Sweden is known for its rich history and stunning landscapes, but it also boasts some of the most impressive architectural buildings in the world.
These structures not only highlight the country’s architectural prowess but also blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings.
What are the best architectural buildings to visit in Sweden? This article explores the top 20 architectural marvels across Sweden, offering insights into their design, significance, and the brilliant minds behind them.
From historic landmarks to modern skyscrapers, these buildings showcase the diversity and creativity of Swedish architecture.
1. Turning Torso
Turning Torso is a striking residential skyscraper in Malmö, Sweden.
Designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, the building opened on August 27, 2005. It stands at 190 meters (623 feet) tall with 54 stories.
The building is known for its twisting design, which rotates 90 degrees from base to top. It depicts a human body in a turning motion, making it a unique landmark.
It was the tallest building in the Nordic region until September 2022.
It is still the tallest building in Sweden. The skyscraper helped put Malmö on the world map due to its innovative architecture.
The tower is located on the Swedish side of the Öresund Strait. It is owned by the Swedish cooperative housing association HSB. The Turning Torso remains a significant tourist attraction and architectural feat in the region.
2. Stockholm City Hall
Stockholm City Hall is one of Sweden’s most iconic buildings.
Designed by architect Ragnar Östberg, it was completed in 1923. The building’s design showcases a blend of styles, including Renaissance, Swedish Baroque, and National Romantic.
Situated by the waterfront, its striking tower and golden spire are easily recognizable. The City Hall serves as the venue for the Nobel Prize banquet.
Inside, visitors can admire the Blue Hall and the Golden Hall, which features over 18 million mosaic pieces. These halls highlight the building’s intricate and artistic design.
For more information about Stockholm City Hall, visit the City of Stockholm website. The building continues to be a symbol of Stockholm’s rich architectural heritage.
3. Visby City Ring Wall
The Visby City Ring Wall is a medieval defensive structure located in Visby on the island of Gotland, Sweden.
Built in the 13th and 14th centuries, this wall was designed to protect the town from invaders.
Extending 3.5 kilometers, the wall features 27 of its original 29 towers that have survived through the centuries. These towers are a significant part of the wall’s structure and show the architectural techniques of the time.
The oldest part of this wall is the Kruttornet, or the Gunpowder Tower, which was erected in the 12th century at the harbor entrance. This makes it the oldest surviving non-religious building in the Nordic countries.
During the 1361 Battle of Visby, the wall served as the backdrop for intense combat.
Many of the battles took place near the North Gate, just 300 meters from the wall. The wall remains a prominent historical site and is a must-see for visitors interested in history and architecture.
4. Kalmar Castle
Kalmar Castle is one of Sweden’s most iconic landmarks.
Built in the 12th century, it has witnessed pivotal events in Scandinavian history. The castle’s strategic location made it an essential defense point.
In 1397, the Kalmar Union was signed here, uniting Denmark, Norway, and Sweden under a single monarch. This union lasted until the early 16th century.
During the mid-19th century, the castle underwent extensive restorations after years of neglect. This effort was part of a broader movement to preserve Sweden’s Vasa castles.
Kalmar Castle also has periods where it served various purposes, including being used as a prison and a distillery. Its rich history and beautiful architecture continue to attract visitors from around the world.
5. Lund Cathedral
Lund Cathedral, located in the heart of Lund, Scania, Sweden, is a prime example of Romanesque architecture.
Built in the 1080s, it is the oldest cathedral in Scandinavia.
The cathedral is known for its impressive medieval architecture. It features stunning stone carvings and twin towers that dominate Lund’s skyline. Inside, visitors can admire the famous astronomical clock from the 15th century.
Lund Cathedral is also notable for being the seat of the Bishop of Lund and the main church of the Diocese of Lund. It was originally dedicated to Saint Lawrence. This historic building sees over half a million visitors annually.
To explore more about Lund Cathedral, visit the Kulturportal Lund and Wikipedia pages dedicated to this architectural gem.
6. Drottningholm Palace
Drottningholm Palace, located on Lovön island near Stockholm, is a stunning example of 17th-century architecture.
It is one of Sweden’s royal palaces and the private residence of the Swedish royal family.
The palace is recognized for its well-preserved state and historical significance. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage list due to its exceptional gardens and buildings.
Visitors can explore the Palace Theatre, the Chinese Pavilion, and beautifully maintained gardens. Each showcases elements of Swedish and European architectural history. Notably, the palace interiors have retained much of their original decor.
For more information, visit the Drottningholm Palace website.
