Dreaming of panoramic views? Bredablick is calling your name. This brick tower stands tall on Skansen, offering a glimpse into Stockholm’s history.
Bredablick started as a vision. Oscar II’s physician, Fritz Wästfelt, got inspired during a trip to Italy. He admired the beautiful views from Villa Aldobandini. He wanted to create a similar experience in Stockholm. Wästfelt envisioned a spa resort with a stunning viewpoint.
In 1876, Bredablick was completed. It was initially called Belvederen, meaning “beautiful view” in Italian. The tower is octagonal and reaches 30 meters high. Its location on Skansenberget puts the viewing platform 77 meters above sea level. Johan Erik Söderlund designed this tower. People described it as the Gothic tower.
Wästfelt wanted to build a spa called Westemansberg around the tower. He named the area after his ancestor Andreas Westeman. Andreas was a councilman in Stockholm during the 1600s.
Unfortunately, Wästfelt’s dream faced financial challenges. The construction costs exceeded his budget. He fell into debt. The tower’s business struggled. A ticket to climb Bredablick cost one krona. This was considered expensive and visitors were scarce.
Two years later, Axel Gotthard Janson bought the tower. He was the builder and had unpaid claims. Wästfelt rented the building cheaply. He lived in the ground floor until his death in 1881. The tower remained open with employees. After his death, his debts were four times his assets. His possessions included two bears, three foxes, two eagle owls, and an eagle.
In 1891, Arthur Hazelius founded Skansen. He purchased the tower in 1892. Then the tower was renamed Bredablick. The name comes from Norse mythology. Bredablick was the home of the god Balder.
A lift was installed in 1913. For many years, Bredablick housed Skansen’s wardrobe. It was renovated in the 1980s. Today, Bredablick houses offices. The top viewing floor is not open to the public anymore.
Bredablick offers a unique perspective on Stockholm’s past. It started as one man’s vision of beauty and health. It became a part of Skansen. Bredablick reminds us of the importance of preserving history.