Humlegården, Stockholm

Humlegården is a major park in Östermalm, with the Swedish Royal Library within its grounds. Its story begins as a royal fruit garden created by King Johan III in the 16th century. The name refers to a hop cone, recalling the plants grown here.

Parts of the grounds became accessible during the 17th century; public recreation began in 1764, and the park opened fully to everyone in 1869. Today, lawns, a small football ground, a skateboard ramp and a children’s playground make it an active local gathering place. The sculpture collection gives the park much of its character.

At the park’s centre stands a large monument to botanist Carl Linnaeus, designed by Johannes Frithiof Kjellberg and erected in 1885. Other works honour figures including Fredrika Bremer, Hjalmar Söderberg and Avicii, whose wind sculpture Standing Waves appeared in 2022.