--- title: "Stockholm's Summer Streets 2026: The Champions" canonical: https://bilfrittstockholm.org/en/blog/stockholms-summer-streets-2026-champions/ lang: en --- Issue 01 ● Blog August 12, 2026 [← All posts](/en/blog/) # Stockholm's Summer Streets 2026: The Champions August 12, 2026 · Irena Toljan _This post is written by [Irena Toljan](https://tplace.substack.com/), who covers Stockholm’s public spaces on her newsletter The Third Place, where this piece was first published. It is part two of her summer streets series — part one, [on why the summer streets exist at all](/en/blog/stockholms-summer-streets-2026/), is already up here._ Stockholm’s sommargågator are a **mixed bag of wins and missed opportunities**, but these 10 prove that **pedestrian-first design can transform a city**. Let’s start at the bottom and work our way up to the **undisputed champion**. ## #10: Jakobsgatan – The Glorified Sidewalk ![Hand-drawn sketch of Jakobsgatan with notes on shade, vegetation, sitting, bike parking and accessibility.](/images/blog/summer-streets-jakobsgatan-sketch.webp) A **nice green oasis** near Kungsträdgården with bike parking and bike-share options. **But:** Not car-free, no restaurants, and **bad air quality**. ![Gatuligan's factor scores for Jakobsgatan, ranked 794 of 859: air quality 8, traffic volume 27, noise 12, street life 18 and trees 34 out of 100.](/images/blog/summer-streets-jakobsgatan-gatuligan.webp) Statistics from [Gatuligan](/en/streets/) It’s a glorified sidewalk, **a solid start, but not a proper sommargågata yet**. ![Street View comparison of Jakobsgatan by S:t Jacob's church: a plain roadway with a passing car before; benches, planters and painted ground after.](/images/blog/summer-streets-jakobsgatan-before-after.webp) Before and after on Jakobsgatan ## #9: Skeppsbron – The Waterfront Work in Progress ![Hand-drawn sketch of Skeppsbron with notes on sitting, walking, observation, planters, biking and the historic surroundings.](/images/blog/summer-streets-skeppsbron-sketch.webp) Transformed from **parking lots to seating, plants, and hammocks**. A **welcoming space** by the water with cafés and boat transit. **But too many cars are still driving through**. Next year, **ditch the parking spots entirely** and let this waterfront shine. Also, the public toilet in the area is temporarily closed. ![Before and after of Skeppsbron: a quayside parking lot full of cars turned into a cobbled plaza where people sit on benches among plantings.](/images/blog/summer-streets-skeppsbron-before-after.webp) Before and after of Skeppsbron ## #8: Munkbrohamnen – The Beach Wildcard ![Hand-drawn sketch of Munkbrohamnen with notes on grilling, picnic, sunbathing, observation and the historic skyline across the water.](/images/blog/summer-streets-munkbrohamnen-sketch.webp) Not a street, but a **public beach with a skyline view**. You can **grill, sunbathe, and dip** (not swim). **Downside:** The water isn’t clean this year, but it’s still a **fantastic spot to meet friends**. In fact, Munkbrohamnen was among the top three finalists for Årets Stockholmsbyggnad 2025.⁶ ![Munkbrohamnen: wooden bathing decks with yellow parasols floating on the water, with Södermalm's skyline rising behind.](/images/blog/summer-streets-munkbrohamnen.webp) ## #7: Hornsbergs Strand – The Waterfront Escape ![Hand-drawn sketch of Hornsbergs strand: a yellow parasol, swimmers and a cyclist, with notes like ice cream, diversity and sun/shade.](/images/blog/summer-streets-hornsbergs-strand-sketch.webp) **98% of visitors rate it positively**⁹, but only **46% feel safe walking**⁹ (thanks, cars). **Why it’s great:** **Beautiful views, swimming spots, salsa parties**, and ice cream stands. **But:** **No functioning public toilet** (a recurring Stockholm tragedy) and a **wasted grass patch** that could host a market or events. ![Gatuligan's factor scores for Hornsbergs Strand, ranked 670 of 859: