Att göra i Solna - 15 aktiviteter och upplevelser

What can you do in Solna? We have lived in Solna for eight years, and before that we lived in the neighbouring municipality of Sundbyberg. Now in times of corona, we've been looking around in our neighbourhood. Here are our best tips for activities and experiences in Solna.

Table of contents

Solna

Solna is a vibrant municipality with great variety. It has everything from nature and royal castles to shopping centres and research institutions. The name probably means 'Sun Island' and that sounds nice, doesn't it?

Solna belongs to Stockholm County and is located just north-west of the capital. The municipality borders the city of Stockholm and Sundbyberg, and with water in between also the municipality of Danderyd.

What can you do in Solna?

So what can you see and do in Solna? All sorts of things actually! We have collected our best tips here in a list.

1. Birdwatching at Lake Råsta

Råstasjön is a fantastic bird lake located in the Råsunda district of Solna, not far from Friends Arena and the Mall of Scandinavia indoor centre. The nature of the Råstasjön nature reserve is green and beautiful, and it's great for walking. You can also spot many different kinds of birds.

The lake is home to some 100 bird species, including ducks, swans, grebes, swamphens, brown ducks, laughing gulls and reed warblers. Around the lake you can also see terns and goshawks and, depending on the season, birds such as herring gulls, nightingales, robins and herons. The herons live most of the year at Isbladskärret on Djurgården, but move to Solna in winter.

READ MORE: Lötsjön and Råstasjön - nature in Solna and Sundbyberg

2. Shop at Westfield Mall of Scandinavia

The Westfield Mall of Scandinavia is a very large and modern shopping centre with hundreds of shops and restaurants. There are almost 70 clothing stores, as well as shops selling electronics, furnishings and sports equipment. When you get hungry, you can eat Italian, Lebanese or Asian food - why not try 'Kaiten', or conveyor belt sushi?

The mall also has a huge cinema (currently closed) with 15 screens, including an IMAX screen and four luxurious VIP screens. O'Learys also offers activities such as billiards, bowling, mini-golf and much more.

READ MORE: Mall of Scandinavia - super mall in Solna, Sweden
READ MORE: An evening in the Mall of Scandinavia - when the shops are closed
READ MORE: Sushi on a conveyor belt in Mall of Scandinavia

3. Experiencing events in Friends Arena

In these pandemic times, major events are of course cancelled, but when talking about what you can do in Solna under normal circumstances, you can't help but mention Friends Arena. Lots of big sports and music events are usually organised here. The photo below is from when we visited one. gala in the Friends Arena a few years ago.

4. Strolling in Haga Park

Haga Park in Solna is a wonderful place to stroll among castles, gazebos and pavilions from the time of Gustav III. Gustav III had the park built in the 18th century, and our current king, Carl XVI Gustaf, grew up in Haga Palace with his sisters. Today, Crown Princess Victoria and Daniel live in Haga Palace, and the palace and surrounding gardens are the only part of the park that feels private.

In Gustav III's time, it was fashionable to create 'English parks', which should feel natural and offer surprises at the same time. As you stroll around the green Haga Park, you will come across exciting buildings such as the Turkish kiosk and the Eco Temple. You'll also find Gustav III's pavilion from 1789 and the Copper Tents, now a café and inn.

READ MORE: Hagaparken in Solna - castles, gazebos and pavilions

5. See exotic butterflies in the Haga Ocean Butterfly House.

The Haga Ocean Butterfly House is located in Haga Park, just behind the Copper Tents, not far from the northern gates of Haga. People come here to see exotic butterflies, among other things. You can expect to find at least 700 butterflies on the premises when you visit, and several thousand butterflies live here in a year.

In addition to butterflies, you can also see lizards, frogs, Chinese dwarf quail and various types of fish. Today there is also a 30 metre long aquarium with large sharks. Another reason to visit here, at least on a chilly and drizzly day, is that the daytime temperature never drops below 25 degrees.

READ MORE: The Butterfly House in Haga - tropical climate, butterflies and sharks

6. Check out the Olle Olsson Hagalund neighbourhood

The Olle Olsson Hagalund block is a museum block with a museum, café, workshops and artists' studios. The fine house was built in 1897 by master carpenter Carl Jakob Brolin. His son Conny Olsson and his wife also lived in the house and then their son, the artist Olle Olsson Hagalund, lived in the house all his life.

