Things to see and do in Stora Essingen
Stora Essingen sits just west of Lilla Essingen, separated by a narrow channel. It is larger than its neighbour but shares the same essential character — residential, unhurried, and almost entirely off the tourist map.
The island’s waterfront path is the main draw. It follows the shoreline around much of the island, with open views across Mälaren that shift as you walk — toward Kungsholmen and central Stockholm to the east, and the quieter western reaches of the lake beyond. The mix of older wooden villas and mid-century apartment buildings gives the streets an unpolished, lived-in feel that is harder to find closer to the city centre.
Stora Essingen has a longer industrial history than its surroundings might suggest. The Lux building — a former electrical factory built in the early 20th century — stands on the island’s eastern shore and has been converted into offices and restaurants. It’s a handsome brick building and worth a look, and the waterfront terrace outside it is a decent spot to stop.
Lux Dag för Dag is a well-regarded restaurant inside the old factory building, serving seasonal Nordic cooking with a focus on vegetables. It draws diners from across the city and is one of the few reasons visitors come here specifically rather than by accident.
The full perimeter walk takes around 45 minutes at an easy pace. Combined with Lilla Essingen and Reimersholme, Stora Essingen fits naturally into a half-day western island walk.
Getting to Stora Essingen
From T-Centralen, take the blue metro line to Fridhemsplan (two stops), from there change to bus 1 and get off at Stora Essingen bus stop.
