Långholmen's history - from spinning house and prison to verdant promenade

Current dates: June 2, July 19, August 10 and September 7.

Punishment, life and contrasts by the water

Långholmen carries a history that remains in the ground.
Here, people have lived their lives behind walls - in work, discipline and silence.

We start in the 18th century.
In 1724, a spinning house is opened - a women's prison where the inmates were put to work.
Here we meet women convicted of poverty, begging and what was called immoral living.
A life on the margins of society.

When the women leave the island, a new era begins.
Långholmen becomes a central prison for men - with cells, surveillance and loneliness as everyday life.

Behind the walls

We move through the prison's environments.
Past the Great Guard, the high walls and the director's residence.

Here, stories are told of control, punishment and systems.
But also about the people - their everyday lives, dreams and attempts to endure.

Another side of the island

Långholmen is also something else.

When we reach the western side of the island, the landscape opens up.
Allotment gardens, Karlhälls gård and Sofieberg.
Greenery, rest and summer.

The contrast is clear.
From confinement to freedom.

A place to understand

With the help of images and stories, Långholmen emerges.
Not as a single story - but as several.

An island of opposites.
Where the traces still remain.

The walk ends at Långholmen, near the café and toilets.

💡 Tip!
If you want to get even closer to the story, you can visit Långholmen's museum afterwards - and step into an authentic cell.
Entrance: 50 SEK (paid on site)

This is what you will experience

• 🔐 The Spinning House 1724 – women's lives in work and coercion

• 🧱 The Central Prison – cells, discipline and surveillance

• 👣 The prisoners' everyday lives – life stories behind the walls

• 🏛 Historical places – the Great Guard, the walls and the director's residence

• 🌿 Långholmen's contrasts – from prison to allotment gardens and summer life

• 🖼 Historical images that deepen the story

• 🗝 Opportunity to visit the museum and see an authentic cell

Practical information

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Children
Children under 15 are welcome accompanied by a paying adult and can join free of charge.

🌦 Conducted in all weather conditions
(unless otherwise notified)

👥Group size
Smaller groups for a personal, present and vibrant experience.
Max 25 people.

 🐾Pets
Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome together with their owner

🧥 Clothing
Clothing according to the weather and comfortable shoes. Keep in mind that it is colder to stand still and listen than to be out walking in the cold. 

⏱ Time/Length
Approx. 90 minutes / approximately 2.8 km.

Meeting point & end point

📍 Meeting point: at Brofiket, Alstaviksvägen, Långholmen

🏁 End point: at Kronohäktet, Långholmen
Feel free to use SL's travel planner for smooth travel 🚇

🗣Language
Swedish. English and Italian are offered on request 

👟Pace
Leisurely walking pace with several stops for stories, images and reflection.

♿ Accessibility
Please notify us in advance of any special needs
The surface varies between asphalt, gravel, hills and stairs.

Do you want to help more people find this walk?

After the city walk, you are welcome to leave a review or share a picture from the experience 💚
It helps others find the right one - and means a lot to me.

👉 Please leave a review here:
http://bit.ly/41uPTbh

Thank you very much - and see you again in the city 🌱