Summary of Things to Do in Solna
Located just north of Stockholm, Solna is in close proximity to the capital. Many of Stockholm’s significant attractions and amenities can be found right in Solna. Visitors often utilize the metro, bus, or commuter train to attend concerts and events at Friends Arena, enjoy the tranquil grounds of three former royal estates, or embark on a shopping journey at the Mall of Scandinavia.
Additionally, one can relish the serene views at Brunnsviken, a picturesque saltwater lake situated on Solna’s eastern side, and pay tribute at Filmstaden, the studios where the iconic films of Ingmar Bergman were produced and edited.
Here are the top attractions in Solna:
1. Hagaparken
Situated on the western shore of Brunnsviken to the east of Solna, Hagaparken is an elegant English landscape park adorned with numerous monuments.
Founded by King Gustav III in the late 18th century, it became a favored residence for subsequent monarchs.
In the traditional English style, the park features pavilions, follies, and gazebos, including the Echo Temple, designed as an outdoor dining facility for Gustav III, and the Chinese Pavilion built in 1790. Since 1922, Hagaparken has been the final resting place for many members of the royal Bernadotte family.
Due to its expansive size and numerous attractions, Hagaparken is a destination that will draw you back numerous times while in Solna.
2. Haga Park Museum
A unique structure built for the Royal Guard lies in front of Gustav III’s Royal Pavilion.
Reflecting the 18th-century fascination with oriental designs, this building features a patterned blue exterior resembling three Turkish tents, constructed from copper.
The central tent houses the Haga Park Museum.
Here, you can view the grand architectural plans devised by Gustav III for a magnificent Neoclassical palace. Unfortunately, only the foundations were completed before his assassination in 1792, and the construction halted.
The museum showcases a large-scale model of the palace along with insights into the initial park designs and its various follies and pavilions.
3. Gustav III’s Pavilion
During the summer months, guided tours of Gustav III’s opulent pavilion are available, recognized as one of the highlights of 18th-century Neoclassical architecture in Northern Europe.
This pavilion served as a residence for the king during the wait for his palace’s construction and was the site he departed from to attend the masquerade ball where he was tragically killed in 1792. The pavilion’s interior was adorned by the renowned French painter and interior designer Louis Masreliez.
During a restoration project in the 1940s, Masreliez’s original designs were rediscovered, resulting in the interior being restored to its late 18th-century appearance, complete with the original furnishings.
4. Ulriksdal Palace
Situated a short distance from Haga, this palace exemplifies Baroque architecture from the 17th century.
Originally conceived by Queen Hedvig Eleonora as a future residence for her grandson Prince Ulric, the plans were ultimately abandoned due to his death in infancy.
The majority of the architecture was designed by Nicodemus Tessin the Elder, renowned for constructing many of Sweden’s most magnificent royal and noble estates of that era.
Later in the century, Tessin’s son constructed the orangery, which is part of the tour and contains some sculptures from the Swedish National Museum collection.
Visitors can also explore the stables, which house Queen Christina’s coronation carriage, dating back to 1650.
5. Slottsträdgården Ulriksdal
The regal grounds surrounding the palace provide a delightful space to wander, with the main attraction located in the northern section, at the kitchen garden.
For centuries, fruits and vegetables have been cultivated here for the palace, and this area has transformed into a private venture where visitors can purchase fresh produce in an idyllic environment.
A number of the palace’s ancillary buildings are located here, including accommodations for the garden staff and the director’s office.
For those simply wishing to explore, the vegetable patches and flower gardens offer a peaceful experience, complemented by a café that serves its own baked goods.
6. Solna Church
Norra Begravningsplatsen, also known as the Northern Cemetery, is noteworthy in its own right and serves as the final resting site for several prominent Swedish figures from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Nobel Prize founder Alfred Nobel, playwright August Strindberg, and actress Ingrid Bergman are among the distinguished individuals interred here.
The southern edge features the remarkable Solna Church, which consists of interconnected structures from a 12th-century Romanesque fortress.
The rotunda, the most ancient part of the church, is crowned with an impressive dome and cupola.
Inside, visitors can admire the 15th-century ceiling frescoes created by Albertus Pictor, the most esteemed Swedish artist of that time.
7. Filmstaden
More than 400 films have been produced at these studios in Råsunda, making it a significant site for enthusiasts of Swedish cinema and the works of Ingmar Bergman.
Established by Svensk Filmindustri (now known as SF Studios) between 1919 and 1920, virtually every notable 20th-century Swedish director or actor has worked here at some point.
Bergman had particularly strong ties to Filmstaden, having honed his craft at its various facilities throughout the 1940s.
Much of his celebrated film The Seventh Seal was shot here in 1957. Today, Filmstaden has evolved into a residential neighborhood that boasts a vibrant artistic community with various production companies, cinemas, and dining establishments.
Many of the original studio buildings remain intact, including the Lilla Ateljén (Little Studio), where all of the silent films were produced.
