Norra Bantorget: a central Stockholm square near Hotel Bema

Norra Bantorget is a central Stockholm park and public square on Norrmalm, close to Stockholm Central Station. The City of Stockholm describes the square as near LO-borgen and Norra Latin, placing it among central Stockholm’s historic civic surroundings.

The site’s character changed over time. Until the middle of the 19th century, it was an open garden bordering Barnhusviken. Norra station opened to public traffic in 1866; after Stockholm Central Station opened in 1871, Norra station became a goods station.

The square received its name in 1876, and the park was laid out around 1900. Goods transport continued at Norra station until 1924, when it moved to the station at Norrtull.

Norra Bantorget is also linked to Swedish social democracy. The Social Democrats still end their May Day procession here. LO bought the building known as LO-borgen in 1926 and has had its headquarters there since.

Norra Bantorget is about a 4-minute walk from Hotel Bema, making it an easy nearby stop on foot. The square is also close to Stockholm Central Station, according to the City of Stockholm.

For a simple outing, head to the square first, then take time to look around the park and its surroundings. You can also link the stop with a walk through Tegnérlunden. For a wider route through nearby central Stockholm, see this one-day Stockholm itinerary.

The park combines open lawns and plantings with mature trees, sofas and benches. The City of Stockholm says the trees provide shade and partly screen the park from traffic around it.

Four sculptures give the grounds a commemorative dimension. Brantingmonumentet, by Carl Eldh, honours Hjalmar Branting and dates to 1952. Mäster Palm, by Ture Johansson, honours August Palm and dates to 1978.

Anna Sterkys minne, by Christina Rundqvist Andersson, commemorates Anna Sterky and dates to 1988. Mitt hjärta i världen, by Nils Dahlgren, is dedicated to Olof Palme and dates to 1989.

The park was renovated in 2008–2009 and received the Siena Prize in 2009. Its mix of public seating, greenery and monuments makes the square more than a route across the neighbourhood: it is a place to pause and take in the area’s layers of history.

Norra Bantorget fits naturally into a walk that also takes in nearby Tegnérlunden. The small park is close by, so you can visit both without needing to make a separate trip across town.

LO-borgen and Norra Latin are also near the square, while Stockholm Central Station is close according to the City of Stockholm. Keep the visit focused on the square and its immediate surroundings, or use it as one stop in a broader day around central Stockholm.