One of Stockholm’s most stunning stations is unsurprisingly also one of its most photographed: Kungsträdgården. Located in the middle of downtown Stockholm, it’s the terminus of the blue line, or at least until its southward extension opens in 2025.
Kungsträdgården is one of Stockholm’s oldest public parks. The name, roughly meaning “The King’s Garden”, is derived from the area’s royal history. Between 1643 and 1825 it was the site of the majestic Makalös Palace, and a beautiful French garden. After Makalös burned down, the site was used for military exercises. Finally, in 1875, the park landed in the care of the Stockholm City Council, which in turn opened it for the public.
"Almost everything on the station tells the story of the site above ground", says Marie Andersson, subway art guide. "The color scheme – red, white and green – is a reference to the old French formal garden and statues around the station are actually replicas of Makalös Palace’s exterior art".
Another unique feature of Kungsträdgården is its fauna. The station is the only place in Northern Europe where the cave-dwelling Lessertia dentichelis-spider can be found. Presumably, the species hitched a ride on equipment and machines traveling from Southern Europe when the station was being built.
"Nobody knows exactly how they ended up here", continues Marie Andersson. "But they seem to be thriving. I saw one just yesterday, as a matter of fact. In 2016 scientists also discovered a previously unknown fungus on the station walls with a unique DNA-structure".
Location icon
Kungsträdgården
111 47 Stockholm