Olle Olsson Hagalund Museum showcases an artist's home with original furnishings from when Olle Olsson lived here with his family. The block also hosts innovative programmes focusing on creativity, as well as guided city walks and bike tours. Please note that activities may be limited during the pandemic.

7. Learn about film stars at Filmstaden Råsunda.

Filmstaden Råsunda now serves as a cinema, although it is currently closed due to the pandemic. This used to be Sweden's Hollywood. Over 400 films were shot here, and the ground was trodden by celebrities such as Ingmar Bergman, Ingrid Bergman and Greta Garbo.

Last year, 2020, Filmstaden celebrated the 100th anniversary of the opening of its premises. There is now an outdoor exhibition where you can read about film history from 1919-1920, when the land was bought from a former ostrich farm, to 1999 when the last film was shot. There is also a restaurant and waffle café in the area.

READ MORE: Filmstaden Råsunda in Solna - 100 years of film history

8. Visit the Charlottenburg Heritage Centre

Charlottenburg, located in the Vasalund neighbourhood, is Solna's homestead and local history museum. The museum is currently closed due to the pandemic, but according to the museum's website, guided walks with small groups are planned.

The farm, built in 1801, is now over 200 years old. The house was built by Adolf Fredrik Wijnblad, who owned both Frösunda and Brahelund farms and was the supervisor of several of Gustav III's construction projects in Hagparken. The farm was named after the builder's wife Charlotta. Outside the courtyard there is an old-fashioned garden with a monolith and a small park with an ancient burial ground from the early Iron Age (400-1050 AD).

Göra i Solna - Charlottenburgs hembygsgård

9. Explore the area around Karolinska Institutet and Hagastaden.

The area around Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska Hospital is of course mainly for those who research, study or work at the hospital or university. At the same time, this is an exciting area that is constantly changing, with many new buildings rising right next to the history. One example is Karolinska Institutet's futuristic Aula Medica (where you'll find a lunch restaurant) located just behind the old Tiondeladan.

Hagastaden is the name of a cross-border urban development project that includes both Stockholm and Solna. The area includes both Karolinska Hospital and the former railway yard for Stockholm's northern station, and will become a new neighbourhood. A lot is happening here!

10. Strolling at Ulriksdal Castle and Castle Park

Ulriksdal Palace is one of the eleven royal palaces in Sweden and offers a beautiful setting with a palace park, orangery and commercial garden. The castle, which was built in the 17th century, is usually shown during guided tours. You can also see the Orangery Museum, with the National Museum's large collection of Swedish sculptures.

The Ulriksdal Palace Park is a great place to stroll around, including the sculpture 'The Net-Drawing Moors'. You can also take a look at the castle chapel and sometimes theatre is shown at Confidencen, which is actually Sweden's oldest rococo theatre. If you prefer to shop for flowers and coffee, you can do so in the beautiful commercial garden.

READ MORE: Ulriksdal Palace and Park - Royal Palace in Solna, Sweden

11. Holidaying at Frösundavik

Frösundavik is located next to the beautiful Brunnsviken and Haga Park. Here you will find the Radisson Royal Blu Park Hotel, which is housed in a large and grand building near the water. At the back of the hotel there is a cosy outdoor terrace overlooking the water, where live music is sometimes played. The hotel is also home to the Haga Health Club, with a pool, spa, treatments and training.

12. Walk around the beautiful Northern Cemetery.

Solna Church is a lovely little round church from the 12th century. Next to the church is Norra begravningsplatsen, which is surprisingly beautiful and peaceful to walk around. There is also Lindhagen Hill, with impressive mausoleums from the early 20th century.

Many famous people are buried at Norra begravningsplatsen. The Bernadotte grave, for example, is located here. Other famous people who have been laid to rest here include Ingrid Bergman, Siri von Essen, Per Albin Hansson, Ivar Krueger, Vilhelm Moberg, Alfred Nobel, Jenny Nyström and August Strindberg.

READ MORE: Solna church - and beautiful northern cemetery

13. brunch at restaurant K4 in Pampas marina

Pampas marina offers a pleasant environment with houseboats, leisure boats and a restaurant where it is cosy both inside and on the outdoor terrace. The restaurant serves a really good brunch with lots of vegetables and good quality ingredients.

Once you've finished eating, you can walk out onto the piers and enjoy the view. If you're lucky, you might see the heron that hangs out here, or maybe some swans. In the Pampas marina you can also rent a canoe if you feel like it.

