Things to see and do in Långholmen
Långholmen is a small island wedged between Södermalm and Kungsholmen, and it offers something increasingly rare in Stockholm’s inner city — proper nature. Wooded walking paths circle the island, and in summer the rocky shoreline fills with swimmers and sunbathers. It has the feel of an island retreat without actually leaving the city.
Långholmsbadet is the main beach, a popular spot from June through August. The water is clean, there are grassy areas to spread out on, and the views across to Södermalm are good. Arrive early on warm weekends — it gets busy.
Långholmen Hotel & Vandrarhem occupies the island’s former prison, which operated from 1724 until 1975. Guests sleep in converted cells, and the building’s history is documented throughout. Whether you stay here or not, the exterior and the story behind it are worth a look. It’s one of the more unusual places to spend a night in Stockholm.
The walking and cycling paths that ring the island take around 20 minutes on bike, or 60 minutes on foot at a relaxed pace — manageable even with young children. The interior of the island is green and quiet, popular with locals looking to escape the city noise for an hour.
Getting to Långholmen
From T-Centralen, take the red metro line to Hornstull (five stops) and walk north across Långholmsbron — around five minutes on foot. The island is also reachable on foot from Kungsholmen via Västerbron.
