Glimmering like a jewel, Ladugårdslandsviken awaits. This bay is a part of Saltsjön in central Stockholm. It is bordered by Blasieholmen and Skeppsholmen to the southwest. Södra Djurgården lies to the east. The Strandvägskajen is to the north.
Ladugårdslandsviken’s name comes from Ladugårdslandet. This was the former name for Östermalm. It refers to four royal farms once located here. Only Kaknäs remains as a recognizable name today. Ladugårdslands Strandgata preceded Strandvägen. Before 1885, this street bore the name of the area.
On Petrus Tillaeus’ map from 1731, Ladugårdslands Wÿken included all of Djurgårdsbrunnsviken. Charta öfwer Stockholm from 1751 also marks Ladugårdslands Wiken.
Ladugårdslandsviken’s innermost part was once separated by Ladugårds Lands Bron. This bridge divided it from Packare Torgs Wiken. This area was filled in during the 1800s. Today, it forms Nybroplan and Berzelii park.
Imagine Ladugårdslandsviken in the 1890s. A German tourist described its northern shore. It was “the most miserable part of Ladugårdslandet.” He saw a dirty village without paving. Small, wretched huts stood on and between rocks. They were overshadowed or lost among trees. There were also gunpowder works and fields.
Within a few years, Strandvägen arose. It became Stockholm’s new show street. Ladugårdslandsviken transformed. It went from a neglected area to a prominent waterfront.
Ladugårdslandsviken connects different waterways. Nybroviken lies to the west. Djurgårdsbrunnsviken extends to the east. These connections highlight its central location.
Today, Ladugårdslandsviken offers a beautiful view. Reflect on its past as you gaze upon its waters. Consider the transformation from a “miserable” village to a vital part of Stockholm. Ladugårdslandsviken stands as a testament to the city’s evolution.