Långholmen, Island district in central Stockholm, Sweden
Långholmen is an island in central Stockholm located between the Södermalm and Kungsholmen districts. It covers approximately 36 hectares and is bordered by Lake Mälaren, with two bridges connecting it to the surrounding areas.
The island was first developed in 1649 when a women's prison was built on its grounds. Over time, it was repurposed as a spinning house and later became Sweden's central prison from 1880 onward, before eventually opening to the public as a recreational area.
The name Långholmen means "long island" in Swedish and reflects the narrow shape of the land. Today, visitors encounter green spaces, recreational areas, and restored buildings that draw locals and travelers throughout the year.
You can reach the island by crossing either Pålsundsbron bridge on the eastern side or Långholmsbron bridge on the western side, both accessible to pedestrians and cyclists. Spring through autumn offers the most pleasant conditions for exploring the parks and outdoor spaces.
Prisoners working in the jail transported mud from the lake bed to transform the originally barren island into fertile ground. This human-made soil layer allowed various plants and trees to take root, reshaping the island completely.
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