Blockhusudden is a scenic peninsula on Djurgården where art and nature meet. Known for its sculpture park, gardens, and waterfront views, it offers a peaceful retreat with strong ties to Stockholm’s cultural life.
At the far eastern edge of Djurgården, where Stockholm meets the open waters of the Baltic Sea, lies Blockhusudden—a peaceful peninsula known for its sweeping waterfront views, historic landmarks, and the elegant Thielska Galleriet. Far from the crowds of central Djurgården, this is where locals come to walk, reflect, and experience Stockholm at its most tranquil.
During the Middle Ages, Blockhusudden was a small island, fully surrounded by the waters of the Baltic Sea. The strait that once separated it from Södra Djurgården ran roughly where the parking area of the Thiel Art Gallery stands today. As the land gradually rose after the last Ice Age, the island became part of the mainland, forming the promontory we see now.
The name Blockhusudden comes from a 16th‑century wooden fortification—blockhuset—built during the reign of King Gustav Vasa to guard Stockholm’s eastern approach from naval attack. Traces of this strategic past remain in the landscape, alongside later landmarks such as the Blockhusudden Lighthouse. Erected in 1905 and converted to an AGA lighthouse in 1912, it showcases Gustaf Dalén’s pioneering sun‑valve technology.
The landscape around Blockhusudden is shaped by dense greenery and sweeping views of the water. Walking along the shoreline, visitors encounter open sea, wind‑bent trees, and large glacial boulders left behind at the end of the Ice Age. These features are not only striking in the landscape but also offer a tangible connection to Sweden’s ancient geological history.
Blockhusudden offers several points of interest for visitors.
Set within carefully designed gardens, the Thielska Galleriet art museum presents an exceptional collection of Nordic art. The museum provides a quiet setting for both dedicated art enthusiasts and casual visitors.
A nearby café offers light meals and coffee with views over the water. For those who prefer to bring their own food, the surrounding area includes several suitable picnic spots.
As part of the Royal National City Park, Blockhusudden is surrounded by extensive green spaces ideal for walking, cycling, and exploring. A network of trails connects the area to Djurgården’s museums and parks.
Blockhusudden forms part of the Royal National City Park and connects naturally with nearby cultural sites such as Waldemarsudde, Skansen, and Rosendal Palace. Visiting this quieter eastern point offers a broader view of Djurgården, complementing the area’s more well‑known attractions.
Blockhusudden is accessible by public transport via SL bus 67, and seasonal ferries operate between central Stockholm and Djurgården. Approaching the area from the water provides a distinctive perspective on the city and its surroundings.
Blockhusudden on Djurgården
Blockhusudden
