Råsunda, Uppland | Exploring Sweden

Råsunda is a district in the municipality of Solna, located just northwest of central Stockholm. The district is characterized by its urban density and well-preserved early 20th-century architecture. It is positioned near the green space surrounding Råstasjön lake and the modern Arenastaden development. As part of the larger Solna Municipality, which has a population of over 85,000, Råsunda is one of its most well-known areas.

The area’s character is defined by this blend of residential buildings, film history, and modern sports infrastructure. Råsunda was developed as a ”garden city” suburb, and this planned layout is still evident. The district contains both the historic center of Swedish cinema, Filmstaden, and is adjacent to Sweden’s national football stadium. This combination of cultural history and contemporary event spaces gives the district its specific identity.

A Short History of Råsunda

The history of Råsunda is one of planned urban development in the 20th century. It tracks the area’s rapid transformation from farmland into a center for both the Swedish film industry and international sport, and finally into the modern residential district it is today.

The Birth of a Garden City

Råsunda’s history as a planned urban area began in the early 20th century. Before this, it was primarily agricultural land. The area was developed as a model ”garden city” suburb, driven by the expansion of Stockholm and the need for new housing. This planning movement focused on creating well-designed residential areas with access to green spaces and good transport connections to the central city. This foundational concept is still visible in the layout of the district’s older sections.

Sweden’s Hollywood – Filmstaden

In 1919, the company Svensk Filmindustri (SF) acquired land in Råsunda to build a major film studio complex. This site, named Filmstaden, opened in 1920 and became the heart of Swedish film production for the next several decades. It was often called ”Sweden’s Hollywood.” Many classic Swedish films were produced here, and directors like Victor Sjöström and Ingmar Bergman worked at the studios. Actors such as Greta Garbo and Ingrid Bergman also began their careers at Filmstaden before moving to Hollywood.

A Landmark of World Football

Råsunda also gained global recognition for its sports heritage. The original Råsunda Stadium hosted events for the 1912 Stockholm Olympics. The stadium was rebuilt in 1937 and later served as the main venue for the 1958 FIFA World Cup. The final match, where a Brazilian team led by a teenage Pelé defeated Sweden, was held here. This made Råsunda Stadium one of only two venues in the world to have hosted the men’s and women’s World Cup finals. The stadium was demolished in 2012 to make way for new development.

Things to Do and See

Råsunda’s sights reflect its unique mix of film history, 20th-century architecture, and modern event culture. Visitors can explore the historic grounds of Swedish cinema, see local architectural landmarks, and access the country’s national sports stadium located in the adjacent Arenastaden area.

Filmstaden

The historic Filmstaden (The Film City) is the site of Sweden’s pioneering film studios. Established in 1920 by Svensk Filmindustri (SF), it was the birthplace of many classic Swedish films for nearly 50 years. While most of the original studios are now private offices and apartments, the area retains its cinematic heritage. Information boards tell the story of the productions and people who worked here. The iconic main entrance and several of the original buildings remain, offering a look into a key era of Swedish cinema.

Råsunda Kyrka

Råsunda Church (Råsunda kyrka) is a local landmark in the district. Completed in 1928, this brick church features an architectural style influenced by Nordic Classicism. The church was designed by the architect Gustaf Clason. It stands as a spiritual and community center for the district. Its tall, slender bell tower is a recognizable feature in the local skyline. The interior of the church contains frescoes and stained-glass windows.

Friends Arena (Nearby)

Friends Arena is Sweden’s national stadium for football. It is located just a short distance from Råsunda’s center, in the adjacent Arenastaden area. Opened in 2012, it replaced the old Råsunda Stadium. The stadium has a retractable roof and a capacity of 50,000 spectators for football and up to 65,000 for concerts. It is the home ground of the football club AIK. The arena hosts major international matches for the Swedish national team and large-scale entertainment events.

Mall of Scandinavia (Nearby)

The Mall of Scandinavia is one of the largest shopping centers in Scandinavia. It is also located in the Arenastaden area, next to Friends Arena. Opened in 2015, the mall features over 200 shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. It includes a large cinema complex with one of the first commercial IMAX screens in the region. Its modern architecture and wide array of offerings make it a major retail destination for the greater Stockholm area.

Early 20th-Century Architecture

Råsunda contains many well-preserved residential buildings from its early development as a ”garden city” suburb. This includes numerous apartment blocks built in the 1910s and 1920s. These buildings often feature distinct architectural details of the period, such as decorative brickwork, specific window styles, and small green courtyards. Exploring these streets offers a sense of the area’s planned growth. It showcases a significant period in Swedish urban planning history.

How to Get to Råsunda

Reaching Råsunda is straightforward due to its close integration into the greater Stockholm metropolitan area. The district is served by multiple lines of the Stockholm public transport system, as well as major roadways, making it easily accessible from all parts of the city and from the region’s airports.

Connecting by Rail

The most efficient way to reach Råsunda is by rail via the nearby Solna Station. This major transport hub serves both the commuter train (pendeltåg) and the light rail line (Tvärbanan). The pendeltåg provides a direct link to Stockholm City Terminal in approximately 7 minutes. It also offers a direct connection to Arlanda Airport in the other direction. Solna Station is located about a 10-15 minute walk from the center of Råsunda.

Via the Metro

The Stockholm Metro (T-bana) also provides direct access to the area. The Blue Line (T11) serves Solna Centrum station, which is located on the edge of Råsunda. The same line also serves Näckrosen station, which is located directly next to the historic Filmstaden area. The metro journey from Stockholm’s central T-Centralen station takes approximately 12-15 minutes.

An Excursion by Car

Driving to Råsunda is an option for those traveling within the region. The district is located directly next to the E4 motorway, which is the main north-south highway through Stockholm. From Stockholm city center, the drive is approximately 9 kilometers, though travel time is highly dependent on traffic. Parking is available in the district, including in several parking garages and metered street parking.

From the Airports

Råsunda is accessible from Stockholm’s two main airports. From Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN), the pendeltåg commuter train offers the most direct connection to Solna Station, with a journey time of about 30-35 minutes. From Bromma Stockholm Airport (BMA), which is located very close, local buses provide a short and direct transfer to areas like Solna Centrum, near Råsunda. A taxi from Bromma Airport takes only a few minutes.

Driving Distances

The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:

• Stockholm – 9 kilometers (0 h 10 min)
• Gothenburg – 474 kilometers (5 h 10 min)
• Malmö – 616 kilometers (6 h 30 min)
• Linköping – 205 kilometers (2 h 10 min)
• Kiruna – 1231 kilometers (13 h 30 min)

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