The Stadshuset Stockholm, Sweden

Stadshuset is the Swedish name for the City Hall Stockholm. Stadshuset Stockholm is located in the heart of the city of Stockholm, on the island of Kungsholmen, and in addition to being a major seat of government, is also a popular attraction for travelers. Stadshuset Stockholm is where travelers will find the Municipal Council for the city of Stockholm.

The building itself is the main attraction to Stadshuset. Designed by Swedish architect Ragnar Ostberg, the Stadshuset building was constructed between 1911 and 1923, taking multiple years. The impressive structure of the Stadshuset Stockholm was built using more than eight million bricks. It is comprised of two large squares, one within the other, that make for an outer yard and indoor hall that serves the purposes of the municipal offices.

The indoor hall, known also as Blue Hall, also has other uses. When Ragnar Ostberg first constructed the building, he had first intended to paint the inner building blue. Although he changed his mind before the building was to be painted blue and left it the color of the red brick that still remains today, the name Blue Hall stuck and the inner hall is still referred to by this name. In addition to being the City Hall Stockholm, Blue Hall also serves as the dining hall used for the Nobel Prize banquet held each year after the Nobel Prize award ceremony. An enormous organ, with over 10,000 pipes, is also found in this City Hall Stockholm. Yet another Kungsholmen attraction can be found just south of the City Hall Stockholm. A pillar rising more than 20 meters high, with a statue of Engelbrekt Engelbredtsson on top, is another popular attraction in Sweden.

Although the 101 City Council members meet frequently in the council chamber, this historic building in Kungsholmen can be toured by visitors. In addition to the structure itself, which is widely considered to be one of the most elegant modern structures in Europe, travelers will want to see some of the many decorations housed inside. More than 18 million pieces of gold cover the walls, accompanied by colored-glass mosaics that create a stunning impression. There is also an art gallery in the southern section of the buildings, with notable works by Swedish native Prince Eugen. The square tower rising from the center of the building bears the symbol of Sweden, three gilt crowns, along with the national coat-of-arms.

Perhaps one of the most appealing attractions on the island of Kungsholmen, Stadshuset is an incredible example of modern architecture in Europe and a great place to visit as part of a suggested itinerary for Stockholm, and could even be combined with a trip over the Skeppsholmen Bridge to Skeppsholmen Island for a day of sightseeing on the islands of Sweden.