Didn’t you know that Lördagen is also called Lördan? No description defines this small island. Lördan appears in historical records. It is a fascinating islet with a past intertwined with Stockholm’s story.
Lördagen is a small island. It is located near Långholmen. Långholmen has a long and interesting history. In one way or another, the island has fulfilled special functions for Stockholm. Despite its central location in Stockholm, Långholmen retains countryside and historical buildings.
Let me tell you more about Långholmen’s history. It may shed light on Lördagen. The island of Långholmen has traces of ancient dwellings from the 10th century. A silver hoard of German coins minted in the 10th century was also found.
Långholmen first appears in historical documents in 1435. These documents mention Sweden’s Council of State meeting in Långholmen. Gustav Vasa stationed his troops on Långholmen before occupying Stockholm in 1523.
Queen Christina donated Långholmen to Stockholm City in 1647. A marine customs house was set up on Långholmen in 1622. It operated until 1857. Fast sailing yachts were moored there. They chased vessels that forgot to go through customs. Shipping expansion on Lake Mälaren led to a shipyard. It was established at Pålsundet in 1685. Pålsundet is the channel between Söder Mälarstrand and Långholmen.
A wealthy brewer, Jochum Ahlstedt, rented parts of Långholmen in 1649. He cultivated the land and built a residence called Alstavik. The State acquired Alstavik in 1724. It became a spinning house for women. Spinning houses were penal institutions.
Prison operations expanded on Långholmen. They dominated the island for 250 years. Large private buildings were also erected. The waterfront facing Mälaren was embellished in the late 19th century. Prisoners laid soil on the rock and planted 3000 trees. This transformed Långholmen into a green oasis. The prison closed in 1975.
Långholmen’s Hotel and Youth Hostel opened in 1989. Everyone can now enjoy the beautiful island. Lördagen remains a silent witness to these events.
Think about the ships that once sailed past Lördagen. Consider the prisoners who toiled on Långholmen. Imagine the meetings that shaped Sweden’s history. Lördagen stands as a reminder of Stockholm’s rich and varied past. It invites us to reflect on the layers of history.