St. Johannes Church – Gothic Revival Masterpiece in Norrmalm

S:t Johannes kyrka: St. John’s Church in Stockholm

St. John’s Church (S:t Johannes kyrka) is a magnificent Gothic Revival landmark in Stockholm’s Norrmalm district. Completed in 1890, this red-brick masterpiece blends history, architecture, and spirituality, offering visitors a serene retreat in the heart of the city.

S:t Johannes Church seen towards the southeast, from Observatoriekullen in central Stockholm. Photo: I99pema (CC BY-SA 3.0)

St. John's Church in Stockholm, a winter day in 2021. Photo: Sinikka Halme (CC BY-SA 4.0)

History

The site’s history dates back to 1651, when a wooden chapel was first built here. Several later attempts were made to construct a stone church, including ambitious plans by King Gustav III in the 1770s. However, the present church only materialized in the late 19th century.

In 1883, architect Carl Möller won a design competition with his striking neo-Gothic proposal. Construction began on September 14 of that year—exactly 100 years after the first attempt. On Pentecost Sunday in 1890, the church was consecrated by Archbishop Anton Niklas Sundberg in the presence of King Oscar II.

Architecture and features

S:t Johannes Church is a striking example of 19th-century neo-Gothic design, with several distinctive features:

A 70-meter-high tower visible across central Stockholm.
Five church bells, including Sweden’s largest steel bell at 2,400 kg.
Painted Gothic-style ceilings and stained glass that fill the interior with light.
Seating for up to 900 worshippers.

The main portal of St. John's Church in Stockholm. Photo: FriskoKry (CC BY-SA 3.0)

The interior of the beautiful St. John's Church in central Stockholm. Photo: Michael Caven (CC BY 2.0)

Georg Carl von Döbeln's (1758-1820) grave at St. John's Church in Stockholm. Photo: Raphael Saulus (Public Domain)

The church tower of St. John's Church, in a photo taken in 1913. Photo: Martin Olsson (Public Domain)

🌟 Neo-Gothic Grandeur in a Quiet Grove
Set within a leafy park just steps from busy Sveavägen, S:t Johannes Church rises in majestic red brick, crowned by its soaring spire. Designed by Carl Möller and consecrated in 1890, it combines the dynamism of Stockholm’s rapid urban growth with an oasis of spiritual calm. Surrounded by trees and birdsong, its pointed arches, stained glass, and acoustics create a timeless sanctuary in the city’s heart.

Location and access

Perched atop Brunkebergsåsen, S:t Johannes offers a unique vantage point in central Stockholm. The nearest metro station is Rådmansgatan (green line), making it easily accessible for visitors exploring the city on foot or by public transport.

Recent developments

In late 2025, ownership of S:t Johannes will transfer from the Church of Sweden to the Catholic Diocese of Stockholm. Already serving diverse communities—including Polish and Ukrainian Catholic missions—the church’s transition marks a new chapter in the city’s evolving religious landscape.

For visitors, S:t Johannes Church offers more than architecture: it is a place where history, faith, and community converge, making it a must-see for those interested in Stockholm’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

⛪ A New Chapter for St. Johannes
Consecrated in 1890 with King Oscar II present, S:t Johannes stands as one of Stockholm’s finest Gothic Revival churches. In December 2024, it entered a new era—set to reopen in 2025 as a Catholic church under the Diocese of Stockholm. This shift reflects both the city’s changing spiritual fabric and its commitment to preserving historic landmarks for future generations.