Ever wondered about the name Svedmyra? It’s a fascinating story. This Stockholm suburb nestled between Stureby and Tallkrogen wasn’t always the charming place it is today. Its name originally came from a humble cottage Svinmyran meaning Pig Bog. This cottage existed since the 14th century belonging to the Östberga farm.
Before 1930 Svedmyra was largely undeveloped. Just a few old farms and cottages dotted the landscape. The arrival of the Örbybanan streetcar line changed everything. This line connected Slussen to Örby with a stop at Svedmyra then formally known as Stureby. This spurred development around the existing cottages.
The 1930s and 40s saw a building boom. Many houses followed standard plans designed by architect Edwin Engström. People with limited funds could borrow up to 90% of construction costs making homeownership more accessible. The demand for housing skyrocketed in the 1940s. Three-story buildings were planned in 1944 followed by four-story buildings along Frimärksvägen and Postiljonsvägen in 1947-1948. These were designed by Curt Strehlenert for AB Family Housing. They feature lime or terrasite facades and brick ceilings.
The 1944 town plan expanded. The first half of the 1950s brought more apartment buildings and small houses in the woods east of Enskedevägen. Many were designed by notable architects Nils Lindberg and Bengt Karlsson. Even today many of these buildings stand as testaments to the era. Svedmyra’s growth reflects Stockholm’s expansion and evolution.
Today Svedmyra is a vibrant community. It retains its green spaces and forests adding to its unique charm. The legend says the name also comes from the abundance of red forest ants. Whether it was pigs or ants that shaped its history Svedmyra’s transformation is a captivating tale of urban development in Stockholm. So next time you are here remember this story of its humble beginnings and its remarkable growth.