READ MORE: Pampas marina in Solna - all you need to know
READ MORE: Brunch in Stockholm - try K4 in Pampas marina

14. Hanging out in the area around Huvudsta farm

Huvudsta Farm is a mansion located in the Huvudsta neighbourhood on the northern side of Lake Ulvsunda. The farm has belonged to several famous families and was once the scene of a murder plot. It was here, in the home of Count Claes Fredrik Horn, that Count Adolph Ludvig Ribbing and Captain Johan Jacob Ankarström planned the murder of King Gustav III.

The farm is currently used for conference activities. However, there is a lot more to discover in the area around the farm. Here you will find Huvudstabadet (a temperate outdoor pool), Café Båthuset, Augustendal's 4H farm and a Pep Park (a park that will inspire play, movement and everyday exercise). It is also close to the cosy restaurant Grodhavet.

READ MORE: Huvudsta farm in Solna - murder story and beautiful surroundings

15. Jogging in Karlberg Castle Park

Karlberg Castle dates back to the 17th century and gained its castle character when Gabriel de La Gardie acquired it and had it rebuilt. In 1688, the castle became royal property and remained so until 1792, when Gustav III established the Royal War Academy at Karlberg. Today, professional officers are trained here.

Karlberg Castle Park is located just behind Karlberg Castle, and consists of a green and wild park with several different jogging trails. There are also some surprising sights, such as Charles XII's oak tree, a rune stone, Pompe's tomb and the Temple of Neptune.

READ MORE: Karlberg Castle Park - jogging trails and attractions

More to do in Solna for food, culture and history lovers

There is of course even more to see and do in Solna. Here are some more tips and suggestions for those who enjoy food, culture and history:

The Winery Hotel is a Swedish wine hotel with its own wine production at the hotel and its own Terreno vineyard in Tuscany.
Hotel Giò is a meeting place for everyone who wants to live and eat, meet and work.
Solna centre is another indoor centre in Solna, with shops, restaurants and more.
Överjärva farm is a cultural-historical environment that has been inhabited since the 4th century. Today it houses a café, a nature school, craftsmen's stalls and a museum about the statue era.
Hagalund water tower from 1912 is now closed, but has a great view of Stockholm. Since the area is popularly known as Blåkulla, it has been speculated that this is the witch's tower. And apparently a witches' club used to meet here.

More things to do in Solna for those who like nature and outdoor activities

There is of course also more to do in Solna for those who like nature and sports. Solna is a city with many parks and sports facilities. Here are some tips:

Bockholmen, which is part of Bergshamra, is an island with an archipelago feel, hiking trails and ancient graves. The site is part of the Royal National City Park.
Brunnsviken Garden & Café is a commercial garden with plants and a café.
Mulle Mecks playground is a theme park in Järvastaden.
Tivoli Park is located on a tongue of land in the northern part of Brunnsviken. The park is part of the National City Park.
Ulriksdal Nature Reserve is located in the neighbourhood of Ulriksdal Castle.
Igelbäckens nature reserve extends into northern Solna.

More to see and do in the neighbourhood of Solna

Right next to Solna is the charming Sundbybergwhich is also a cosy municipality. In Sumpan you will find many nice restaurants, a nice lake and a lovely nature reserve. It is also not far to Stockholm with its wide range of restaurants, museums and attractions.

Even more tips for things to do in Solna?

Have you been to Solna? Tell us about your experiences and your relationship with the city! Do you have even more tips on things to see and do in Solna?

Facts about Solna

Landscape: Uppland
County: Stockholm County
Population: 83 000 (2020)
The name: The name Solna is first mentioned in 1305 as 'Solnö'. The prefix is "soln" (sun) and the name may mean "the sunlit island", as Solna was once an island stretching from the present Bällstaviken and Råstasjön in the west to Stora Värtan in the east.
Read more: You can find more information at the city's website.

