SÖDERMALM

Description

Essentials about Södermalm in brief

Södermalm, also affectionately known as “Söder”, is the island to the south of Stockholm’s city center. In recent decades, the former working-class district has blossomed into the trendy district of the Swedish capital. No wonder, as the density of cafés, bars, vintage stores and hipster boutiques is higher here than in any other part of the city. A walk with a visit to a café or a shopping tour through Södermalm should therefore definitely be on your Stockholm itinerary.

From working-class to trendy district

Once a dingy and unpopular working-class neighborhood, Södermalm has been transformed into a hipster and trendy district over the last few decades. As is so often the case, the story of gentrification began with the influx of artists and students in search of affordable living space close to the city center. Today, “Söder”, as the locals call it, is a colorful mix of singles and families, artists and start-up entrepreneurs, students and expats.

And, of course, there are now also lots of tourists in the district. The mega-successful crime thriller trilogy “Millenium” by Swedish bestselling author Stieg Larsson, which is set in Södermalm, has played a not inconsiderable part in this.

Things to see in Södermalm

Monteliusvägen and Katharinahissen

The approximately 400-metre-long Monteliusvägen walkway in the north of Södermalm is one of the most popular sights in Stockholm. From here you can enjoy magnificent views over the old town Gamla stan, the surrounding districts and the waters in the center of Stockholm. The most interesting way to get to the steep north bank of Södermalm is to take the Katharinahissen elevator. From the elevator’s viewing platform you have a wonderful view of Gamla stan and the islands of Skeppsholmen and Kastellholmen.

SoFo

Based on the New York district of SoHo (South of Housten), Södermalm is home to SoFo (South of Folkungagatan). SoFo is a little more hip than the rest of Söder. Small stores, record stores, boutiques and cafés line the streets here. SoFo is also known for its nightlife.

Medborgarplatsen

Medborgarplatsen (Citizens’ Square) forms the center of Södermalm. The square has an uneven overall appearance, as it is surrounded by buildings from different centuries. Here you will find the Lilienhov Palace from 1670, the Södermals Hall from 1992, with numerous stores, restaurants, offices and a cinema, and the eponymous Medborgarhus from 1936. The Medborgarhus houses various facilities such as a cultural school, a library, rooms for events and even a rock music club. There is a glass monument in the square commemorating the Swedish Foreign Minister Anna Lindh, who was murdered in 2003.

Fotografiska

The Fotografiska photography museum is housed in a stylish old industrial building on the north bank of Södermalm. On 2,500 square meters of exhibition space, the works of local and international photographers and photo artists are exhibited. Due to its excellent exhibitions and its wonderful architecture and location, Fotografiska has become one of Stockholm’s most popular museums since it was founded in 2010.

Shopping in Södermalm

Södermalm is a true paradise for shopaholics of all kinds. The trendy boutiques and vintage shops offer a range of Scandinavian-style fashion, furniture and accessories. The main street Götgatan is the shopping mile of Södermalm and a vibrant hotspot for shopping enthusiasts. Here you will find an impressive selection of stores, from international brands to local designer boutiques. Götgatan is lined with fashionable clothing stores, shoe stores, cosmetics and accessory boutiques.

However, the real treasures of Södermalm are to be found in the side streets. Here you will find numerous vintage stores and second-hand stores that are veritable treasure chests for all fashion and style lovers.

Eating and drinking in Södermalm

Södermalm’s gastronomic scene is just as diverse as the district itself. From traditional eateries with typical Swedish fare to gourmet restaurants with international cuisine, Södermalm offers culinary experiences for every taste and budget. Södermalm is particularly famous for its café scene. The dozens of cafés in the district are the perfect place to enjoy a Swedish fika.