Stockholm/Östermalm

Östermalm [østərˈmalm] is a borough in north-eastern Stockholm, bordering Norrmalm and Vasastan at Birger Jarlsgatan, one of Stockholm's longest streets. The core of Östermalm consists of 19th century city-blocks, combined with vibrant tree-lined boulevards and upmarket shopping. The outer part of Östermalm contains several universities and colleges, as well as the harbour area with two cruise ship terminals, and Djurgården (with a separate article), a park island with many popular museums.

Understand

 * I live on Sturegatan, so there is some importance in the things I say! – A telephone complaint to Swedish Television. Made in 1966, it later turned to a catchphrase to illustrate the self-image of Östermalm. Ironically, the TV studio is a short walk from Sturegatan.

Östermalm is rich with history. Since Medieval times, the lands were known as Ladugårdslandet ("the barn land"), and consisted of royal farms. With the rise of the Swedish Empire during the 17th century, the area was militarised, with army quarters, and a drill field, Gärdet [ˈjæˈɖet], clear and open until today. In the late 19th century, the bourgeois had palatial residence blocks built along the waterfront, and the name Östermalm came into use. During the 1930s, a part of the drill field gave way to a row of plain, square modernist apartment houses, which came to inspire similar projects around the world.

The Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Stockholm University, and several smaller seats of learning (Royal College of Music, University of Dance and Circus, Defense Academy etc), are in Norra Djurgården.

The harbour area, consisting of Värtahamnen, Frihamnen and Loudden was built up from the late 19th century. Today the freighters are fewer, and the harbour mostly receives Baltic Sea ferries as well as international cruiseferries. The centre of the Swedish television and motion picture industry, much of it in decommissioned warehouses in the harbour, contributes to the timeless glamour of Östermalm.

Get in
Östermalm is easily accessed by different forms of transport, as described in Stockholm and on the public transport authority SL's website.

Many cruise ships dock at Värtahamnen [ˈvæʈaˈhamnən] and Frihamnen (if not at Södermalm). The docks are barely within walking distance from the subway station Gärdet. Taxicabs usually line up at the terminal, and as usual in Stockholm, beware of rip-off fares, and check the yellow price tag!


 * The red line of the subway has several stations in Östermalm. In the centre of Östermalm is the station Östermalmstorg [østərmalmstˈɔrj] serving the Stureplan [ˈstʉrəˈplɑːn] and Östermalmstorg area of the district.


 * The tram Spårväg City [ˈsporˈvɛːg ˈsɪtʏ] runs from the Central Station (Norrmalm) along Strandvägen to Djurgården making it a very scenic way to travel with ease.

See
Östermalm contains several museums, and other institutions of culture. At Sturegatan and Karlavägen you can find many art galleries. See Stockholm waterfront palace tour for a walking tour along the palatial buildings of Strandvägen.



Gärdet and Stockholm Harbour




Norra Djurgården and Frescati

 * The museum contains Cosmonova, Sweden's only IMAX Dome cinema.
 * The museum contains Cosmonova, Sweden's only IMAX Dome cinema.

Do






Buy
Stureplan and the surrounding streets have many shopping opportunities for the well-to-do. Of course, most museums have souvenir shops.







Eat
Dining in Östermalm can be costly, and fast-food and ethnic restaurants that dominate the budget bracket in Stockholm are fewer than in other districts. Östermalm has however many good spots for a picnic, if the weather allows.

Mid-range




Drink

 * The student unions at KTH (T Tekniska Högskolan) and Stockholm University (T Universitetet) hold pubs on weeknights at various campus locations, except during summer months. If you can read Swedish, you'll find a list at Fester.nu.
 * Other pubs are at Konsulatet (Brinellvägen 26A) and T-Centralen (not to be confused with the subway station of the same name).
 * At T-Universitetet is Allhuset and Gröna Villan.
 * At T-Universitetet is Allhuset and Gröna Villan.

Stureplan and Östermalmstorg
Stureplan is a nightlife hub at the border between Östermalm and Norrmalm. Expect long lines and high cover charges at weekend nights; get out before midnight.



Stay safe
While Östermalm is generally safe, most risks come with nightlife. Drunk violence, pickpocketing and reckless driving can be a nuisance at weekend nights, in particular around Stureplan. Offers for a taxi ride can be for an illegal or overpriced cab; check the price tag in the right window, and the yellow license plate.