Some posts on this site contain affiliate links, which means if you book or purchase something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission. Read the full disclosure policy here.
If you go to Stockholm, make sure you reserve some time to visit the underground.
It may seem like strange advice, especially in a city as visually appealing as Stockholm, but I promise you there’s a good reason for you to spend some time underground.
And that reason is Stockholm’s subway stations covered in art.
There are 100 metro stations in the city of Stockholm. Bana Tunnel (T-bana) system, and about 90 of them have some form of artwork on them, making Stockholm’s metro system one of the longest-running art displays in the world.
While some stations only have sculptures or engravings or the occasional mosaic, others are completely adorned with striking murals and paintings.
After spending some time in Stockholm hopping from station to station, here are my picks for the best metro stations in Stockholm.
The best metro stations in Stockholm
The Stockholm metro system opened in 1950 and many of the stations were painted in the 1970s. Below are my favourite Stockholm metro stations that I think you should see for yourself!
1. T-central
Line: All lines (but especially blue lines)
T-centralen is Stockholm’s central station, where all the city’s lines converge (it’s also where the Arlanda Express airport train arrives and departs, as well as other regional trains). And it has some of my favorite metro art.
On the platforms of the Red and Green lines, you’ll find a wall covered in colored glass prisms.
And further down the Blue Line platforms, you’ll find a series of blue and white murals. On the upper level are silhouettes of workers—welders, carpenters, steelworkers, engineers, miners—honoring the men who built the subway.
Below, where the trains are, you’ll find a vine motif that seems to grow up the walls and ceiling of the tunnel. The artwork is by Per Olof Ultvedt.
I’m not going to lie: I went back to this station more than once to take pictures!
2. Solna Centre
Line: T11, Blue Line
You’ve probably already seen photos of this station. One of the escalators leading to the trains at Solna Centrum has been nicknamed “the gates of hell” because of the red and black paint visible on what looks like natural stone.
The rest of the station looks less sinister, with green trees and various animals and nature scenes. The artworks are by Karl-Olov Björk and Anders Åberg.
You’ve probably seen photos of this station before, and I definitely think it’s one of the best metro stations in Stockholm to take pictures of, because it’s so spectacular!
3. Stadium
Line: T14, Red Line
I’m not sure you can go to this station and not be happy. The main colour is sky blue and there are rainbows everywhere, including a huge one that stretches across the tunnel between the platforms.
Artists Enno Hallek and Åke Pallarp designed the station to commemorate the 1912 Stockholm Olympic Games (the rainbows represent the Olympic rings).
And while Solna Centrum may be more “famous”, I think Stadion was actually my favorite station in Stockholm to take pictures at.
4. Kungsträd Garden
Line: T10 and T11, Blue Line
This station, the King’s Garden, is painted in green and red tones and has checkered patterns, after a design by Ulrik Samuelson.
Along with the bright colours, you’ll also find a small archaeological museum here (near the Arsenalsgatan exit) with Roman columns and stone sculptures. The objects are remnants of Makalös Palace, which once stood on the site of today’s station.
5. Guest house
Line: T10 and T11, Blue Line
Stockholm City Hall Station (Country house The building, which means City Hall, has a very cavernous feel, with reddish-orange walls and a nod to the courthouse above, with large concrete columns. The artist was Sigvard Olson.
(And while this photo may make the station look similar to Solna Centrum, in person it’s quite a different color!)
6. Higher Technical School
Line: T14, Red Line
Just past the Stadion on the red T14 line, Tekniska Högskolan station is home to some cool sculptures and artwork on the roof by Lennart Mörk. It’s well worth a stop!
7. Huvudsta
Line: T10 Blue line
I actually ended up at this station by accident, as I had taken the wrong Blue Ling train when trying to get to Solna Centrum. But it ended up being a happy coincidence, as this one is also cool, with a nice dark green painted on the platform.
While these are my picks for the best (and certainly most photogenic) metro stations in Stockholm, these are of course just a few of them!
Other stations you may want to visit if you have more time include:
- Alby (with a green base design inspired by local petroglyphs)
- Thorildsplan (which has pixelated designs inspired by video games)
- Hötorget (with wavy neon lights on the roof)
- Tensta (which has designs reminiscent of cave paintings)
- Akalla (which is bright yellow)
How to see Stockholm’s metro stations
A 24-hour pass for the Stockholm metro costs 175 SEK (US$17) and a 72-hour pass costs 350 SEK (US$34). These passes also work on Stockholm buses, trams and ferries and are a good idea if you are staying in the city for a while.
A single metro ticket (bought from a ticket machine or on the SL app) costs 42 SEK (US$4) and can be used as much as you like within 75 minutes of purchase. You can certainly use it at several of these stations within 75 minutes if you don’t plan on using the metro enough to justify buying a transport card.
I recommend you do your own tour of Stockholm’s metro stations during the day on a weekday when there are fewer crowds, although it also works at night after rush hour.
Who’s ready to spend some time underground in Stockholm?
Save it for later!
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Dangerous Business Travel Blog. She has traveled to over 60 countries on 6 continents from her home base in Ohio, and specializes in thoughtful, experiential travel throughout the U.S., Europe, and the rest of the world. Amanda only shares tips based on her personal experiences and places she has actually traveled to!