8. Karlberg Palace
Located on the Karlberg Canal at the southern edge of Solna, this estate was utilized by Swedish royalty in the 17th century.
The palace, as it stands today, was initiated in 1634 and has served as a military academy since the conclusion of the 18th century.
Due to this function, access to the interiors is generally restricted, however, the gardens remain open during daylight hours, with a picturesque pathway along the canal.
In the summer, a steady stream of boats can be seen passing through, as visitors enjoy barbecues by the water’s edge.
A couple of intriguing features to seek out in the park include an 18th-century folly, a temple dedicated to Diana, and a grave for Pompe, a dog belonging to Charles XII.
9. Swedish Museum of Natural History
Located on the eastern shore of Brunnsviken, this prestigious museum was established in 1819 and has occupied its current building since 1916. Children will be delighted by the dinosaur fossils, while many of the museum’s exhibits are accessible to younger audiences.
The permanent exhibitions cover a variety of topics, including human history, anatomy, fossils and evolution, aquatic life, the natural world of Sweden, indigenous polar cultures, climate change, and geological wonders such as meteorites.
At Cosmonova, you can be captivated by 3D films at the IMAX theater, which doubles as Sweden’s largest planetarium.
10. Bergianska Trädgården
Also located on the east side of Brunnsviken, this enchanting garden adjacent to the waterfront was established for the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in 1791 and relocated to its current site in 1885. Within a few years, impressive structures began to emerge in the garden, like the Victoria Growth House, dedicated to the magnificent water lilies it shelters, and the Old Orangery, which features a range of tropical plants.
The larger Edvard Andersons Växthus (greenhouse) was inaugurated in 1995, in honor of one of the Royal Academy’s benefactors, housing plants from Mediterranean, rainforest, and desert environments.
Outside, visitors can wander through vegetable gardens, a Japanese pond, and woodland areas from across the Northern Hemisphere, finding peaceful spots to relax by the Brunnsviken.
11. Friends Arena
This modern multi-purpose arena was inaugurated in 2012 and serves as the home stadium for both the Swedish national football team and the local AIK Solna club.
With a seating capacity exceeding 54,000, it is the largest football stadium in the Nordic region.
The name “Friends Arena” derives from its sponsor, Swedbank, which has named it after an anti-bullying initiative it supports.
The stadium features a retractable roof and has hosted a variety of concerts in recent years, featuring artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Guns N’ Roses, and Ariana Grande.
For football enthusiasts, experiencing a match day during the Allsvenskan season, which runs from April to November, is a must.
12. Mall of Scandinavia
Adjacent to Friends Arena lies a vast shopping center, which became the second largest in Scandinavia upon its opening in 2015. Several features set this complex apart from typical malls.
One distinctive aspect is the impressive height of the storefronts, reaching eight meters, combined with modern interior design elements that enhance the shopping experience.
All major international brands, including H&M and Zara, are represented here, along with more than 20 restaurants and a plethora of leisure options.
The center also includes a bowling alley, a mini-golf course, and a 15-screen cinema.
Additionally, visitors should not miss the 500-seat IMAX theater, known for its record-breaking screenings.
13. Edsberg Castle
A pleasant drive to the northern shore of Edsviken leads to another striking property.
Edsberg Castle is easily recognizable due to its yellow façade and was commissioned by Thure Gustaf Rudbeck, a military officer and politician.
Although access to the house is not permitted, the stunning location provides sufficient motivation to visit.
In the summer, the vista extending down Edsviken from the terrace is a visual delight.
The café within the park (Café Brygghuset) offers delightful dining options, including mackerel, meatballs, or prawn sandwiches, allowing visitors to enjoy a coffee alongside an array of homemade pastries.
14. MC Collection
One of the ancillary buildings of Edsberg Palace features an exceptional motorcycle museum.
This private collection spans over a century, presenting motorcycles as mechanical works of art.
Among the vintage models are notable brands such as Indians, Harley Davidsons, and Husqvarnas, alongside modern racing bikes and conceptual designs showcasing technological advancements.
The museum boasts 400 motorcycles in its reserve, with 140 on display, offering fresh exhibitions every few months.
Each motorcycle is accompanied by descriptive information panels highlighting its origin, history, and manufacturer.
15. Stockholm
For those with limited time to experience the capital’s main attractions, we will strive to encapsulate Stockholm in just a succinct paragraph.
Gamla Stan, the historic old town, should certainly be on your itinerary, with its charming streets and alleyways resembling an outdoor museum.
Moreover, Skansen, established in 1891, stands as a legitimate outdoor museum and serves as a model for similar sites across Scandinavia and beyond.
This venue is located on Djurgården, a mini-universe of cultural and family destinations, including the Vasa Museum, home to a 17th-century warship, as well as the amusement park Gröna Lund.
Since water is central to Stockholm’s ambience, a ferry ride across Mälaren or a canal cruise should certainly be included in your plans.
One suggested route could lead to Sodermalm, which offers views of Gamla Stan across the water and houses some of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
