Find out which are the best Stockholm photo spots for Instagram or travel photography! Over 30+ locations with first-hand tips.
Stockholm is the capital of Sweden, one of the Scandinavian countries (together with Denmark and Norway) and is a city full of contrasts. From its cold and dark winter months to the almost eternal summer lights, this city is on many travellers’ bucket lists.
Moreover, Stockholm is a city full of interesting photography spots. With a unique mix of nature and culture, it offers a wide range of photo options, from one of the most beautiful metro systems in the world to breathtaking views over the city and the Baltic Sea. These are 30+ of the best photography spots in Stockholm.
Stockholm metro – complete guide included!
Among Stockholm’s most famous photography spots, there is the Stockholm metro. It is a unique metro system with more than 20 photography spots. I have devoted a full article to the metro system, with its best stations, tips and a suggested route. Make sure to check it out, as you will also see all the possible photo spots in it!
Stockholm photography viewpoints
Mariaberget
Every city has an iconic photography spot. This is Stockholm’s. The beautiful view of its town hall with the old town behind it can be seen from Mariaberget, a viewpoint located on the Södermalm island. If you only have one sunset in Stockholm, spend it there. It is true that it is where everyone goes, but it is for a reason. The view is amazing, and regardless of the time of the year, it is the place to be.
However, bear in mind that it takes some time and that it is not a hidden location. Thus, expect other people around, especially during Summer, when it is a common place to go have a beer and some food while enjoying the sunset.
Söder mälarstrand
If you think that Mariaberget is too high, or you prefer photographing reflections, then instead of climbing up to the viewpoint, stay near the water in the so-called Söder mälarstrand. From there, you get a slightly different view, where the old Stockholm city hall is the main actor. However, do not choose this option on windy days, as you will get no reflection at all.
Skeppsholmen Viewpoint
In Skeppsholmen island, though, there is another important photography spot in Stockholm that you will find in most guides. The viewpoint, listed as Skeppsholmen Viewpoint on Google Maps, is a really unique place. It is definitely a sunset spot, but it has a catch. The location is very much wind-dependent, as you are after the reflection of the old town buildings in the water. Moreover, it is common for boats to dock on the opposite shore, interrupting the view. Yet, it is a must in the city, even if it is just to admire the views.
Skinnarviksberget
Looking for an even more impressive view of Stockholm? If Mariaberget is not enough for you, then consider going to Skinnarviksberget. It is even higher, and the views are less close-up and more general over the city. I thought it lost a bit of a sense of perspective, being that tall, but it was also quite a cool place for sunset, with the view over the bay. If you get a nice sky, this can be the ultimate sunset spot in Stockholm.
Nature and landscape photography spots
Nybrokajen
Stockholm is a city that lives by the Sea. Water is an element that will appear multiple times, and that is intimately linked with the history of the city. Nybrokajen is a really beautiful area by the Baltic Sea, which is fantastic to take photos and admire the constant flow of boats arriving at the city. This is an area that is especially interesting at golden hour, as the light beams give the scene a distinctive touch.
Gröna Lund
An amusement park in a photography spots guide? Well, in fact, the reason why Gröna Lund is in this guide is not because of its rides. However, if you walk near the sea at any point during your visit, you will most likely see its silhouette, with the rollercoasters. It has a vintage touch that differentiates it from other amusement parks I’ve seen and been to. It reminded me to some extent of the Tivoli Park in Copenhagen.
Kaknästornet
As I mentioned before, Stockholm has a great mix of nature and indoor photography spots. This is one of the spots that makes you feel like in another city. The Kaknästornet is a 150-meter communications tower located in the middle of a giant park. The truth is the best time to photograph it has to be at night or blue hour when its lights are on, but I opted for a more bucolic view with some horses in front of it. Even if it doesn’t seem like a must-visit spot, you will see it when visiting the next one.
Royal Djurgården
Stockholm is a city full of nature. If you rent a bike, in 10-15 minutes from the city centre, it will feel like you are in a completely different world. The Royal Djurgården is one of the most beautiful green areas in the city, and a must-visit spot for anyone who likes photography. Its vibrant green tones in summer, the red tones in autumn and the beautiful snowy landscapes in winter make it an interesting location all year round. Make sure to check the canal area and the promenade next to it.
