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What’s the Big Deal with the Stockholm Metro?
You may be wondering why you see the Stockholm subway pop up on lists about the best things to do in Stockholm, Sweden. But let me tell you, this isn’t your average train line! Over 90% of the subway stations in Stockholm feature art. This is why you’ll frequently hear the Stockholm subway called the “world’s longest art gallery.” While visiting all of the subway stations that feature art would take a million hours, I only had 24 hours to see all of Stockholm, so I focused on 7 subway stations that were fairly centrally located around the central station, T-Centralen. There are 3 main train lines, the red line, the blue line, and the green line. I started my Stockholm subway art tour at the main hub, T-Centralen, because it was the closes to the Generator Hostel where I stayed (about a 12 minute walk). All three subway lines can be caught here, so feel free to start on any of the 3, the red, blue, or green, depending on where you’re staying. The signage is quite clear and even I, a directionally-challenged human, was able to follow along easily on my solo female travel adventure.
There are a couple of options for purchasing subway tickets – a full day pass or a single ticket that’s good for 75 minutes. The single ticket costs 39 SEK (about $4) as of September 2023 and a full day pass runs you 155 SEK (about $15). The best part about Stockholm’s subway is that you can use your credit card to simply tap and go as long as it has the contactless payment ability. It was so convenient to not have to stop at a vending machine and try and figure out the ticket system and instead just take my Hyatt Visa card and tap it at the entrance gates to the subway station at T-Centralen. My goal was to see as many “best” stations as possible in 75 minutes time. The Stockholm subway comes really frequently, about every 10 minutes in my experience, so it was just enough time to wander from one end of the metro station to the other before it was time to head back to the train and go to the next stop. It’s time to get the art tour moving!
Don’t forget to pack the cutest anti-theft backpack! This backpack is super chic and comes in a medium and a large size. The main backpack compartment rests against your back, so there’s no way for pick-pocketers to get into the bag while you’re wearing it. Genius! There’s a multi pocket organizer inside to help keep all of your items secure and right where you left them. It’s the best personal item for your Sweden trip.
I also can’t stop talking about my Allbirds Wool Runners. These shoes are a total staple in my travel wardrobe, no matter where the destination is. They come in a bunch of neutral colors, are machine washable, are made from recycled materials, and require zero breaking in! Seriously, I have walked miles and miles in these bad boys. Did I mention they’re water resistant and have a slip resistant bottom? They are the best! Grab ’em for your Stockholm adventure.
The Green Line
I started my journey, but again, you can pick any of the 3 lines to start your subway art tour. I chose to go to the furthest away station, and then head back centrally to switch lines. I took the green line towards Hasselby Strand to the stop called Thorildsplan. This is a super fun metro station featuring Mario Party artwork. It’s one of the few outdoor subway stations in Stockholm. It was fun to wander around the tunnel, checking out the retro-felling tile work – it took me back to my childhood playing with my dad’s original Gameboy! It was definitely a lighthearted subway art piece to start my journey with.
After taking a few snaps, I headed back towards T-Centralen on the opposite side of the station. One metro stop later and we arrive at Fridhemsplan. This is a funky subway station featuring artwork that looks like someone threw slime all over! It really brings out the texture of the cave-like walls. It made me feel like I was in a Marvel movie. In addition to the subway art at this stop, another plus is that you can transfer to the blue line from Fridhemsplan. Make your way to the blue line by following the signs, and head towards Akalla (paying careful attention so you don’t head towards Hjulsta which leaves from the same side of the station).
The Blue Line
After three stops, you’ll arrive at Solna Centrum station. This one definitely one of my favorite subway art pieces! As a nature lover, I really enjoyed looking at all of the mini paintings along the bright red walls featuring forest animals, trees, and people living/working in the outdoors. The red walls contrasted with the forest green was a sight to behold.
I stayed for quite a bit at this subway stop, making sure I got the chance to view all of the mini murals within the greater piece of art. However, my 75 minute timeline was ticking, so onward I went! Take the blue line back towards T-Centralen on the opposite side of where you arrived and make your way to Radhuset station.
Radhuset subway station features art that looks like lava caves. You’ll be surrounded by clay-colored walls in this subway stop. Some of the back walls have these darker brown stripes which adds to the earthy vibe. At one point within the subway station, I was delighted to find a statue of a shoe stuck on the ceiling (look in my photo above)! I wish I knew the story here, but it was a funny surprise to discover. Time to explore my favorite subway station art display that I visited, none other than T-Centralen! It’s only 1 stop away from Radhuset.
This metro station is just gorgeous as you get off of the train from Radhuset, featuring artwork in blue and white tones. Legend has it that the artist wanted to pay homage to the workers who helped build the subway line, so you can see various human silhouettes as you walk around this station.
Don’t forget to look up, the art on the ceiling of this subway station is gorgeous! Stroll around from one end of the station to the other to take in all the shades of blue within the murals. It definitely gives off a peaceful vibe. Next, we’re onto the red line. Make your way towards Morby Centrum (taking care not to head towards Ropsten) and exit at Tekniska Högskolan station.
The Red Line
Tekniska Högskolan definitely has some funky subway art. It’s giving me clouds meets ocean meets crystals. There’s a large latern-esque fixture paced in the middle of the station. The outer walls aren’t that exciting, but the subway vestibules between sides of the station are worth checking out to see these cool blue strokes on the ceiling.
Now, we’re headed to our seventh and final stop! Head back towards T-Centralen 1 stop until you reach Stadion station. This metro station is certainly a happy stop to end on! Stadion station is the first home of Stockholm’s subway art, and it’s said that the artist wanted to make people feel more comfortable with the idea of taking an underground train. Instead of being faced with the dark, dreary cave walls, the artist Ã…ke Pallarp wanted to bring the sky to the subway with his rainbow artwork. Take a look around after peeking at your watch to make sure you’re within the 75 minute single ride time limit! Thanks for joining me on my journey to see the 7 best subway station art in Stockholm!
