Monteliusvägen

Suspended high above the churning waters of Riddarfjärden, Monteliusvägen offers the definitive panoramic perspective of Stockholm, where the copper steeples of the Old Town meet the austere, modern silhouette of the City Hall.

What to expect

Monteliusvägen is a 500-metre-long gravel and boardwalk path that hugs the northern cliffside of Södermalm. Walking from the east entrance toward the west, you are flanked by the charming, ivy-clad 18th-century houses of Skinnarviksberget on one side and an unobstructed, dramatic drop toward the lake on the other.

The path provides a tiered view: below, you see the narrow, cobblestone alleys of Gamla Stan; at eye level, the bustling ferry traffic of Lake Mälaren; and in the distance, the grandiosity of the City Hall (Stadshuset) with its iconic three-crown spire. It is a quiet, residential stretch popular with local joggers and photographers, offering a rare moment of stillness in an otherwise energetic capital.

History & significance

Historically, this area was known as "Pustavik," a site of early industrial activity and steep grazing land. The path was named after Oscar Montelius, a renowned Swedish archaeologist and antiquarian who lived nearby on S:t Paulsgatan. The walkway was opened to the public in 1998, transforming what was once a private, overlooked cliffside into a public promenade that highlights the unique topographical interface of Stockholm’s islands. While the city below has modernized, the path retains an intimate, preserved feel, serving as a reminder of how the cityscape has been shaped by its geography.

Practical tips

Best time of day: Sunset is the golden hour for this location. As the sun dips behind the City Hall, the buildings of Gamla Stan catch a warm, amber glow, and the water turns a deep, metallic violet.
Accessibility: Entry is free and always open, though it is not recommended during blizzards or heavy ice, as the wooden decking—especially the staircases at the endpoints—becomes perilously slick. No tickets or queues are required.
Sensory advice: Bring a windbreaker. Being perched on a cliff edge means it is significantly gustier here than in the protected squares of the city center.

Getting there

The most popular entry point is via the staircase at the corner of Bastugatan and Pryssgränd.

By Metro: Take the Red Line to Mariatorget. Exit toward "Torkel Knutssonsgatan" and walk north toward the water; the path entrance is clearly signposted.
By Foot: The path is a short, steep climb from the Södermalm transit hub of Slussen.

Nearby