SERGELS TORG

Description

Essentials about Sergels torg in brief

Most visitors to Stockholm automatically end up at Sergels torg sooner or later. The square north of the old town is not only a central traffic junction in the center of the Swedish capital, but also interesting from an architectural point of view. In addition, there is almost always something to experience on Sergels torg.

Location and layout of Sergels torg

Sergels torg is the central square in the Norrmalm district north of the old town Gamla stan. The square is named after the Swedish sculptor Johan Tobias Sergel, whose studio was located near the square. The square in its current form was created in the 1950s as part of the redevelopment of Norrmalm.

The shape of Sergels torg is unusual for two reasons. Firstly, the square extends over two levels. Secondly, it is dominated by a traffic circle in the shape of a superellipse.

The Kristall-vertikal accent

The most striking structure on Sergels torg is undoubtedly the 37-metre-high glass column of the Kristall-vertikal accent, which was created in 1974 by Swedish artist Edvin Öhrström. However, the people of Stockholm rarely use this name themselves. They usually just call the glass column “Pinnen” (“pole”).

The Pinnen looks particularly beautiful at night. Then the glass column and the surrounding water fountains are brightly lit, creating a wonderful atmosphere of light reflections.

The pedestrian zone

On the west side of Sergel torg there is a lower area covered with a striking geometric pattern of black and white tiles. This part of the square is a popular meeting point and place to linger for locals and visitors alike. Not only is the entrance to the T-Centralen station and the underground shopping arcades located here, but numerous street artists also provide entertainment.

Events on Sergels torg

In August, the lower level of Sergels Torg is the venue for the Stockholm Culture Festival, which delights visitors with free live music concerts and dance shows. In December, the square hosts the Swedish capital’s large Christmas market, where the winter chill can be better endured with a glass of glögg.

Buildings on Sergels torg

The House of Culture is located on the south side of Sergel torg. Here visitors will find art galleries, designer stores, studios, a children’s library as well as restaurants and bars spread over seven floors. The stages of the Stockholm City Theater are also housed in the House of Culture.

On the north side of the square are the city skyscrapers known as the “five trumpet towers”. The 72-metre-high buildings were designed by renowned Swedish architects such as Sven Markelius, Backström & Reinius and David Helldén and were built between 1955 and 1966 and are among the best-known representatives of modern architecture in Stockholm.