Once farmland, now a vibrant hub. Today we explore Skärholmen. This southwestern Stockholm suburb boasts a rich history and a dynamic present.
Skärholmen is more than just apartment buildings from the 60s and 70s. It’s a place where ancient history meets modern life. Did you know people have lived here since the Stone Age? Evidence of this was found near Skärholmen Centrum.
Let’s delve into Skärholmen’s past. The area was once part of Huddinge Municipality. But on January 1, 1963, it became part of Stockholm. This change paved the way for the Skärholmen we see today. The name “Skärholmen” comes from Skärholmens gård. This farm still stands near Lake Mälaren. It began as a simple farm that belonged to Vårby farm. In the 1700s, it was rebuilt into its current form.
Skärholmen is also home to ancient relics. The Domarringen in Skärholmen is a large burial ground. It dates back to the Bronze and Iron Ages. This unique burial site was partially removed. The outer stone circle was rebuilt after investigation. This makes it a unique grave form in Stockholm.
Skärholmen’s ancient fortress dates back to the Viking Age. It’s strategically located on a mountain near the ancient waterway to Helgö and Birka. This fortress may have been part of a warning system. It could signal approaching enemy fleets.
The land where Skärholmen Centrum now stands belonged to Smista farm. When Skärholmen was planned, Huddinge already had a place named Smista. The planners chose the name Skärholmen for the new district.
Skärholmen’s development followed the SCAFT plan. This plan aimed to separate car and pedestrian traffic. The area has pedestrian walkways, tunnels, and large parking lots.
Skärholmen Centrum opened on September 8, 1968. It features pedestrian streets and two squares. Below ground are loading streets and the metro line. The center includes shops, a community center, churches, mosques, offices, and a sports hall. In 1984, the center was covered with glass. An expansion project began in 2004. The goal was to make Skärholmen Centrum one of the largest shopping centers in the Nordic region. The new center, named SKHLM, opened in the fall of 2008.
Skärholmen has religious diversity. You’ll find Mikaelikyrkan, Skärholmens kyrka and Skärholmen Mosque here. The Skärholmen metro station opened in 1967. It’s on the Red line of the Stockholm metro.
Today, Skärholmen is a vibrant community. It’s a place where history and modernity come together. Skärholmen continues to evolve. New developments and projects aim to strengthen the area. They focus on social sustainability and creating more vibrant urban environments.