LÅNGHOLMEN

Description

Essentials about Långholmen in brief

The island of Långholmen (Long Island) is one of the most popular recreational areas in the center of Stockholm. The green meadows and forests as well as the bathing opportunities attract many locals to the island, especially on mild summer days. Here you can take a walk, a bike ride or a picnic and relax. You can also enjoy a wonderful view of Stockholm’s old town or soak up the charm of the former Stockholm Central Prison over a coffee.

The location of Långholmen

Långholmen is both an island and a district in the central part of Stockholm, located between Kungsholmen in the north and Södermalm in the south. The island is 1,380 meters long and 405 meters wide. The huge Västerbron steel arch bridge stretches across the island, connecting the districts of Kungsholmen and Södermalm. Långholmen can be reached from Södermalm via the two bridges Långholmsbron and Pålsundsbron.

The history of Långholmen

The history of the island is closely linked to the Stockholm Central Prison of the same name, which was located on the island from 1880. The last prisoner in Sweden was executed here in 1910. The prison was finally closed in 1975. Parts of the old prison were demolished. The remaining buildings now house an adult education center, restaurants, a hotel and a youth hostel. The two accommodation facilities are very popular with guests due to their extraordinary charm.

A green oasis

Långholmen is a green oasis in the middle of the city center of Stockholm. The green meadows and forests of the long island are ideal for walking, cycling and picnicking. In summer, Långholmsbadet beach is a popular meeting place for sun worshippers and swimmers.

There is a hiking trail around the island, which offers a wonderful view over Riddarfjärden to the Gamla stan (old town) of Stockholm on its eastern side. On mild summer days, Stockholmers enjoy picnicking and swimming here.

Other attractions on Långholmen

In addition to the former prison, there are other tourist attractions on Långholmen. These include the Mälarvarvet, Stockholm’s oldest shipyard, which is now a museum and cultural site. The Bellman Museum is a small museum dedicated to the Swedish poet and composer Carl Michael Bellman. And the Stora Henriksvik, a historic wooden house from the 17th century, now houses a café and a museum.