Helgeandsholmen Island

Address: Helgeandsholmen (central Stockholm) - site of the Swedish Riksdag (Parliament)

Website: https://www.riksdagen.se/en/

Helgeandsholmen is a small island in central Stockholm that hosts key national and civic buildings and museum displays. The island’s name recalls a medieval charitable institution once located there.

Occupied since medieval times, the island hosted religious and charitable institutions before becoming the seat of national government. Archaeological work in the area has produced museum exhibits displayed locally.

Situated in the central watercourse of Stockholm between the old town (Gamla Stan) and the commercial Norrmalm area, the island is within walking distance of the main central transport hubs.

• Central location: A small central Stockholm island located between Gamla Stan and Norrmalm, connected to neighbouring districts by several short bridges.
• Civic and museum use: Home to Sweden’s national legislature building and to museum displays presenting the city’s medieval past.

What to See#

• Parliament buildings: The parliamentary complex occupies much of the island and consists of the historic Riksdagshuset on the central waterfront, where Sweden’s national legislature meets.
• Medieval museum and displays: A museum and archaeological displays are located on or near the island, presenting finds and reconstructed elements from medieval Stockholm uncovered in the area.

Helgeandsholmen sits in central Stockholm between Gamla Stan and the mainland. It’s a very short walk from Gamla Stan metro (T‑Banа, Red Line) or from T‑Centralen (Stockholm Central Station) - typically 3-10 minutes on foot. As it is in the city centre, public transport and short pedestrian routes are the easiest ways to reach the island.

• Approach Helgeandsholmen from the Norrbro (north bridge) or via Gamla Stan to avoid the busiest tourist flows - early morning gives quieter views across the Strömmen to the Royal Palace.
• Check the Riksdag visitor centre schedule before you go; when available, guided visits explain the parliament building's public spaces and are a way to see interiors that aren't otherwise accessible.
• Walk the island's eastern quay for less interrupted photographic views of the waterfront and the bridges linking to Gamla Stan - many visitors stick to the central squares and miss these quieter vantage points.