7. Uppsala Cathedral
Uppsala Cathedral is a landmark in Uppsala, Sweden. It stands tall at 118.7 meters, making it one of the tallest buildings in the country.
Constructed between the 13th and 15th centuries, the cathedral features Gothic architecture. The intricate stone carvings and soaring spires are notable highlights.
Originally built under Roman Catholicism, the cathedral has been a Lutheran church since the Protestant Reformation. It is now the seat of the Archbishop of Uppsala.
Uppsala Cathedral is also a site of historical significance.
It houses the burial site of King Eric IX. Some Swedish monarchs were crowned here before 1719.
Visitors can find the cathedral located between Uppsala University’s University Hall and the Fyris river. Regular services are held daily, making it an active place of worship and history.
8. Gripsholm Castle
Gripsholm Castle stands in Mariefred, Sweden. Founded by Bo Jonsson Grip in the 1370s, it has a long history.
It was significantly reshaped by King Gustav Vasa starting in 1537. This led to its current Renaissance style.
The castle is set by Lake Mälaren and includes state apartments from the House of Vasa era, along with one of Europe’s best-preserved 18th-century theaters. Visitors can explore the Swedish State Portrait Collection with many famous faces.
9. The Royal Palace
The Royal Palace in Stockholm is the official residence of the Swedish monarch. It stands on Slottsbacken in the city’s historic Gamla stan.
This Baroque masterpiece was designed by Nicodemus Tessin the Younger.
Completed in 1754, the palace boasts over 600 rooms spread across eleven floors. It serves as both a royal residence and a cultural-historical monument. It neighbors the Riksdag building.
In addition, the palace holds many important royal offices and serves as a workplace.
One of its standout features is the Roman palace-inspired design, which makes it a prominent structure in European architecture. Visitors can explore its state apartment, museums, and reception rooms year-round.
Learn more about the Royal Palace.
10. Vasa Museum
The Vasa Museum, located in Stockholm on the island of Djurgården, is a prominent maritime museum.
It displays the Vasa, a 64-gun warship that sank on its maiden voyage in 1628. This ship is the only almost fully intact 17th-century ship ever salvaged.
In 1987, construction began for the museum with plans by Swedish architects Marianne Dahlbäck and Göran Månsson. The museum officially opened in 1990. It now attracts over 1.5 million visitors annually, making it one of the most visited museums in Sweden.
Inside, the Vasa’s grandeur is evident with its detailed carvings and impressive size.
Alongside the ship, exhibitions explain its history, construction, and the salvage operation. The museum also features a large copper roof with stylised masts that represent the ship’s original height.
To explore more about this historic artifact, visit the Vasa Museum website.
11. Göteborg Opera House
Göteborg Opera House is a landmark located at Lilla Bommen in Gothenburg.
The building’s construction began in June 1991 and was completed in October 1994. It sits prominently along the waterfront, making it easily accessible.
The architecture of the opera house is modern and striking.
Its design combines elements of shipbuilding and maritime themes, reflecting Gothenburg’s seafaring history. The northern facade, in particular, stands out with its artistic and functional design.
Inside, it features state-of-the-art facilities for performances, including operas, musicals, and ballets. The opera house also hosted events like Melodifestivalen 2000, the Swedish national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest.
For visitors, reaching the Göteborg Opera House is convenient. Various tram lines, buses, and ferries stop nearby, making it well-connected to public transportation networks. The opera house has become a cultural hub in Gothenburg, attracting many visitors each year.
12. Öresund Bridge
The Öresund Bridge is a remarkable feat of engineering connecting Denmark and Sweden.
It spans the Øresund strait and features both a motorway and a railway.
Designed by the Danish engineering firm COWI, this bridge was the longest combined road and rail bridge in Europe between 2000 and 2019.
At nearly 8 kilometers long, the bridge runs from the Swedish coast to an artificial island. It opened officially on July 1, 2000.
The bridge cost about $4.3 billion to build. It connects Copenhagen in Denmark to Malmö in Sweden.
Thousands of people use the bridge daily, making it an important link between the two countries. Its striking design and utility make it a key piece of Scandinavian infrastructure.
13. Kiruna Church
Kiruna Church stands as a remarkable example of Swedish architecture.
Built between 1909 and 1912, it was designed by architect Gustaf Wickman. The structure’s exterior is in the Gothic Revival style, while the interior features Art Nouveau details.
One distinctive feature of Kiruna Church is its design, inspired by a traditional Sámi hut. The base is wide, and the top tapers, allowing light to enter from above.
