Högalid Church, a mesmerizing Art Nouveau landmark, majestically towers over the district of Södermalm. Dive into the article to explore the architectural brilliance of this iconic structure, the picturesque views it offers over Stockholm, and the rich history that lies within its stone walls.
Högalid Church: National Romantic-Art Nouveau fusion
A notable architectural and cultural landmark, Högalid Church (Högalidskyrkan) is in the bustling Hornstull neighborhood of Södermalm, Stockholm.
Designed by the renowned architect Ivar Tengbom, this amazing church features a unique fusion of Art Nouveau and National Romantic styles and was built between 1917 and 1923.
Exterior view of the Högalid Church (Högalidskyrkan) in Hornstull, Stockholm. Photo: Николай Семёнов (CC BY-SA 3.0)Aerial view of the Högalid Church (Högalidskyrkan) in Hornstull, Stockholm. Photo: L.G.foto (CC BY-SA 4.0)The church rooster and spire at Högalid Church in Stockholm. Photo: Holger.Ellgaard (CC BY-SA 4.0)The altar in Högalid Church in Södermalm, Stockholm. Photo: Håkan Svensson Xauxa (CC BY 3.0)Uncommon side aisle in Högalid Church in Södermalm, Stockholm. Photo: Håkan Svensson Xauxa (CC BY 3.0)Högalid Church in Stockholm under construction in 1919. Photo: Stockholms Stadsmuseum (Public domain)
A tranquil haven for Södermalm explorers
Högalid Church provides visitors to the Södermalm neighborhood with a calm retreat where they can escape the bustle of the city. It is the perfect place for travelers to stop and think while on their adventures.
🛐Twin Towers on the Chancel
Unlike most churches, Högalid Church’s twin towers were originally intended to flank the main entrance—but city planners moved them to the choir end so the silhouette would harmonize with Stockholm City Hall across Riddarfjärden. This unique placement gives the church its distinctive skyline presence above Södermalm.
The development of Högalid Church
Tengbom’s design for the church was first accepted in 1914 after being commissioned by the parish in May 1913. Tengbom suggested a north-south axis in contrast to the conventional east-west orientation. However, Tengbom changed his plans after the city council decided to dedicate the entire Högalidsberget to the church.
Following long-standing customs, he oriented the main entrance toward the west and the chancel toward the east. His design featured a south-facing hipped roof and recognizable double towers. Later, they repositioned these towers to blend in with the skyline, particularly the newly constructed Stockholm City Hall across Riddarfjärden.
Ultimately, they reduced the towers and extended the nave. The building of Stockholm City Hall sparked elevated architectural standards, prompting this change. They also used handcrafted dark red bricks to construct the church. City Hall also used these bricks to establish a tangible and visual link between the two landmarks.
After more than six years of building, which started with the laying of the foundation stone on May 27, 1917, Archbishop Nathan Söderblom dedicated Högalid Church on June 10, 1923.
🏰Stockholm’s Twin-Towered Sentinel
Perched high above Södermalm, Högalid Church commands attention with its twin brick towers and national romantic style. Completed in 1923, it was built as a symbol of hope and renewal during a time of social transformation in Sweden. Overlooking Riddarfjärden, its dramatic silhouette has become a landmark on the city’s western skyline. Inside, light filters through soft-colored windows, casting a serene glow over the vast interior—a place where history, architecture, and faith converge above the city’s rooftops.
Serene interior and surroundings
Enter Högalid Church and take in its exquisite woodwork, stained glass windows, and distinctive decorations, which all combine to give guests a calm and reflective environment. In the middle of the busy city, the quiet green area in the churchyard around the building is ideal for rest and introspection.
Högalid Church offers a singular and rewarding experience to anyone interested in history, architecture, or just seeking a peaceful haven.
Uncover the legacy of Birger Jarl, Stockholm’s founder. His reforms empowered women, shaped early Swedish law, and laid the groundwork for the city’s rise in medieval Europe.
🏛️Did You Know?
Sweden’s first open-air museum opened in 1891—Skansen still welcomes visitors today.
Högalid Church
Högalidskyrkan
