Gyllene ratten, building in Stockholm Municipality, Stockholm County, Sweden
Gyllene ratten was a motel in Stockholm that opened in 1957 near Södertäljevägen in the southern part of the city. The building featured two ground-level structures with 55 rooms, an on-site restaurant, a reception area, and was architecturally inspired by American motels, designed by Danish architects.
The motel opened in 1957 as one of Sweden's first American-inspired hotels and was built by a Swedish company. It served travelers until 1989, when the City of Stockholm took it over to house refugees, before it was finally demolished in 2007.
The name Gyllene ratten means Golden Rat, reflecting a time when motels offered travelers a place to relax and enjoy themselves. The site served as a popular stop for families who appreciated simple meals like fries and sausages in a casual, welcoming roadside setting.
The site was located directly on the main highway, offering easy access for travelers with cars. Visitors could fill up at an adjacent gas station, with all necessary facilities available in one convenient location.
A distinctive feature was a tall mast with a large, wheel-shaped sign on top that was visible from far away, clearly marking the site for travelers passing through. This iconic landmark made the place a well-known reference point on the highway for people entering or leaving Stockholm.
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