Solna, have you ever wondered about the story behind this place? Solna Municipality is located in Stockholm County. It sits just north of Stockholm City Centre. Let’s uncover some interesting facts about Solna.
Solna is not just any municipality. It is one of the richest in Sweden. It is also the third smallest in area. Only Sundbyberg and Burlöv are smaller. That makes it a densely populated and vibrant place.
Did you know Solna has no rural areas? This is unusual for Swedish municipalities. Usually, they have a mix of urban and rural landscapes. Solna is entirely within the Stockholm urban area.
Solna shares borders with several other municipalities. To the south, southeast, and northwest lies Stockholm Municipality. Sundbyberg Municipality is to the west. Sollentuna Municipality is to the north. Danderyd Municipality completes the circle to the northeast.
Solna is divided into eight traditional parts. These parts have no administrative functions. They include Bergshamra, Haga and Hagalund. Also, there are Huvudsta, Järva and Råsunda. Don’t forget Skytteholm and Ulriksdal. Råsunda, Hagalund, and Huvudsta are the largest districts. Solna Centrum is nestled in between.
Solna has a suburban feel with a few exceptions. You will find several large parks here. Strawberry Arena is also a prominent landmark. It is Sweden’s national football stadium. It sits next to the Solna station. This station is part of the Stockholm commuter rail system.
Speaking of football, Solna has a rich history in the sport. The final matches of the 1958 FIFA World Cup for men and the 1995 FIFA Women’s World Cup were both held at Råsunda Stadium. Råsunda Stadium served as the national football stadium from 1937 to 2012. It was demolished in 2013.
Solna attracts numerous businesses and authorities. This makes it a major employment hub in Greater Stockholm. Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital are key employers. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is located here too. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) also calls Solna home.
Solna has a rich history. Ancient settlements were here long ago. You can find runic stones and Viking burial sites. The Solna Church is a notable building. It was built in the 12th century. It served defensive purposes. It is one of the few round churches in Sweden.
Karlberg Palace is another landmark. It has been a military academy since the 18th century. Ulriksdal Palace sometimes serves as a royal residence. Gustav III’s Pavilion is another royal site.
In the early 1960s Solna Centrum was built. It is a combined administrative, cultural, and shopping district. Solna became a city in 1948. It is governed by a city council.
Solna is a rail junction. It is also a manufacturing and medical center. Several large hospitals and medical institutes are here.
Today Solna is a vibrant part of Metropolitan Stockholm. Its rich history and modern appeal make it a unique place. From royal palaces to football stadiums, Solna offers something for everyone.