Come to Sergels Torg to admire famous Stockholm buildings, watch street performers and theatre shows and enjoy free cultural events. Sergels Torg is Stockholm’s most central public square and has two open levels. It takes its name from a local neoclassical sculptor, Johan Tobias Sergel. He lived and worked nearby during the 18th century.
Stop first to look at the Kristallvertikalccent, a glass obelisk that dominates the square’s upper level. Swedish sculptor Edvin Öhrström designed this 123-feet (37–metre) tall tower in 1974. It stands in the middle of a fountain and lights up at night. Walk down the stairs to the lower level to find a pedestrianized precinct with a triangular floor pattern. It’s a popular location for street performers and demonstrations. This level has an underground shopping centre, too.
The lower level is an important venue during the Stockholm Culture Festival. Enjoy free events, such as live music and dance shows. The square also hosts a Christmas market, where you can shop for handicrafts and try traditional Swedish food and drink.
On the south side of the square is the Kulturehuset. This seven-level cultural centre is home to design shops, art galleries and workshops, a children’s library and bars and cafés. While here, attend a show at Stockholms Stadsteater, the city theatre. It has stages for audiences ranging in number from 60 to 700.
Go to the north side of the square to see the Hötorget buildings. Built in the 1950s, this collection of five high-rise towers is a symbol of the city’s modernist architecture.
Sergels Torg marks the heart of Stockholm’s city centre. It’s within walking distance of major city attractions, including King’s Garden and Gamla Stan (Old Town). Buses and trams stop on the square’s surrounding streets. Running north from the square is Sveavägen, one of Stockholm’s busiest streets. It connects Sergels Torg with Hagaparken. Visit the cultural centre and theatre’s official websites for opening times and event prices. Find an event schedule on the Stockholm Culture Festival’s official website.
