Stockholm City Hall

"The decision to build the hall was made in 1907, and an architectural competition followed, with notable submissions by Ragnar Östberg, Carl Westman, and others. Ultimately, Östberg was selected for the project, incorporating aspects of Westman’s design, particularly the tower. Construction began in 1911 and took twelve years, with nearly eight million red "munktegel" bricks used. These bricks are traditionally associated with monasteries and churches, adding to the building’s monumental presence. The City Hall was inaugurated on June 23, 1923, coinciding with what was believed to be the 400th anniversary of Gustav Vasa's entry into Stockholm, although the date was later corrected to July 4 due to calendar differences. The building exemplifies the National Romantic style, blending robust Northern European brickwork with whimsical elements inspired by Venetian Gothic architecture. The structure includes turrets adorned with golden stars, decorated balconies, and intricate statues. The tower, crowned with the Three Crowns, the national symbol of Sweden, stands 106 meters high and offers panoramic views of Stockholm. Two of the hall’s most famous interior spaces are the Blue Hall and the Golden Hall. The Blue Hall, which retains its name despite the absence of blue tiles originally planned, serves as the dining hall for the Nobel Prize banquets and houses Scandinavia’s largest organ, with 10,270 pipes. Above it lies the Golden Hall, adorned with stunning mosaics crafted from over 18 million tiles that depict scenes from Swedish history."

"Stockholm City Hall, a masterpiece of Swedish National Romanticism with its iconic spire and waterfront location, is a must-visit landmark. Renowned for hosting the Nobel Prize banquet, the interior boasts impressive halls, including the dazzling Golden Hall adorned with mosaics. Don't miss the opportunity to climb up the tower for sweeping panoramic views of the city, providing a breathtaking perspective of Stockholm's skyline and the surrounding islands."

"Stockholm's city hall is stunning. Its beautiful interior makes for an interesting visit and if you want to know more there are tours throughout the year. Located right next to the water its a great starting point if you want to take a scenic walk back to the city centre along the waterfront."