This building is one of Sweden’s largest wooden structures. It was even voted Sweden’s most beautiful building erected before 1950. If you visit Kiruna, don’t miss this iconic landmark. You can learn more at Kiruna Church.
14. Malmo Live
Malmo Live is a dynamic and expressive building located in Malmö, Sweden. Designed by schmidt hammer lassen architects, it was completed in 2015.
This building combines a concert hall, congress center, and hotel in one structure.
The ground floor is open and accessible to the public, offering numerous activities and events.
The design follows the modern Scandinavian architectural tradition with a clear and functional organization.
The exterior features a mix of materials and textures, creating a visually striking appearance.
Visitors can enjoy the Malmö Live Concert Hall, which hosts various performances throughout the year. This makes Malmo Live not only an architectural landmark but also a cultural hub.
For more details, visit Malmö Live / schmidt hammer lassen architects or learn more at Arch2O.
15. Ericsson Globe
The Ericsson Globe, also known as Avicii Arena, stands out as the largest spherical building in the world. Located in the Johanneshov district of Stockholm, it opened in 1989.
This iconic structure represents the Sun in the Sweden Solar System, the world’s largest scale model. It is a hub for major sports and entertainment events.
The Globe has hosted significant moments, like the world hockey championships in 2013 and a speech by Nelson Mandela in 1990. It remains a key venue for concerts and other events in Sweden.
You can learn more about the Ericsson Globe here.
16. Södermalm Water Tower
The Södermalm Water Tower, located on Katarina Hill, is known for its unique brick architecture. The red brick used in its construction was sourced from Helsingborg.
The tower’s primary purpose was to increase water pressure for the higher buildings in Södermalm.
At its base, the pump house adorned with a coat of arms adds to its architectural charm.
It serves as a historical testament to Sweden’s approach to solving urban infrastructure challenges.
Visitors to Södermalm often admire the tower for its distinctive look and functional history. For more details, visit The Hidden North.
17. Saint James’s Church
Saint James’s Church, known in Swedish as Sankt Jacobs kyrka, is one of the most central churches in Stockholm. It is dedicated to Saint James the Greater, the patron saint of travelers. The church is often mistakenly referred to as St. Jacob’s due to linguistic similarities between James and Jacob in many languages.
The origins of the church date back to 1311, starting as a chapel in the Solna parish.
The current structure, which boasts a mix of architectural styles, was founded in the 16th century but took a long time to complete. This results in a unique blend of Late Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque features.
Saint James’s Church is surrounded by important cultural landmarks, making it a key attraction in the Swedish capital.
Its central location and rich history contribute to its significance within Stockholm’s architectural landscape. You can explore more about its history here.
18. Sergels Torg
Sergels Torg, located in the heart of Stockholm, is one of the city’s most iconic public squares. It was constructed in the 1960s and is named after the 18th-century sculptor Johan Tobias Sergel.
The square features a distinctive circular sunken plaza, which is a popular meeting spot for locals and tourists alike.
At night, Sergels Torg comes alive with vibrant lights, offering a stunning view that contrasts with its daytime hustle and bustle.
The square is surrounded by notable buildings, including Kulturhuset and the Stockholm City Theatre, adding to its cultural significance.
Sergels Torg is not just a pedestrian hub; it’s also a central point for public transportation.
The square accommodates streetcar lines and is close to major bus and metro stations. This makes it a convenient and essential part of the city’s urban landscape.
For more about Sergels Torg, visit its detailed description.
19. Skansen
Skansen, located on Djurgården island in Stockholm, is the world’s oldest open-air museum. Established in 1891 by Artur Hazelius, it showcases traditional Swedish life from different regions before the industrial era.
The museum features around 150 historic buildings, each carefully reconstructed. Visitors can explore a variety of structures, including a manor house, farm, glass-blowing shop, blacksmith’s shop, and bakery.
Skansen also includes a zoo, which houses native Scandinavian wildlife such as bears, wolves, and moose.
The museum spans 30 hectares and attracts over a million visitors annually.
Skansen’s importance goes beyond its history.
The term “skansen” is now used to describe other open-air museums worldwide, furthering its cultural influence. The museum is not just an attraction but a living record of Sweden’s rural heritage.
20. Södra Teatern
Södra Teatern is the oldest active theater in Sweden. Located in Stockholm’s Södermalm district, this historic venue was built in 1859. It was designed by architect Johan Fredrik Åbom.
The theater has seven stages and is known for its diverse events, from theater performances to live music and club nights.
It has three bars, two restaurants, and outdoor terraces with a spectacular view of the city.
