Things to do in Vasastan
Publish date: 25 October 2024
The streets of Vasastan have a homey feel to them, as this is mostly a residential area. But there's also a lot of culture to explore in this northern neighborhood of Stockholm.
Vasastan lies at the northern edge of inner-city Stockholm, with Kungsholmen to the west, Östermalm to the east, and the city center to the South. Up until the 1880s, it was the location of several large estates. But as the population of Stockholm grew exponentially in the wake of industrialism, the city was in desperate need of new housing.
The fields of Vasastan were one of the areas deemed for re-development. Most of the buildings are from the early 20th century, although you'll find several examples of contemporary architecture as well as the Norra Tornen-high rises.
- Vasastan is a must-see for architecture buffs wanting to see examples of Nordic Classicism. The buildings in Atlasområdet, for example, and maybe most notably the Stockholm Public Library with its characteristic rotunda.
The Stockholm Public Library closed for renovation in June 2024 and will open again in 2027.
- Speaking of literature, Vasastan was Astrid Lindgren's home for 60 years. The beloved author had an apartment at Dalagatan 46, and just a couple of doors down, at Dalagatan 34 is another literary address.
- This is where the murderous sharpshooter in Maj Sjöwall and Peter Wahlöö's The Abominable Man sets up his eagle's nest, as well as the crime novel's 1976 film adaptation The Man on the Roof. While on the subject of film, movie buffs will be glad to know that one of Stockholm's most popular independent cinemas Bio Capitol is located in Vasastan, where film aficionados can enjoy something to eat and drink while enjoying a movie.
- The fine arts can be enjoyed at one of Vasastan's several museums. Bonniers Konsthall, Sven-Harry's Art Museum, Carl Eldh's Studio Museum, and the Strindberg Museum are all located in the district, each offering a distinctive program. Anyone interested in the culture of the digital variety has several options as well.
- Inferno Online, one of Stockholm's largest gaming halls, is located in the area. Next door to Inferno is Red Bull Gaming Sphere, another gaming hall but this one caters to an adult audience with a bar serving cold drinks and beer. Located inside the pool hall RoQ you'll find the arcade hall Hey STHLM!, with pinball machines and arcade cabinets standing ready to test your reflexes.
- Vasastan also features several popular parks. The largest, Vasaparken, is perfect for picnics in the summer and ice skating in the winter. Vanadislunden and Observatorielunden, on the other hand, offer great views over Stockholm. Tegnérlunden is a popular hangout for anyone who wants to enjoy their takeaway lunch outdoors in the summer.
