Solna

Solna [ˈsoːlˈna] is an autonomous municipality (kommun) immediately north of central Stockholm, forming part of Stockholms län (Stockholm County). With around 83,000 inhabitants packed into just 21 km², it is one of Sweden's most densely populated municipalities — yet it contains some of the Stockholm region's most expansive green spaces, including the royal Hagaparken. Solna has been a separate administrative unit since medieval times and gained city status in 1943, though it has long since been absorbed into Greater Stockholm's urban fabric.

The city's character is defined by contrasts: 18th-century royal pavilions and palaces sit alongside mid-20th-century suburban housing blocks, a national football arena holding 50,000 spectators neighbours tranquil lakeside parks, and Sweden's largest shopping mall stands a short walk from one of Scandinavia's oldest cemeteries. Solna is also an academic and medical hub — the Karolinska Institute, which awards the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, is headquartered here alongside the modern Karolinska University Hospital in the Hagastaden district.

Solna's climate is typical of the Stockholm region: a humid continental climate moderated by the Baltic Sea. Summers are mild and long (June–August daylight can exceed 18 hours), while winters are cold and dark (December–January daylight shrinks to around 6 hours). Average temperatures range from about −3°C in January to 20°C in July. Rainfall is moderate year-round, with slightly wetter months in July and August.

By Plane

Stockholm Bromma Airport (BMA) is located within Bromma, adjacent to Solna, and is the closest airport — roughly 5 km from Solna Centrum. It handles primarily domestic and short-range Scandinavian flights. From Bromma, taxi to central Solna costs around 150–200 kr; alternatively, bus 152 connects to the Tunnelbana (metro) green line.

The main international airport is Stockholm Arlanda (ARN), 40 km north of Solna. The Arlanda Express train runs to Stockholm Central Station in 20 minutes (around 340 kr one-way), from where the metro blue line reaches Solna Centrum in about 10 minutes. Commuter trains (pendeltåg) also connect Arlanda to Solna Station in roughly 40 minutes at a lower fare. Airport coaches (Flygbussarna) run to the City Terminal near Stockholm Central for around 119 kr.

By Train

Solna has two main rail stops. Solna Station (on the commuter rail pendeltåg network and the Tvärbanan light rail) sits beside the Mall of Scandinavia and Strawberry Arena. Solna Centrum is a station on the Tunnelbana blue line. The commuter rail connects Solna Station to Stockholm Central in about 8 minutes, and to Uppsala in about 35 minutes. SJ regional trains and Mälartåg services also call at Solna Station on some routes. Tickets are managed through the SL (Stockholms Lokaltrafik) system; a single ticket costs 42 kr (2025) and is valid for 75 minutes across all SL modes.

By Car / Road

Solna is ringed by major roads: the E4 motorway (European route 4) passes through its eastern edge, and the E18 connects westward toward Enköping and beyond. Driving from central Stockholm takes about 10–15 minutes without traffic, though rush-hour congestion on Tranebergsbron and surrounding roads can double this. Note that congestion charges (trängselskatt) apply on bridges and roads between Solna and inner Stockholm — automatic camera-based tolls that charge around 15–45 kr depending on the time of day. Parking is available at Mall of Scandinavia and Solna Centrum (around 20–30 kr/hour). Long-distance coaches (FlixBus, Vy Bus4You) serve Stockholm's City Terminal, from which Solna is a short metro ride away.

Solna is compact and well-served by Stockholm's public transport system (SL). The Tunnelbana blue line runs through the area with stations at Solna Centrum and Näckrosen. The Tvärbanan light rail connects Solna Station to Alvik (and onward to Söderort) in a scenic arc across Lake Mälaren. Commuter trains serve Solna Station. Bus lines fill the gaps — routes 3, 113, 117, and 507 are particularly useful within Solna. A single SL ticket (42 kr) covers metro, bus, light rail, and commuter rail within the county and is valid for 75 minutes. A 24-hour pass costs 165 kr; a 7-day pass costs 415 kr. The SL app is the easiest way to buy tickets.

