Liljeholmen is one of the districts in the southern part of Stockholm, just south of the island of Södermalm. Other neighboring districts are Aspudden, Gröndal, Midsommarkransen, Västberga, and Årsta. Liljeholmen is home to around 16,700 inhabitants as well as several larger businesses. The former industrial areas here have, however, more recently been developed into residential areas. One of the more noteworthy is Lövholmen, right at the shores of the small strait that separates Liljeholmen from Södermalm and the more central districts of Stockholm. There is, however, a center of its own to be found here next to the metro station.
A Short History of Liljeholmen
Industrial exploitation of the area had begun already in the 18th century. These industries also included the establishment of new residential areas in their vicinity. The railway arrived here in the 1860s and included a depot for maintenance. This meant that Årstadal became of of the first suburbs of Stockholm at the end of the 19th century, with a residential area that became known for its low quality, something that has been compared to a shanty town.
Brännkyrka Municipality, of which Liljeholmen was a part, was incorporated into Stockholm Municipality in 1913. The bridge between Liljeholmen and Södermalm, Årstabron, was completed in 1929. A few years later in 1934, Liljeholmen received the status as a district of the city of Stockholm. The 19th century also saw the development of more industries and offices in the area. Several residential developments have also taken place and one major commercial center was developed in the 1970s with Liljeholmstorget. Liljeholmstorget is the central square that was built on top of the metro station. The station itself opened in 1964.
More recently there has been a drive to replace many of the old industrial areas with residential areas. The central square Liljeholmstorget received an update in 2007 and the shopping center here opened in 2009. About the same time the waterfront of Liljeholmskajen was being developed as a new residential area.
Things to Do and See
Liljeholmen is today mostly a residential and office discrict of Stockholm. There is, however, quite a lot to explore here and it is a district in constant development. Enjoy the waterfront, or walk through one of the many parks. Maybe end it with a visit to the busy heart at Liljeholmstorget. The rest of Stockholm is also within easy reach with many means of communications, such as the metro, the tram or the many busses.
Liljeholmstorget
Liljeholmstorget is the central square and shopping center right next to the metro station and other commuter connections. The shopping center here opened in 2009 and is home to shops, restaurants, and other businesses.
Sjövikstorget
Sjövikstorget is a square at the waterfront. It neighbors both the residential area of Årstadal and the offices of Marievik. The square was inaugurated in 2009 and received the architect award Stenpriset in 2015.
Liljeholmsbron
Liljeholmsbron is the car and pedestrian bridge that connects Liljeholmen with the district of Södermalm. It is a bascule bridge and was first completed in 1928, with a second stage completed in 1954. The bridge offers some great views of the waterfronts of both Liljeholmen and Södermalm.
Årstabergsparken
Årstabergsparken is located on one of the hills, or mountains if directly translated from Swedish. It is a large park split into the four areas of Rävskogen, Sjövikskröken, Kråkberget, and Blockriket. All areas have their focus, with the shared attribute of always being close to nature. At the peak of the park, there is also a watch tower. From here you can see a large part of southern Stockholm.
Rävskogens Utsiktstorn
Rävskogens Utsiktstorn is the watch tower located in Årstabergsparken. The watch tower is built at the peak of the hill and includes four floors. reaching a height of around 11 meters. From where it is possible to see far out over Stockholm.
Lake Trekanten
Lake Trekanten, earlier known as Trehörningen, lies in the northwestern part of Liljeholmen, also bordering the district of Gröndal. This small lake has a walking path of around 1.75 kilometers along its shores. There are also park areas and a beach here. The beach Trekantenbadet was inaugurated in 1972 and is located in the district of Gröndal. Other activites here includes fishing and during the winter also ice skating. Fishing does, however, require a permit.
How to Get to Liljeholmen
- Flights: Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN), is to 46 kilometers to the north.
- Car: Liljeholmen lies along Road E4 just to the south of the center of Stockholm.
- Bus: Buses from SL connect Liljeholmen with the surrounding area.
- Metro: There is a metro stop in Liljeholmen that connects it to the rail network of Stockholm.
- Train: There are several railway stations nearby. There is Flemmingsberg, Årstaberg, and the Central Station in Stockholm to mention a few.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 6 kilometers (9 min)
- Gothenburg – 462 kilometers (4 h 40 min)
- Malmö – 606 kilometers (6 h 10 min)
- Linköping – 193 kilometers (2 h)
- Kiruna – 1239 kilometers (13 h 20 min)
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