Kungsträdgården

Stockholm’s Central Park
Public park located in the heart of Stockholm


The Stockholm park I remember best from my early childhood is Kungsträdgården. I could spend hours there. I rode and “fed” the lion statues, played hopscotch with children I had never met before, and watched others play chess. Now you might not think that watching two people play chess sounds like much fun for a little girl, but the giant chessboard at Kungsträdgården attracts people of all ages. As the half-meter-high chess pieces move, a match often seems more like theater than a board game. If you’d like to try your hand at it, all you have to do is stand in line to play. Expect an audience, however—people do like to watch.

There is always something unexpected happening in Kungsträdgården. For instance, when national teams return from the Olympics or a world championship with medals around their necks, the people of Stockholm usually welcome them home in Kungsträdgården. The stage where the triumphant heroes meet their fans is also used for concerts, festivals and out-door theater. (You can read more about Theater in the Park performances in the Spectator sports and the arts section of this website.)

If you’re visiting Stockholm in the winter, the city operates a skating rink that is open to the public. You’ll hear everything from classical music to modern Swedish pop being played to inspire you while you skate. If you’re not traveling with your own skates, don’t worry, you can rent a pair here.

Kungsträdgården is surrounded by restaurants and cafés in every price class. So if you work up an appetite—which you will no matter what activity you choose—you won’t need to go hungry for long.