Solna is highly walkable, especially around Hagaparken and the central areas. Cycling infrastructure is excellent — Stockholm's bike-share system (Stockholm City Bikes, seasonal April–October) has docking stations in Solna. Ride-hailing apps Bolt and Uber operate throughout the area. Taxi rates are deregulated; expect around 150–300 kr for a typical in-area trip. Always check the posted price on the window sticker before entering.

Palaces and parks

• Hagaparken — A vast, English-style royal park on the shores of Brunnsviken lake. Free and open year-round, it features rolling lawns, ancient oaks, and a network of walking paths. The park is the residence of Crown Princess Victoria and her family at Haga Palace (not open to visitors, but visible from outside). Pack a picnic and spend an afternoon exploring.
• Haga Park Museum (Haga Parkmuseum) — A small, free museum inside the park documenting its history from the 18th century forward. Open seasonally.
• Gustav III's Pavilion — A neoclassical royal pavilion on the shore of Brunnsviken, open to the public during summer months. Guided tours available.
• Ulriksdal Palace (Ulriksdals Slott) — A 17th-century royal palace set in a park along Edsviken bay. The palace is open to visitors in summer, with an orangery displaying 18th- and 19th-century sculpture. The palace theatre occasionally hosts performances.

Cemeteries and memorials

• Norra Begravningsplatsen (Northern Cemetery) — One of Scandinavia's largest cemeteries, founded in 1827. Notable graves include Ingrid Bergman, August Strindberg, Per Albin Hansson, and Folke Bernadotte. A peaceful, atmospheric place for a walk regardless of interest in any particular interred figure.

Museums and galleries

• Filmstaden (Greta Garbos väg 3) — The former Filmstaden studios where Ingmar Bergman directed several of his masterpieces and where Greta Garbo first caught Hollywood's eye. Now a museum (opened 1999) in a heritage-listed studio complex.
• Marabouparken — A sculpture park with a contemporary art gallery, originally built for the nearby Marabou chocolate factory. Free entry to the park; gallery hours vary.
• The Butterfly House (Fjärilshuset) — A tropical greenhouse in Hagaparken housing butterflies, frogs, reptiles, and a shark tank. Open year-round. Admission around 145 kr for adults.

Architecture and art

• Strawberry Arena (formerly Friends Arena) — The 50,000-seat national football stadium, opened 2012. Even without attending a match, the modern architecture is notable. Adjacent to Solna Station.
• Mall of Scandinavia — Sweden's largest shopping mall (220+ shops) with striking contemporary architecture and an IMAX cinema.
• Solna Centrum Tunnelbana station — One of Stockholm's famous decorated metro stations, featuring dramatic countryside murals beneath a red sky painted by artists Karl-Olov Björk and Anders Åberg in 1975.

Nearby (in adjacent Västerort)

• Bromma kyrka (Bromma Church) — Stockholm's oldest preserved building, a 12th-century round church with medieval frescoes. Bus 117 from Brommaplan.
• Tensta konsthall (Taxingegränd 10, T Tensta) — A critically acclaimed contemporary art gallery in the multicultural suburb of Tenstra. Open Tu–Su 12:00–17:00, free entry.

Football and spectator sports: Attending an AIK match at Strawberry Arena is a quintessential Stockholm experience. AIK's supporter culture is passionate — the atmosphere on derby days is electric. The arena also hosts the Swedish men's national team. Tickets start from around 150–300 kr for league matches. Solvalla hippodrome offers harness racing on Wednesday evenings and many weekends; the Elitloppet race in late May is the highlight of the trotting calendar. Free shuttle buses run from the City Terminal and Sundbyberg metro before race days.

Walking and nature: Hagaparken is the obvious draw — jog, walk, or cycle around Brunnsviken and Edsviken bays. In winter, the lake sometimes freezes enough for skating (check conditions locally). Fishing is permitted in Brunnsviken and Lake Mälaren but prohibited in smaller park waters. The park hosts free guided nature walks in summer.

