Norrmalmstorg: Birthplace of Stockholm Syndrome
At Norrmalmstorg in Stockholm, explore the 1973 bank heist that gave rise to ‘Stockholm Syndrome’—a square where history meets psychology.
At the entrance to the Concert Hall, you'll find the Orpheus Group — a beautiful fountain sculpture created by Carl Milles between 1926 and 1936. © StockholmMuseum.com
Summary
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Stockholm's Hötorget, a bustling market square and cultural hub. Discover a world of fresh produce, local vendors, historical architecture, and dynamic arts scene. Explore the hidden gems and the stories they hold in the heart of the city.
Hötorget: Stockholm’s Historic Market Square
Hötorget (Haymarket), located in the heart of central Stockholm, is one of the city’s most vibrant and enduring squares. With roots dating back to the 13th century, it has long been a hub of commerce, culture, and everyday life. Originally a hay market under King Magnus Ladulås, the square officially received its current name in 1644 and has remained an iconic meeting place ever since.
Historical Evolution
- 1670: The square received its first stone paving
- 1856: The hay market moved to Norrmalmstorg
- 1882–1884: The first Hötorgshallen indoor market was constructed
- 1953: The old market hall was demolished
- 1958: King Gustav VI Adolf inaugurated the new Hötorgshallen
Hötorgshallen: A Culinary Paradise
One level below street level, Hötorgshallen offers a rich culinary experience with more than 40 merchants. Here you’ll find:
- Specialty vendors like Melanders Fisk, Hellbergs Vilt, and Fromageriet
- Restaurants and cafés from around the world
- A Systembolaget wine and spirits store on the bottom floor
For the best experience, visit early in the morning before the lunchtime rush—perfect for browsing and sampling Stockholm’s food culture at a relaxed pace.
Hidden History – The Hötorget Bomb Shelter
Beneath Hötorget lies a massive underground bomb shelter—Skyddsrummet Hötorget. Built in 1939–1940, it was designed to protect up to 4,000 people during wartime. Today, it doubles as both a civil defense facility and a public parking garage, offering a fascinating glimpse into Stockholm’s Cold War–era history.
Attractions Around Hötorget
- 🎭 Paradox Museum – Interactive illusions and mind-bending fun for all ages.
- 🎶 Stockholm Concert Hall – The neoclassical blue landmark, home to the Nobel Prize ceremonies.
- 📚 Kulturhuset Stadsteatern – A cultural hub with exhibitions, theater, and libraries right by Sergels Torg.
- 🛁 Centralbadet – A historic art nouveau bathhouse offering spa and wellness treatments.
- 🎬 Sergel & Saga Cinemas – Classic Stockholm cinemas, still buzzing with life.
- 🕊️ Olof Palme Memorial Plaque – A sobering landmark commemorating the assassination of Sweden’s Prime Minister in 1986.
Greta Garbo and the PUB Department Store
Hötorget is also tied to Hollywood legend Greta Garbo. In the early 1920s, she worked in the hat department of the historic PUB department store on the square. It was here that film director Erik A. Petschler discovered her—changing cinematic history forever. Today, the building lives on as the stylish Haymarket by Scandic hotel, honoring its glamorous past.
Transportation
Hötorget is a stop on Stockholm’s T-Bana metro line. Its station is known for its retro 1950s design and colorful neon light installation by artist Gun Gordillo (added in 1998), which still glows with vintage charm today.
Conclusion
Hötorget is far more than just a square. It’s a dynamic crossroads of food, culture, history, and everyday life in Stockholm. From bustling markets and hidden bomb shelters to Garbo’s rise from clerk to star, Hötorget captures the pulse of the city—always evolving, always alive.
Hötorget – A Marketplace in Motion
By day, Hötorget buzzes with vendors selling flowers, fruits, and produce. By night, neon signs and vintage cinemas light up the square. It’s been a gathering place for centuries, and it remains one of the most energetic corners of Stockholm—where tradition, trade, and modern city life all meet.
Visit Info
Hötorget Square
Hötorget
Address
Hötorget
Norrmalm
Getting there
Hötorget (Green Line, station opens directly to the square)
Bus 50, 69 – stop at “Hötorget” or nearby “Sveavägen”
Not applicable
Short walk from T-Centralen and Sergels torg
Easy access via commuter trains at Stockholm City
Hötorgsgaraget (entrance via Sveavägen)
Other Info
Hötorget is a lively square known for its weekday produce market, weekend flea market, Filmstaden cinema, and surrounding food halls. A hub of urban life in central Stockholm.
