Have you ever dreamt of gliding across the water, the sun on your face, the rhythm of the oars propelling you forward? This is the feeling that the Akademiska roddföreningen, or ARF as it is affectionately known, has been giving to people in Stockholm since 1929. Right here in Frescati hage by the Brunnsviken, a group of students from KTH, Stockholm University, Karolinska Institutet, and the Veterinary College had a vision: To create a rowing club that would be open to everyone.
This dream took shape in 1934, when their new clubhouse was built. The design was a victory for Folke Löfström, a student at KTH, and reflected the functionalism characteristic of Swedish architecture at the time. The building is more than just a shelter for rowing enthusiasts. It is a home, a community, a hub for celebrating the sport and the friendships born on the water.
The ARF has had its share of notable members including Bo P. Kaiser, the rowing’s competitive rowing director in the 1940s. Today, the club boasts over 179 members from 18 to 75 years old who practice a wide range of rowing disciplines. From beginners to experienced rowers, everyone gets a chance to explore the joys of rowing, whether it’s for recreational or competitive purposes. In 2015, ARF rekindled university rowing in Stockholm by creating teams from KTH, Karolinska Institutet, and Stockholm University.
Stepping inside the ARF clubhouse, you feel a tangible sense of camaraderie and history. Trophy shelves lined with memorabilia tell stories of victories and triumphs. You can imagine the laughter and chatter of rowers planning their next expedition. During the summer months, the Brunnsviken becomes a haven for the ARF. Imagine a warm summer evening: The sun starts to set, casting a rosy glow on the water, and the sound of the rowers’ oars slicing through the water blends with the lively chatter from the clubhouse.
The ARF, an integral part of Stockholm’s rowing community, offers a unique blend of sport, friendship, and tradition. It is a place where the past resonates with the present, and where anyone can find a place to belong. So, come here and feel the rhythm of the rowers, and discover the charm of this historic club with me.