Gamla Stadshagen, Working-class residential district in western Kungsholmen, Stockholm, Sweden
Gamla Stadshagen was a working-class neighborhood in western Kungsholmen with 23 two-story wooden houses painted red with white trim, arranged to fit the hilly terrain. All 350 housing units were modest in size but equipped with modern conveniences including wood-burning stoves, gas cooking, and electricity.
This district was built in 1917 as emergency housing during World War I to help families facing severe housing shortages in Stockholm. It stood until 1965, when it was demolished to make way for a hospital and commercial development.
The name Gamla Stadshagen means old town meadow, reflecting its origins in a working-class community where neighbors lived closely together and shared daily life. Residents gathered in the central area and used their small homes to celebrate important occasions with friends and family.
The area sits on hilly terrain in Kungsholmen and can become slippery in wet weather, so sturdy footwear is recommended. Visitors find it helpful to explore from higher viewpoints to get a better sense of how the original houses were positioned on the sloping land.
The slopes of Stadshagsberget hosted two ski jumps where competitions took place, remaining in operation until 1965 along with the residential area. This sporting use turned the hillside into a gathering place that drew people from across Stockholm.
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