Söder Mälarstrand Waterfront Promenade (and Monteliusvägen)

During the height of the pandemic, I kept blogging... but mostly about beautiful walks in Stockholm, as that was just about all you could do during that time and I was hoping my posts could inspire future visitors to the city. While museums, shops and restaurants have all now reopened here in Stockholm, I figure I shouldn't stop blogging about walks. Especially as Stockholm, with so many parks, islands and waterfront promenades, is the best city I know to explore and enjoy by foot.

Canal near Långholmen

We have been having some nice weather here in Stockholm, so we took advantage of it the other day and had a nice, leisurely walk along the northern coast of the island of Södermalm. This promenade is called Söder Mälarstrand and is a little over 2 kilometers long, stretching from Hornstull in the west to Slussen in the east. It is a pleasant walk on a summer's day and gives you great views of the city. It isn't as well known as the more popular promenades at Norr Mälarstrand (just across the lake) and Strandvägen, which is probably because it is relatively new, only being completed in 1997.

We started at the bridge connecting Södermalm with the forested island of Långholmen (click here for article about this island), and started walking east. Along the way, there are many old boats of various sizes moored on the quay. Many of them have plaques explaining their history, which is interesting, and several have been refitted as bars or hostels. One is even a school for sailors! I actually mentioned one of these boats in a recent article about the Norwegian crown princess Märtha. You also have great views of the Stockholm City Hall and Riddarholm Church. just across the lake.

Walking up Torkel Knutssonsgatan

Slussen, at the far eastern end, is currently a major construction site (read more here). You can walk all the way, but we opted for a more scenic detour... Monteliusvägen! As you get closer to the end of the promenade, you will pass a large, beautiful red brick building. This is the old brewery Münchenbryggeriet (now a conference/event center). Right after the building, you have a street leading uphill into Södermalm called Torkel Knutssonsgatan. It is a little hard to explain, but you need to walk up and find the street Bastugatan (#48- map) and here you will find the western entrance to Monteliusvägen.

Monteliusvägen

Monteliusvägen is a picturesque trail that snakes along the heights of Södermalm. The views here are used on many Stockholm postcards and is a favorite Instagram spot. Near the ned of Monteliusvägen you will reach a cobblestone alley called Blecktornsgränd... just follow this alley down to Hotel Rival. Obviously, our hotel guests might find it easier to do this full walk in the opposite direction (starting at the hotel). Speaking of which, if you are staying at the hotel, talk to me for more detailed directions or tips for other nice walks.