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Architectural endeavor is a native treasure in Sweden; the home of build-it-yourself IKEA is proof of that. But better than shelves that fit together for perfect feng shui in your living room, the classic, pre-modern, modern, post modern, and post post modern (just kidding) pieces that grow out of Sweden’s cities are more than buildings, they’re pillars of the national identity, and a must-see if you’re ever headed that way. Only thing to remember before checking out the sights is making sure you’re camera ready!
Turning Torso
Not only is this the tallest view in Sweden, but this Malmö apartment building is the tallest in Scandanavia, which definitely makes the penthouse of this skyscraper have one killer view. Barely ten years old and equipped with 54 floors, the picturesque skyscraper is designed after a piece by Calatrava of the same name, of a twisting human torso, and the ten radiating pentagons look just like the spine they’re built after.
Victoria Tower
Sweden’s version of a modern fairy tale, the glass-covered Victoria Tower cropped up between it’s capital city and the airport in 2011 and stole it’s way into the hearts of design world from then on. With a restaurant, conference area, and hotel that caters to the high-tech taste of the area, it’s certainly 34-stories of pure architectural genius. If you’re going to take pics, don’t forget two things: first, make sure you’ve got a way to snap a shot and upload to Instagram and then head to the sky bar for a cocktail from the best seat in the house.
Aula Medica
If you want to be Nobel lecture ready, you better pull out all the architectural stops. For the Karolinska Institute, it just meant agreeing to finally put into motion Ture Rydberg’s plans from 1937, where they had been shelved due to budget. Not only is the swooping, geometric space covered in triangular shapes that create a cohesive and lean building wonder, but Aula Medica energy efficient too. With a 1,000 seat lecture hall, two restaurants and a cafe, the university is geared up and ready to host the esteemed Nobel lectures, as well as huge scientific conventions and symposium that are planned to take place.
Sven-Harrys Museum
Spectacular when lit up with a golden glow at night, the Sven-Harrys Museum pulls exhibitions from great artists like Karin Mamma Andersson, Karin Broos, and Lage Lindell and it isn’t a mystery to see why. The extravagant brass exterior lights up the landscape even in the sunshine and the three-floored museum is reminiscent of an 18th century Swedish country manor filled with national treasures. Take a walk along the rooftop terrace at sunset and get not only a great panoramic view, but you can watch the fading rays dance along the outer building—there’s very little out there more picturesque.
Stockholm Waterfront Congress Centre
Taking cue from the Sydney Opera House and it’s killer location, the Stockholm Waterfront Congress Centre strikes an equally majestic and impressive figure in the Stockholm harbor with it’s curved stainless steel rod exterior and it’s quickly becoming as important to the cultural makeup of the city. Steps from the Central Station and twice as energy efficient as the EU “Green Building” standard, the Congress Centre is quickly becoming the city’s rockstar.
K:fem Shopping Centre
Built off of a traditional 1950’s design scheme, the K:fem is anything but vintage or old school and is only full on modern. With a milky white glass exterior from which bright red lights shine through, the upscale fashion center interior caters to the exterior boldness; with transparent glass stenciled with cutout dots, the new department store is a testament to the streamlined aesthetic so popular—and efficient—in Swedish design. When you come for a look, also come to shop; the fashion inside is equally as inspiring as the building it’s housed in.
Stockholm Public Library
One of the city’s most visited buildings, the library’s main design draw is it’s colossal rotunda that’s filled to capacity with books. Of all the buildings in Sweden to visit, this one is the most classically decorated, with bright red brick outfitting the cylindrical design that is so removed from the stark modern aesthetic so common in Sweden’s other architectural wonders. Go for the building, but stay for the opportunity to peruse their book collection.
Some tourists like the beach, others like to get lots in the markets, but if you’re heading to Sweden, make sure you take ample time to check out the architectural greatness of the city—it’s certainly not to be missed!
Have a favorite building not on this list? Send us a name and a killer picture and we’ll check it out!
