners of Sörentorp and Ulriksdal to the southern reaches of Djurgården and the island of Fjäderholmarna. It seamlessly weaves through the municipalities of Stockholm and Solna, and is the most well-visited recreational area in the Stockholm region. The park is a great place for a walk or a bike ride, and the park is easily reached with public transport.

10. Gamla Stan is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe

Stockholm’s Old Town, Gamla Stan, is home to a wealth of historical landmarks, including the Royal Palace, the Storkyrkan cathedral, and the Riddarholmen Church. The town was founded in the 13^th-century and along with its landmarks it has many narrow cobblestone streets and colourful 17^th and 18^th-century buildings. The narrowest street is Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, at its narrowest it is no more than 90 centimetres wide.