Visitors can admire the theater’s stunning gilded interior. This venue is more than just a theater; it is a key cultural hub in Stockholm.
Learn more about Södra Teatern here and here.
History and Influence of Swedish Architecture
Swedish architecture has evolved over centuries, influenced by the shifting political, social, and cultural landscapes.
Notably, the styles have ranged from medieval to contemporary designs, reflecting both local and international trends.
Early Architectural Periods
In the medieval era, Swedish architecture was heavily influenced by Romanesque and Gothic styles.
Many churches and cathedrals from this period still stand today, showcasing intricate stone carvings and vaulted ceilings.
During the Renaissance, Sweden saw the rise of grand palaces and castles. Influential aristocrats like Gustave Vasa had significant impact, bringing in styles from across Europe.
By the time of the Baroque period, the focus shifted to grandeur and decoration.
Buildings were ornate, with dramatic facades and opulent interiors. This era aimed to reflect power and prestige.
Modernism in Sweden
In the 20th century, Swedish architecture embraced Modernism, focusing on functionality and simplicity.
This shift led to the construction of practical buildings with clean lines and minimal ornamentation.
Notable examples include Gunnar Asplund’s Stockholm Public Library, which features a simple yet striking design.
Functionalism was a core principle, prioritizing the needs of occupants.
Contemporary architecture continues to evolve, with eco-friendly designs and innovative use of materials.
The Turning Torso in Malmö, designed by Santiago Calatrava, exemplifies this trend.
This skyscraper combines advanced engineering with aesthetic appeal, showcasing Sweden’s innovative spirit.
Swedish architects now focus on sustainability, creating buildings that are both beautiful and environmentally conscious.
This modern approach ensures that Sweden remains at the forefront of architectural design.
Architectural Styles and Features
Swedish architecture showcases a blend of traditional elements and modern innovations.
Key characteristics include the rustic charm of historical structures and the sleek designs of contemporary buildings.
Traditional Swedish Elements
Traditional Swedish architecture often includes wooden cottages and centuries-old stone structures.
One notable example is the Stenbrottet from 1771. The use of timber and red paint is common in northern rural areas, symbolizing simplicity and functionality.
Churches and castles also highlight the rich history.
Influenced by Gothic and Romanesque styles, they often feature steep roofs and intricate woodwork. Palaces and manors reflect Renaissance and Baroque influences, characterized by ornate facades and detailed interiors.
Contemporary Innovations
Modern Swedish architecture integrates sustainability and technological advancements.
A prime example is Malmö’s Turning Torso, designed by Santiago Calatrava.
This neo-futurist skyscraper uses renewable energy and has a unique twisting shape.
Another significant landmark is Stockholm’s Modern Museum of Art.
Home to ArkDes, it merges art with modern design.
Steel, glass, and minimalist designs define contemporary public buildings, emphasizing functionality and environmental responsibility.
Sweden’s new structures often prioritize energy efficiency, with green rooftops and smart home technology.
These innovations showcase the nation’s commitment to blending aesthetics with ecological consciousness.
Notable Swedish Architects
Sweden has been home to several influential architects who have made significant contributions to modern architecture. This section highlights two prominent figures: Gunnar Asplund and Ralph Erskine.
Gunnar Asplund
Gunnar Asplund is one of Sweden’s most celebrated architects, known for his work in the early 20th century.
He played a significant role in the development of Nordic Classicism and later embraced Modernism.
Asplund’s notable projects include the Stockholm Public Library, a landmark of functionalist architecture with its circular design and clean lines.
In addition to the Stockholm Public Library, Asplund designed the Woodland Cemetery (Skogskyrkogården) in Stockholm.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site blends natural and architectural elements, offering a serene, reflective environment.
Asplund’s influence extends beyond his buildings; his design philosophies have shaped contemporary Swedish architecture.
His works exemplify simplicity, functionality, and a deep connection to nature, inspiring generations of architects.
Ralph Erskine
Ralph Erskine was a British-born architect who chose Sweden as his professional home.
He is renowned for his focus on creating humane and environmentally conscious designs.
Erskine’s work in Sweden includes the innovative Byker Wall in Newcastle and the unique low-rise residential developments in Luleå, known for their sensitivity to harsh climates.
One of Erskine’s most famous projects is the Kviberg School, which showcases his commitment to inclusive and accessible design.
The school’s layout and use of space reflect his belief in creating environments that foster community and learning.
Erskine’s contributions to architecture emphasize social responsibility and environmental sustainability.
His innovative approach and dedication to improving people’s lives through design have left a lasting legacy in Sweden and beyond.