This post was originally published on A Globe Well Travelled in 2016. The content has been revised and updated with fresh information.
The first time I saw photos of Stockholm’s metro stations, I assumed they were taken inside an art gallery — not on a public subway network.
But Stockholm Metro Art is very real, and exploring these colourful underground stations quickly became one of my favourite things to do in Stockholm.
My husband is obsessed with transport systems, while I’m always drawn to beautiful and unusual places, so a Stockholm metro art tour felt like the perfect activity for both of us. Instead of museums or walking tours, we spent the afternoon hopping between stations filled with cave-like tunnels, murals, sculptures and even archaeological relics.
We did a self-guided art tour using a single transport ticket, which made it one of the most fun and budget-friendly experiences of our trip. If I were doing it again, though, I’d consider booking a guided Stockholm metro art tour to learn more about the stories behind the artwork.
If you’re planning to visit Stockholm, here’s how to see the best Stockholm subway art stations — including the stops I think are most worth your time.
Quick summary:
Discover the incredible underground art of the Stockholm metro system. This post shares highlights from my own experience exploring the artistic subway stops and a recommended itinerary to see the best stations.
Recommended tour:
🚇 Stockholm: Subway Art & Photo Tour – Guided visit to Stockholm’s most impressive metro art stations with photo stops and local insight.
Why Stockholm metro is famous for underground art
Stockholm’s metro is often called “the world’s longest art exhibit” — and for good reason. The network stretches over 110 kilometres, and more than 90 of its 100 stations are decorated with artwork. It’s fascinating to explore and definitely one of the best hidden gems in Europe.
Since the 1950s, over 150 artists have contributed to transforming these everyday transit spaces into immersive art experiences, using everything from bold murals and sculptures to cave-like designs, neon lighting, and even archaeological artifacts.
How to visit Stockholm metro art in one day
The easiest way to explore Stockholm metro art is by focusing on a handful of stations across the Blue and Green lines. Buy a standard SL ticket.
When I visited in 2016, a single subway ticket cost only a few dollars and was valid for 75 minutes of travel. There’s also a 24-hour pass available if you’re planning to spend more time exploring the city.
Start at T-Centralen, then visit Kungsträdgården, Rådhuset, Fridhemsplan and Thorildsplan. If you’d rather not navigate yourself, guided Stockholm metro art tours are also available.
How to book a Stockholm metro art tour
🚇 If you’re keen to explore the subway art without the hassle of planning your own route, you can book a Stockholm Metro Art Tour. A local guide will take you to the most impressive stations, explain the meaning behind the artworks, and share insider tips about the city along the way. Your subway ticket is included in the price.
Best Stockholm art stations to visit:
T-Centralen (Central Station) metro art
Start at T-Centralen (Central Station) and head towards the Blue line. The rocky walls here were decorated in white and blue colour scheme by artist Per Olof Ultvedt in the 1970s.
The upper levels have silhouettes of workers, as a way of honoring the many men who constructed the station. The lower levels are painted in the same style but with calming leaf-like patterns, which is meant to lower the stress level of the station’s 167,000 daily commuters.
Kungsträdgården station metro art
From Central Station, hop on the Blue line and disembark at Kungsträdgården. I think that this (totally unpronounceable) station is probably the most impressive of the art metro stations in Stockholm.
The design by artist Ulrik Samuelson, installed in in 1977 and 1987, is supposed to represent an archeological dig. It features actual artefacts from Makalös Palace, which once stood in the same location above the ground. The geometric-style patterned floor and ceiling with a red, green, and white colour scheme are influenced by the historic palace’s French garden.
Rådhuset station metro art
Kungsträdgårdsgatan is the end of the Blue line, so go back in the other direction and hop off at Rådhuset.
This station was designed by Sigvard Olsson and was my fave from our makeshift tour – the red rocky walls juxtaposed with the modern escalators gave the whole place a surreal look. It felt like we were wandering through a futuristic alien space cave.
Take note when you’re in the station that this is the fourth deepest in the Stockholm metro system. You’ll be standing at 20 meters below sea level!
Fridhemsplan station metro art
Continue on the Blue line in the same direction, and get off at Fridhemsplan. We only intended to use this station to change from the Blue line to the Green line, but the art in this old station is actually pretty cool, too. Fridhemsplan is another cave-like station in the Stockholm metro which was originally opened in 1952.
The Green line recently went through some refurbishments in 2019, so Fridhemsplan is a neat place where you can see the old and new elements of the metro come together.
Thorildsplan station metro art
From Fridhemsplan, change to the Green line and go one stop to Thorildsplan.
This is the only outdoor station on our itinerary, and it also has the most recent artwork. In 2008, Lars Arrhenius added the pixellated tiles arranged to show characters and scenes in the style of video games such as Super Mario, Space Invaders, and Pacman.
To get back to Central Station from here, get back on the Green line but head in the other direction.
Other Stockholm metro art stations worth visiting
If you’ve got extra time or want to explore further after the Stockholm metro art tour, consider checking out:
- Solna – Looks somewhat similar to Rådhuset with a cave interior but with some additional nature-influenced decor.
- Stadion – Famous for the painted rainbow that passes overhead at the underground platform, which is meant to reflect the blue sky above.
- Tensta – Decorated with a range of graffiti-like cave paintings that are meant to be welcoming for immigrants that have settled in the area.
- Odenplan – One of the newest stations with modern neon lights that create patterns along the ceiling.
Stockholm Metro Art FAQ
Is Stockholm metro art free to see?
You only need a valid Stockholm public transport ticket. Once inside the metro system, there is no extra charge to view the station artwork.
Which Stockholm metro station is the most famous?
Kungsträdgården, Rådhuset and T-Centralen are among the most famous Stockholm metro art stations thanks to their dramatic designs and photo appeal.
How long does a Stockholm metro art tour take?
A self-guided Stockholm metro art tour usually takes between 1.5 and 3 hours depending on how many stations you visit. If you plan to explore more stops or photograph each station, allow longer.
What is the best metro line for Stockholm art stations?
The Blue Line is often considered the best line for Stockholm metro art, with several of the city’s most impressive and photogenic stations located along it.
Is a guided Stockholm metro art tour worth it?
If you’d like to understand the meaning behind the artwork and learn hidden stories about the stations, then yes, it would be worth booking a guided tour. A guide also makes route planning much easier.
What is the best time to photograph Stockholm metro art?
Mid-morning or early afternoon is usually best. Stations are often quieter outside peak commuter hours, making it easier to take photos without crowds.
Can you take photos inside Stockholm metro stations?
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside Stockholm metro stations. Just be considerate of commuters and avoid blocking escalators, platforms or walkways.
Should I do a self-guided or guided Stockholm metro art tour?
A self-guided tour is the cheapest option and easy to do with a standard ticket. Guided tours are better if you’d like expert commentary and a more efficient route.
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