Långholmen
Island Stockholm island formerly housing a prison, now park
A central Stockholm island once home to Långholmen Prison, today it offers a hostel, museum, city beaches, parkland and riverside walks-popular for swims and quick escapes from the city center.
Långholmen is a small island in central Stockholm, Sweden, located in Stockholm County between Södermalm and Kungsholmen. Historically the island hosted a state prison; the former prison buildings were closed in the 20th century and have been repurposed for visitor accommodation and cultural uses.
Today the island is known as a green recreational space with beaches, lawns and walking routes that are heavily used by Stockholm residents in summer. The island’s built heritage includes the former prison complex, which is a visible reminder of the site’s past.
Långholmen is linked to central Stockholm by bridges and short walks from major central districts, making it one of the city’s easily reachable outdoor destinations.
- Recreation area: A popular urban recreation area with grassy shorelines, swimming spots and walking paths close to central Stockholm.
What to See #
- Långholmen Prison: The former Långholmen Prison complex, decommissioned in the 20th century and repurposed for a hostel, museum displays and community facilities.
How to Get to Långholmen #
Långholmen is reachable by footbridge from Södermalm or by short boat services. It’s a 10-20 minute walk from Stockholm Central depending on route; signage in Södermalm directs visitors to the island.
Tips for Visiting Långholmen #
- Visit the island's museum in Långholmen's former prison complex to get local history that most tourists miss.
- Walk the western shore for cityscape views and watch the city's boating life from the island benches.
Best Time to Visit Långholmen #
Summer is peak time for island activity and leisure; shoulder seasons provide space and fewer crowds.
Weather & Climate near Långholmen #
Långholmen's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -5°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (553 mm/year).
January
January is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. The driest month with just 27 mm and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. The wettest month with 68 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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