Waldemarsuddes Oljekvarn
Within the Royal Djugården, there is a spot perfect for taking the typical Scandinavian photo of a red hut near the water, surrounded by greenery. Look for the Waldemarsuddes Oljekvarn on Google Maps, a very photogenic old barn and mill that is located just next to the above-mentioned houses. If you walk or cycle around the island, you will stumble upon it.
Skogskyrkogården
Another of the places I always like to visit when in new countries is cemeteries. They tell a lot about the culture and how people see death and how they grieve. This cemetery, though, is something else. Built within a forest, it feels natural, very quiet and full of wildlife (saw some squirrels there). The tall sequoias and the sunbeams coming through the trees are perfect for photography. If you are lucky enough to get a bit of mist or fog, the photos can be some of the best of your trip.
The only downside of this cemetery is that it is located quite far away from the city centre. Nonetheless, there are plenty of options on how to get there. The scenic bike ride is, without any doubt, my favourite one.
Hundudden
One of my recommendations when visiting Stockholm is to rent a bike. Note that it depends on the season and weather conditions, but it will allow you to get to almost every spot in this guide faster and at any time of the day. One of the spots that I reached using a bike was Hundudden, a viewpoint with an interesting sight of the other side of the bay of Stockholm and with a silent natural feeling that you can feel in most parks of the city.
Stockholm tourist attractions photography spots
Fotografiska
Photography inception. Fotografiska is the photography museum in Stockholm. And it is also a really cool photography spot. Your experience might be a bit different from mine as the exhibits change, but I can assure you that it will be a photography and Instagram-worthy spot in Stockholm. Just so you can imagine, during my visit, I went from an Andy Warhol exhibition to an NFT exhibition.
Stockholm Parliament
Being the capital of the Country, Stockholm has plenty of beautiful buildings. One of them is the Stockholm Parliament. This building makes it to this list because of how it looks at blue hour. It is very well-illuminated, something that does not always happen in such buildings, and makes for good photography of one of the most important structures in the Country.
Stockholm Library
I am addicted to photographing libraries. And Stockholm has to make it to this list. However, as you can see with the lack of photos below, photos below, I did not get a good view of its amazing cupola, as it was in full restoration works when I visited it. Yet, it is included here. Chances are that from all the items on this list, regardless of when you visit Stockholm (or any other city), you will find some of them inaccessible or under restoration.
Stockholms Stadshus
One of the most characteristic buildings in Stockholm is its city hall. However, when you can see from the inside does not warn you of the absolute beauty that is hiding inside. I did not divide this item into multiple, but it could very well be done that way, as all rooms within the Stockholm Stadshus is a worthy photography spots. From the big hall where the Nobel prizes are awarded to the golden-covered rooms.
You will have to pay an entry fee and join a tour with a guide and other people. Although some people don’t like it, it will give you plenty of time to understand the history of the building and to take photos of all the details.
Vasamuseet
Later in this Stockholm photography spots guide, I will mention the most well-known ship that is resting in the water in the city. This is because, without any doubt, the most well-known ship in Stockholm (and maybe in Sweden) is the Vasa. This museum is something that you have never seen before. Back in the 17th century, while doing its inaugural trip, when leaving the Stockholm docks, the Vasa sank in the waters of Stockholm Bay. Nowadays, it is the best-conserved ship from the 17th century, and it is exhibited AS IT WAS in this giant museum. Lots of text, but in a nutshell, check the image below and let me know if you wouldn’t like to take a couple of photos of this impressive ship.
Make sure to have a wide-angle lens, or it will be impossible to frame it all in one single photo.
Gamla Stan – Old town Stockholm photography spots
The best area to take photos in Stockholm is without any doubt the Gamla Stan. Its narrow streets, beautiful and colourful houses and vibe make it perfect for photography. Gamla Stan has multiple photo-worthy locations, so these are the most relevant ones:
Kungliga slotted
The Kungliga slotted, also known as the Royal Palace of Stockholm is a massive building situated in the Gamla Stan area. It is quite an interesting spot for multiple reasons, but I especially liked the guards and the contrast between them and the people who were passing nearby. It is also a cool street photo spot.
Prästgatan
As one of the most well-known streets in Gamla Stan, I found it quite peaceful. Most of the tourists chose the parallel street, full of shops and restaurants, and did not focus on the Prästgatan. I really enjoyed taking photos there, the late afternoon light really suited it and led to some of my favourite images from Stockholm.
