Sodermalm
Stockholm, Sweden
This up-and-coming island district in central Stockholm was once considered the slum of the city. But today Södermalm, often referred to simply as “Söder” (Swedish for “south”), is the bohemian sector of the area full of hip cafes, cool vintage shops, and fantastic waterfront views.
The Basics
Some of the walking and sight-seeing tours of Stockholm include Södermalm as a stop on the itinerary, and there are also tours focused exclusively on the district. Each neighborhood is unique in its own right. Slussen, for example, is a major transportation hub and has an eclectic international feel, whereas Mariatorget is a perfect blend of old and new and features cool pubs and cafes. For shopping check out Götgatan and for outstanding vistas of the city head up to Monteliusvägen, a .25-mile (500-meter) long walking path with views of Lake Mälaren, Stockholm City Hall, and Riddarholmen.
Things to Know Before You Go
- While not known for being the hub for cultural institutes, Södermalm does have a few museums and churches including the Stockholm City Museum and Högalid Church.
- Although different modes of transportation are available, wear comfortable walking shoes as the district is easily traversed by foot, which provides more sight-seeing opportunities.
- This district is popular with the younger residents and is truly an urban island, so if history is what you’re looking for consider touring Gamla Stan.
- The area is also known for its burgeoning vegetarian food scene.
How to Get There
Södermalm is connected to other parts of Stockholm by several bridges. The most popular way, amongst tourists, to access the island is via Gamla Stan (Old Town). By car it is roughly a 10-minute drive, though you can take the red metro line to Mariatorget and the green metro line to Medborgarplatsen.
When to Get There
Most tours to Södermalm take place in the afternoon once all the cafes and shops are open. Consider visiting around later in the afternoon to catch the sunset from the Monteliusvägen promenade before experiencing the area's bustling nightlife. Be wary when walking by the water in the winter as conditions can get icy.
Explore Like a Södermalm Local
While there are several places to wander, shop, eat, and drink head to the waterfront Hornstull Strand neighborhood. Featuring nice walking paths and parks, the region is best known for the Hornstull Marknad, a huge outdoor market that sells new and used goods every Saturday and Sunday from April to September. It is also where you’ll find Stockholm’s food truck scene.
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