air quality 30, traffic volume 36, noise 26, street life 26 and trees 52 out of 100.](/images/blog/summer-streets-hornsbergs-strand-gatuligan.webp) Statistics from [Gatuligan](/en/streets/) ![Before and after of Hornsbergs strand: parked cars lining the quay street replaced by outdoor café seating, planters and grown-in greenery.](/images/blog/summer-streets-hornsbergs-strand-before-after.webp) Before and after of Hornsbergs strand ## #6: Hornsgatan – The New Kid on the Block Stockholm **moved car-free weekends** from Sveavägen to Hornsgatan this year. Early impressions? **Quite successful.** **The catch:** When it’s _not_pedestrianized, the **air quality, traffic, and noise are awful**, proving this street _needs_ to be car-free **more often**. The city also doesn’t support ideas from local businesses as it should. ![Four pictures from a car-free weekend on Hornsgatan: pink sun chairs in the roadway, a ping-pong table and swings, picnic tables by a food truck, and children cycling past the Coop.](/images/blog/summer-streets-hornsgatan.webp) We will dive a bit deeper in a post about Hornsgatan. ## #5: Rörstrandsgatan – The OG **Stats:** 12,000 daily visitors⁷, 40% more employment⁴, and **97–100% of people feel safe during the day**.⁹ **Why it’s great:** The **pioneer of sommargågator** (since 2016!), with a **lively mix of cafés, restaurants, and local shops**. **But:** Still **too much traffic**, and **not enough bike parking**. ![Six pictures from Rörstrandsgatan: packed outdoor cafés along the brick facades, bike parking, flower planters and people strolling in the street.](/images/blog/summer-streets-rorstrandsgatan.webp) In a post on Rörstrandsgatan, we will look more closely. ## #4: Swedenborgsgatan – The Economic Powerhouse With a Twist **Stats:** 60% more restaurants, 40% more jobs, and **77% of businesses are now restaurants**. 88% of locals rate it as “very good,” and **97% feel safe during the day**.⁴ **But here’s the twist:** Small businesses are **drowning in bureaucracy**. We’ll take a closer look at this topic soon. I think you’ll find it really interesting. **Verdict:** A **success for pedestrians**, a **nightmare for small businesses**. ![Three pictures of Swedenborgsgatan as a leafy pedestrian street: benches and greenery under tree canopies, and colourful painted asphalt with silver-ball decorations overhead.](/images/blog/summer-streets-swedenborgsgatan.webp) ## #3: Bergsunds Strand – The Waterfront Gem ![Hand-drawn sketch of Bergsunds strand with beach chairs, a parasol and a palm, and notes on running, biking, kids playing and a café.](/images/blog/summer-streets-bergsunds-strand-sketch.webp) A **logical extension of Hornstull Strand**, packed with cafés and restaurants even on gloomy days. **Car-free, bike-friendly, and accessible**. **Bonus:**Cool beach chairs added this year. A new pier is coming soon, turning this into a **long green promenade**.⁵ ![Gatuligan's factor scores for Bergsunds Strand, ranked 316 of 859: air quality 47, traffic volume 38, noise 39, street life 56 and trees 62 out of 100.](/images/blog/summer-streets-bergsunds-strand-gatuligan.webp) Statistics from [Gatuligan](/en/streets/) ![Before and after of Bergsunds strand: a row of parked cars along the water turned into a sandpit with orange turtle sculptures, deck chairs and parasols.](/images/blog/summer-streets-bergsunds-strand-before-after.webp) Before and after of Bergsunds strand ## #2: Nytorget Area (Skånegatan) – The People’s Favorite **Stats:** 40% more foot traffic, 50% longer visits, and **100% of survey respondents** say it’s a place where people want to hang out.