Skogskyrkogården

Historical Site 20th-century cemetery blending landscape and modernist architecture

Skogskyrkogården in Stockholm arranges cemetery architecture within pine woodland, combining modernist chapels, long sightlines and grave plots. Architects, designers and visitors study its spare layout and landscape design.

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Skogskyrkogården is a 20th-century cemetery in the southern part of Stockholm County, Sweden, celebrated for its integration of modernist architecture and landscape design. The property is recognized for its careful planning and the collaboration between architects Gunnar Asplund and Sigurd Lewerentz.

Principal features include simple, sculptural chapels and ceremonial buildings set within planted avenues, forest glades and open lawns. The composition emphasizes procession, sightlines and the relationship between built forms and the surrounding woodland.

The cemetery plan originated from a 1917 design competition and its main works were completed through the interwar period and later, reflecting evolving approaches to architecture and landscape. The site continues to function as an active cemetery and a designed public landscape.

Skogskyrkogården lies in the Enskede area south of central Stockholm, set within a managed woodland landscape and accessible from the city by public transport.

  • Design origins: Design work began after a 1917 competition and the cemetery is prized for its integration of modernist architecture by Gunnar Asplund and Sigurd Lewerentz with a planted woodland setting.
  • Access: The site is about a short drive south of central Stockholm and is accessible by public transport, making it a common destination for both visitors and local remembrance ceremonies.

What to See #

  • Woodland Chapel (Asplund): A forest cemetery chapel designed by Gunnar Asplund, featuring simple, modernist forms set within the woodland landscape and often cited as a key architectural composition on the site.
  • Crematorium and ceremonial complex: The crematorium and associated ceremonial spaces designed as part of the integrated cemetery plan, embodying the site's restrained architectural language.
  • Landscape avenues and glades: Landscaped roads, open glades and lined avenues forming the main circulation and visual axes through the cemetery, integrating architecture and nature.
Skogskyrkogården
Skogskyrkogården (The Woodland Cemetery), Enskede / Gamla Enskede, Stockholm County, Sweden
59.2756, 18.0994
Free

How to Get to Skogskyrkogården #

Skogskyrkogården is in southern Stockholm and is served directly by the Stockholm metro (Tunnelbana): take the green line to Skogskyrkogården station; from the station the cemetery entrance and principal designed areas are a short walk (around 5 minutes). By car it is roughly 6-8 km south of central Stockholm via road 229/Huddingevägen and local streets; parking is available near the cemetery entrances.

Tips for Visiting Skogskyrkogården #

  • Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best light and quiet - midday and weekend afternoons (especially in summer) attract more visitors and funerals, which raises activity on the main routes.
  • Use the Skogskyrkogården metro station (Green Line) for direct pedestrian access to the cemetery rather than trying to drive into the grounds; the station drops you close to the main axis and visitor points.
  • Walk beyond the principal axis and chapel: many visitors concentrate on the Woodland Chapel and the main monuments, but the cemetery's sculptural details and carefully composed graves are tucked into the surrounding forest and reveal the site's design when you explore quieter paths.

Best Time to Visit Skogskyrkogården #

Skogskyrkogården is best visited in late spring through summer for mild weather and full greenery, with autumn offering striking foliage and a quieter mood.

Summer
June-August · 15-25°C
Mild, long daylight hours and lush vegetation around the cemetery; this is the most pleasant time for walking the grounds.
Autumn
September-October · 5-15°C
Crisp air and autumn colors create a contemplative atmosphere; cooler but still accessible.

Weather & Climate near Skogskyrkogården #

Climate

Skogskyrkogården'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 -6°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (582 mm/year).

Air Quality: AQI 25 Good
Best Time to Visit
MayJuneJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
-25°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

37 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-5°
96%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

42 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
6.7h daylight

February

February is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -6°C. The driest month with just 29 mm and mostly overcast skies.

39 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-6°
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

29 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.0h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

48 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

35 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
11.6h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

36 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
14.3h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

72 Very Good

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
15°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

31 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
High
16.8h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
10° 20°
74%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

54 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.3
UV Index
High
18.2h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with 70 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
12° 22°
73%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

70 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.3
UV Index
High
17.5h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
12° 21°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

65 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
15.3h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

66 Good

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
15°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

57 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.5
UV Index
Low
12.6h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

52 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
10.0h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

42 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

61 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.4h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

35 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-3°
97%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

50 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
5.9h daylight

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