Under Kastanjen
The last of the Gamla Stan locations is this restaurant. The restaurant itself is not something that I can comment on, but the beautiful tree in front of it is fantastic. Just at the intersection between two small alleys, it is quite a popular photo spot among photographers, but still worth visiting.
Other Stockholm photography spots
Kastellholmen
This small island is one of the hidden or not-so-well-known photography spots in Stockholm. Most people go for a walk in the small islands near the city centre, but omit the Kastellholmen. From there, not only do you get a really nice view over the Gröna Lund, but it also has a very authentic vibe and some unique photo spots.
AF Chapman
This is probably the most well-known ship (standing in the sea) in Stockholm. It can be seen from the Nybrokajen, which is a really unique vessel. Nowadays, it is a hotel/hostel offering a unique experience at an affordable price that meets Swedish standards.
Sergels Torg
Despite it is not known as a street photography city, Stockholm has some interesting street photo locations. Sergels Torg is one of the main squares in the city, and also the place where some cool photos can be taken. It has a nice central fountain, a weird sculpture and lots of people, all the necessary elements for good photos.
Brunkeberg Tunnel
Since I read about this tunnel, I saw it as a cool photography spot. Stockholm is a quite hilly city, and it is something easy to notice if you walk around. One of the ways to solve it is by creating underground tunnels that connect different areas of the city.
There are two things to consider when photographing this tunnel:
- First, it is not like the image below throughout its whole length. Some areas are not in that good a condition.
- Second, it is not that easy to find on Google Maps
Pryssgränd
While some of the locations in this Stockholm photography guide are very broad, this is not. Pryssgränd is a cool alley, one that most people might miss but that I found on the way back from Mariaberget. It was at blue hour, and completely empty. The angle of the bend, the cool houses and the lights were an instant match for my camera.
Evert Taube skulptur
The Stockholm City Hall seems to be everywhere. The truth is, it is also part of this spot. The Evert Taube sculpture depicts the homonymous Swedish poet and musician. What makes it a nice photography spot is its location, with the city hall behind and next to the water. If you get a nice sunset, it is one of the best spots in Stockholm.
79 & Park
When I do my research on photography spots in any city, I usually look for new or old interesting architectural structures. 79 & Park is one of the new ones, a residential complex with a very distinctive shape that makes for a great photo spot. Be respectful, it is a place where people live. Yet, it is not that far away from the city centre and is close to the Kaknästornet and the Royal Djurgården.
Östra Brobänken
This is the spot I enjoyed shooting in Stockholm the most. Not even its impressive metro stations or the Gamla Stan. In this harbour area on Skeppsholmen island, there is a set of old boats, and at the golden hour, before sunset, the locals are working on their boats, cleaning them or just admiring them. The amazing light I got and how easy it was to create cool images made it one of my favourite unexpected photography spots in Stockholm.
Churches to photograph in Stockholm
This list contains a mix of locations, with 4 churches among them. I have to say that I am guilty of really liking religious buildings when it comes to photography. Their symmetry and unique structures make them very easy to photograph.
St. Clara kyrka
The first one is St. Clara Kyrka, located at a mere 5-minute walk from the central train station. This church has a really nice painted interior, as well as an imposing organ. Make sure to check both the mass hours and the opening hours, as they can vary greatly throughout the year.
Sta Gertrud, Tyska kyrkan
Another church on this list. This beautiful church is at the heart of Gamla Stan and is worth a visit. What made me add it to the list is how well it merges with the nearby streets and alleys.
Hedvig Eleonora Church
Another church on this list. Despite not being known for its churches, the Hedvig Eleonora Church of Stockholm is a nice photo spot. Truth is, there is just one photo, not a lot of creativity involved, as the big dome is its main highlight, but being free to access and in a central location, it makes it to this list.
Oscarskyrkan
The final church on this list is Oscarskyrkan. What is interesting if you visit the 4 churches listed here, is how different they are, and how unique each photo turns out. Also free to access, it is a nice-to-visit place, but not a must.
These are the best photography spots in Stockholm. Besides them, there are many other places worth visiting and photographing. Details, scenes… make sure to check my other Stockholm and Sweden-related guides below!
If you have any questions, follow me on Instagram (@aniolvisuals) and send me a message there! 🙂