Restaurants and hotels in Solna

Budda Khan Teppanyaki, Westfield Mall of Scandinavia
Restaurant Frog Sea, Karlberg beach 12
Restaurant K4 Pampas, Karlberg beach 4C
Hotel Giò, Råsundavägen 1
Quality Hotel Friends, Råsta strandväg 1
Radisson Royal Blu Park Hotel, Frösundaviks allé 15
The Winery Hotel, Rosenborgsgatan 20

Attractions and museums in Solna

Charlottenburg Heritage Centre, Bollgatan 12
Filmstaden Råsunda, Greta Garbos väg 11-13
Friends Arena, Råsta Strandväg 1
Huvudsta farm, Huvudsta Allé 21
Karlberg Castle, Karlbergs slottsväg 1
Karolinska Institute, Solnavägen 1
Olle Olsson Hagalund, Spetsgatan 2
Solna church, Prostvägen 14
Ulriksdal Castle, Slottsallén, Solna
Överjärva farm, Överjärva farm road

Find to Solna

Car: From Stockholm to Solna, take Klarastrandsleden and then the E4 northwards. Turn left on Frösundaleden.
Bicycle: There are cycle paths from both Stockholm and Sundbyberg.
Underground railway: Solna has several metro stations: Solna centrum, Solna Strand, Näckrosen, Huvudsta and Västra skogen. In the future, new stations are planned along the 'yellow line': Hagastaden, Södra Hagalund and Arenastaden.
Buses: More buses run to and through Solna. Search for routes on sl.se.
Cross-country railway: The "Solna line" of the metro goes to Solna Business park, Solna city centre and Solna station.

A brief history of Solna

1305: The site was referred to as 'Solnö'.
1862: In the municipal reform, Solna and Spånga rural municipalities were formed.
1943: The rural municipality was transformed into the city of Solna.

READ MORE: Nothing is in Solna
READ MORE: Things to do in Uppland - sights and experiences

6 Comments

Add yours →

4000mil says:

A whole new (green!) image of Solna! When I lived in Stockholm, in Söder, 1995-2003, I rarely went to Solna. My image then was motorways, traffic, apartment complexes and office buildings. I worked at GE Capital bilfinans in the capital and worked as a consultant for a while.
Most of what you show here, except for Haga Park, is new to me.

20 March 2021 - 10:31

- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  What fun that we could show a new picture of Solna! 🙂 It is also true that there are motorways and apartment buildings, but Solna is a large municipality and there are a lot of nice and exciting things to discover as well 🙂.
  
  20 March 2021 - 14:36
  
Lena+in+Wales+and+Spain says:

Wow, there is so much to do in Solna and what a beautiful name, Solön.
I have only visited Haga Park of all the things you describe, so I have a lot left.
Very interesting post.
Have a nice weekend!

20 March 2021 - 11:04

- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Funny that it was appreciated! We have taken the opportunity to look around extra much now that it is not so convenient to travel, so fun to make a guide about the home municipality as a change 🙂.
  
  20 March 2021 - 14:37
  
BP says:

Now I also know why Solna's logo consists of a sun. Have also lived in Solna for half a year and liked the city. Also, it was walking distance to Sundbyberg;-)
Oh, you got most of what is worth looking at:-)

20 March 2021 - 19:00

Lena - good for the soul says:

It's nice to get some new insight into a place you've been to a lot. But in fact, I have mostly worked there and not looked around much. Mostly I just wanted to go home after work. 🙂

Hug Lena

22 March 2021 - 12:19

What to do in Solna - 15 activities and experiences

Solna

What can you do in Solna?

1. Birdwatching at Lake Råsta

2. Shop at Westfield Mall of Scandinavia

3. Experiencing events in Friends Arena

4. Strolling in Haga Park

5. See exotic butterflies in the Haga Ocean Butterfly House.

6. Check out the Olle Olsson Hagalund neighbourhood

7. Learn about film stars at Filmstaden Råsunda.

8. Visit the Charlottenburg Heritage Centre

9. Explore the area around Karolinska Institutet and Hagastaden.

10. Strolling at Ulriksdal Castle and Castle Park

11. Holidaying at Frösundavik

12. Walk around the beautiful Northern Cemetery.

13. brunch at restaurant K4 in Pampas marina

14. Hanging out in the area around Huvudsta farm

15. Jogging in Karlberg Castle Park

More to do in Solna for food, culture and history lovers

More things to do in Solna for those who like nature and outdoor activities

More to see and do in the neighbourhood of Solna

Even more tips for things to do in Solna?

Facts about Solna

Restaurants and hotels in Solna

Attractions and museums in Solna

Find to Solna

A brief history of Solna

You might also like:

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6 Comments

4000mil says:

Helena says:

Lena+in+Wales+and+Spain says:

Helena says:

BP says:

Lena - good for the soul says:

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