Perhaps you’ve heard of Friends Arena, but what about the municipality it calls home? This is Solna. A municipality in Stockholm County, Sweden, located just north of Stockholm City Centre. Solna is not just any municipality. It’s one of the richest in Sweden.
Solna’s story stretches back to ancient times. Evidence includes runic stones and Viking burial sites. Imagine Vikings once roamed where we stand. A 12th-century church stands as a testament to Solna’s long history.
In 1948, Solna transitioned from a commune to a city. Now governed by a city council, it stands as a rail junction and manufacturing hub. It’s also a significant medical center.
Solna is small but mighty. It is the third smallest municipality in Sweden. Only Sundbyberg and Burlöv are smaller. Despite its size, Solna is entirely within the Stockholm urban area. No part of it is considered rural.
Solna shares borders with several municipalities. Stockholm lies to the south, southeast, and northwest. Sundbyberg is to the west, Sollentuna to the north, and Danderyd to the northeast. The Stocksundet strait marks the boundary with Danderyd.
Solna is divided into eight traditional parts. These include Bergshamra, Haga, Hagalund, Huvudsta, Järva, Råsunda, Skytteholm, and Ulriksdal. Råsunda, Hagalund, and Huvudsta are the largest districts. Solna Centrum sits between them.
Solna has attracted numerous companies and authorities. This makes it a major employment center in Greater Stockholm. Key employers include Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute are also here.
The final matches of the 1958 FIFA World Cup and the 1995 FIFA Women’s World Cup took place in Solna. They were held at Råsunda Stadium. It served as the national football stadium from 1937 to 2012. The stadium was demolished in 2013.
Today, Solna boasts a suburban character with large parks. Strawberry Arena is Sweden’s national football stadium. It is next to the Solna station.
Solna offers a blend of history, modernity, and natural beauty. It also has a vibrant urban life. From ancient roots to modern achievements, Solna continues to evolve. The municipality is a key player in the Stockholm metropolitan area.