Cultural outings: Filmstaden offers guided tours covering the golden age of Swedish cinema. Marabouparken hosts rotating contemporary art exhibitions and outdoor sculpture events. The Karolinska Institute campus in Hagastaden occasionally holds public lectures on medical science and the Nobel Prize.

Indoor skydiving: Bodyflight Stockholm (Bryggerivägen 16B, Bromma) offers indoor skydiving experiences for all ages in a wind tunnel facility — a unique activity for rainy days. Sessions from around 495 kr.

Bowling: Solna Bowling (Gåvägen 23) is a local favourite for a casual evening activity.

Golf: Ulriksdals Golfklubb offers an 18-hole course in a parkland setting near Edsviken bay, open to green-fee players.

Solna's dining scene spans quick mall eateries to refined Swedish restaurants. Swedish staples like meatballs (köttbullar), herring (sill), gravlax, and smörgåsbord are widely available, alongside international cuisines reflecting the area's diversity. Vegetarian and vegan options are common in most sit-down restaurants, consistent with Sweden's plant-forward dining trends.

• Budget — Tony's Pizzeria (Norrbyvägen 16, near T Bromma): Italian-style pizzas and grilled kebabs at very reasonable prices (pizzas from around 95 kr). A reliable neighbourhood spot.
• Mid-range — Sorbon (Kvarnbacksvägen 135, Bromma near T Brommaplan): A well-regarded local bistro with a loyal following, serving seasonal Scandinavian-inspired dishes. Mains around 180–280 kr.
• Mid-range — Restaurants at Mall of Scandinavia: The mall's dining quarter houses a wide selection — Vapiano (Italian), Max Burgers (Swedish fast-food chain, strong on sustainability), and various Asian and Middle Eastern options. Mains 100–200 kr.
• Splurge — Ulriksdals Wärdshus (Ulriksdals Slottspark): A high-end restaurant in the park of Ulriksdal Palace, known for its Swedish cuisine and traditional smörgåsbord. Mains from 295 kr, tasting menus available. A historic venue for a special meal.
• Splurge — Sjöpaviljongen (Tranebergs strand 4, near T Alvik): A waterfront restaurant with views over Lake Mälaren, serving contemporary Swedish and European dishes. Mains from 250 kr.

Stockholm's nightlife is centred on Södermalm and Stureplan, but Solna has its own pockets of evening life. The area around Strawberry Arena has several sports bars that fill up on match days. The Scandic Victoria Tower hotel (Arne Beurlings Torg 3) houses the Sky Bar on the 34th floor — the highest bar in the Stockholm region, offering panoramic views with a limited but atmospheric cocktail menu (drinks from around 140 kr). Around Solna Centrum, a handful of neighbourhood pubs and wine bars cater to locals.

Swedish coffee culture is strong — expect excellent filter coffee and fika (the ritual coffee-and-pastry break) at cafés throughout the area. Try a kanelbulle (cinnamon bun) with your coffee. For non-alcoholic options, Swedish elderflower cordial (fläder) and lingonberry juice are widely served. Tap water in Solna is excellent and safe to drink — there is no need to buy bottled water.

Alcohol above 3.5% ABV is only sold at Systembolaget stores (outlets at Solna Centrum and Mall of Scandinavia). Bars and restaurants serve alcohol, but Sweden's strict alcohol laws mean no supermarket sales of beer or wine above 3.5%.