⁴ **Why it works:** A **multi-block pedestrian network** with benches, social zones, **a drinking fountain,** **and a public toilet**. **Downside:** Noise from bars and **parking issues**. ![Eight pictures from the Nytorget area: an ornate public toilet, wicker play huts, outdoor cafés, and Skånegatan full of people under bunting.](/images/blog/summer-streets-nytorget.webp) We will deep-dive into Skånegatan and the surrounding area! ## #1: Centralvägen (Solna) – The Suburban Game-Changer **Why it wins:** The _only_ street on this list that **fully closes one lane to traffic**, creating a **true pedestrian paradise**. Ping-pong tables, outdoor dining, and **World Cup screenings** drew crowds so big that Lilly’s Bistro’s owner calls them _“completely insane”_ (in the best way).¹² **Solna shows how it’s done**; collaboration between the city and businesses makes this a **community hub**. **Standout feature:** Events for all ages, and **actual toilets** (a rarity in Stockholm, apparently). ![Four pictures from Centralvägen in Solna: a play area with butterfly decorations and flowers, pallet furniture under string lights, giant street chess, and crowds at a World Cup screening.](/images/blog/summer-streets-centralvagen.webp) ## The Big Picture: What Makes a Great Summer Street? From **Centralvägen’s suburban success** to **Swedenborgsgatan’s economic boom (and bureaucratic nightmare)**, these streets show that **pedestrian-first design works**, _if the rules support it_. The best streets have: * **More seating, greenery, and activities** (people _want_ to stay). * **Fewer cars, slower traffic** (safety = more visitors). * **Strong community engagement** (events, markets, and local business support). Which of these streets have _you_ visited? Which one surprised you the most? ## Bibliography 1. Admin (2024) _Cyclists and Pedestrians Contribute Significantly to City Centre Spending_, DCE. Available at: (Accessed: 27 July 2026). 2. Debattredaktionen (2026) _Låt fakta och inte magkänsla styra stadsutvecklingen_, Dagens industri. Available at: (Accessed: 27 July 2026). 3. _The Power of 10+_ (no date) Project for Public Spaces. Available at: (Accessed: 27 July 2026). 4. _Gatupotential_ (2025–2026) Spacescape. Available at: (Accessed: 27 July 2026). 5. _Ny bryggpromenad och upprustad strandpark på Bergsunds strand_ (2026) Stockholms stad. Available at: (Accessed: 28 July 2026). 6. _Munkbrohamnen_, Visit Stockholm. Available at: (Accessed: 28 July 2026). 7. Miljöpartiet Stockholms Stad on Instagram: “Sommargågatan Rörstrandsgatan är ett av Stockholms livligaste stråk som 12 000 personer passerar varje dag.” (2025) Instagram. (Accessed: 28 July 2026). 8. _Rörstrandsgatan blir gågata året om_ (2026) Stockholms stad. Available at: (Accessed: 28 July 2026). 9. _Levande Stockholm 2018 - Resultatrapport_. Available at: (Accessed: 28 July 2026). 10. _En del av Hornsgatan blir gågata året om_ (2026) Stockholms stad. Available at: (Accessed: 28 July 2026). 11. _Sommargågata_ (2026) Solna stad. Available at: [https://www.solna.se/uppleva—gora/sommar-i-solna/sommargagata](https://www.solna.se/uppleva--gora/sommar-i-solna/sommargagata)(Accessed: 28 July 2026). 12. _Trots utslaget Sverige – här fortsätter VM-festen_ (2026) Mitt i. Available at: [https://www.mitti.se/nyheter/trots-utslaget-sverige—har-fortsatter-vmfesten-6.3.374110.4c14442557](https://www.mitti.se/nyheter/trots-utslaget-sverige--har-fortsatter-vmfesten-6.3.374110.4c14442557)(Accessed: 28 July 2026). ## Read next [Aug 9, 2026● GuestStockholm's Summer Streets 2026: The Best and the RestEach summer, Stockholm gives up its car-oriented, grey and depressing streets and adopts a new image: a people-friendly city.5 min read](/en/blog/stockholms-summer-streets-2026/)[Apr 22, 2026● ReviewReview: Life After CarsA well-argued tour through the rise, costs and alternatives of car society. Ammunition for the debate, well-packed and accessible.3 min read](/en/blog/life-after-cars-review/)[Apr 4, 2026● NewsWe've startedBilfritt Stockholm is up and running. Here's what we do and how you can take part.1 min read](/en/blog/we-have-started/) Get involved Want to help make Stockholm a better city? [Get involved →](/engagera/)