Budget

• Mornington Hotel (Norrbyvägen 30, Bromma; +46 8 507 332 00): A sport-business hotel near Bromma Airport with gym, massage, and healthy breakfast. Rooms from around 452 kr on weekends, 796 kr on weekdays. Note: traffic noise on the front-facing side.
• Hotel Äppelviken (Västerled 14, Bromma; +46 72 334 59 09): A self-service hotel in a quiet residential neighbourhood. Mini rooms from 495 kr, doubles from 995 kr. Functional and affordable.
• Ängby Camping (Blackebergsvägen, near T Ängbyplan; +46 8 370 42 00): A well-maintained campsite near Lake Mälaren with cabins (from 450 kr) and tent pitches (225 kr). Showers, laundry, mini-market, and a beach within walking distance. Night bus 198 connects to central Stockholm when the metro stops running.

Mid-range

• ibis Styles Stockholm Järva (Vallgatan 7; +46 8 120 90 100): A modern budget-to-mid-range hotel between the Järva Krog motorway interchange and Ulriksdal commuter rail station. Rooms from around 765 kr. Colourful, contemporary interiors.
• Scandic Järva Krog (Vallgatan 2; +46 8 400 127 00): A reliable Scandic chain hotel near the E4 motorway, convenient for Arlanda Airport access. Rooms from around 900 kr. Breakfast included.

Upscale

• Courtyard by Marriott Stockholm (Råsta strandväg 1, Hagastaden/Solna; +46 8 546 004 00): A modern upscale hotel in the Hagastaden development near Karolinska Hospital, with well-appointed rooms, a fitness centre, and on-site dining. Rooms from around 1,400 kr.
• Scandic Friends Solna (adjacent to Strawberry Arena): A newer Scandic property catering to arena visitors and business travellers, with contemporary Scandinavian design. Rooms from around 1,200 kr.

Solna is a strong shopping destination, headlined by Sweden's largest mall.

• Mall of Scandinavia (adjacent to Solna Station) — Over 220 stores covering fashion, electronics, home goods, and more. Notable Swedish brands include H&M, Acne Studios, and Filippa K. The IMAX cinema, restaurants, and cafés make it a full-day outing. Open Mon–Fri 10:00–20:00, Sat 10:00–18:00, Sun 11:00–18:00.
• Solna Centrum (Solna torg 13) — A smaller neighbourhood mall for everyday needs: groceries, pharmacy, clothing basics. Mon–Fri 10:00–19:00, Sat 10:00–17:00, Sun 11:00–17:00.
• Kista Galleria (T Kista, technically in Västerort/Järfälla border) — A large mall known for late opening hours (10:00–21:00 daily), with a diverse food court reflecting the multicultural Kista neighbourhood.
• Rinkebystråket — A shopping street opened in 2016, known for ethnic food shops and multicultural grocery stores — a good spot for spices, halal products, and global ingredients.

Local specialties to look for: Swedish design items (glassware, textiles, ceramics) are widely available. The Marabou brand (Swedish chocolate, produced historically in Solna) makes an apt souvenir. Systembolaget (the state alcohol monopoly) has outlets at Solna Centrum and the Mall of Scandinavia for Swedish craft beers and snaps.

• Stockholm city centre (8 km, 10 min by metro): Sweden's capital — Gamla Stan (Old Town), the Vasa Museum, Djurgården, and world-class dining and nightlife.
• Drottningholm Palace (15 km west, 30 min by bus): The Swedish royal family's residence and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a Chinese Pavilion and a baroque theatre. Accessible by bus from Brommaplan or by ferry from Stadshuskajen in summer.
• Uppsala (70 km north, 40 min by commuter rail or 50 min by car): Sweden's university city with a medieval cathedral, Viking-era burial mounds at Gamla Uppsala, and a lively student culture.
• Sigtuna (45 km north, 45 min by car): Sweden's oldest town, founded in 980 AD, with medieval ruins, a charming main street, and lakeside cafés.
• Ekerö / Mälaren islands (20 km west, 30 min by car or bus from Brommaplan): The pastoral island of Ekerö offers hiking, the Drottningholm grounds, and views across Lake Mälaren.
• Södertälje (40 km southwest, 35 min by commuter rail): An industrial harbour town with the Tom Tits Experiment science centre and a surprisingly old town centre.