SkyView

What SkyView is

SkyView is an unusual kind of viewing experience: instead of a lift inside the building, two glass ball-shaped gondolas glide up the outside of the curved facade of the Avicii Arena – all the way to 85 metres above the ground. From the top, a wide panorama opens up over Stockholm, from the city centre in the north out to the suburbs and, on clear days, far into the surrounding countryside. The whole visit takes around 20 minutes.

The arena itself is the most eye-catching landmark in the south of the city: the largest spherical building in the world, visible from a distance as a white sphere above the Johanneshov district.

Globen, Ericsson Globe or Avicii Arena?

Anyone asking about the Globen means the same building. Officially, only its name has changed: from 2009 to 2021 the venue held the naming rights as Ericsson Globe, and since May 2021 it has carried the name Avicii Arena in honour of the Swedish DJ Avicii, who died in 2018. In everyday speech, though, most Stockholmers simply call it the Globen – and the underground station in front of it goes by the same name.

The multi-purpose arena is used for ice hockey, concerts and major events. Different opening hours apply for SkyView on event days.

What to expect

• The two gondolas run alternately; the climb up the facade itself is the highlight, and the gondola pauses briefly at the top for the panoramic view.
• The ride is weather-dependent: in storms or poor conditions, SkyView can be suspended at short notice. For the view, a clear day is worth waiting for.
• Allow around 20 minutes for the whole visit – it's a short stop, not a half-day outing.

Honestly assessed: SkyView is worthwhile mainly for its unusual gondola concept and the view over southern Stockholm. Travellers after the classic postcard skyline of Gamla Stan will get closer to it from one of the viewpoints in Södermalm.

Visiting and tickets

SkyView is open year-round, Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 18:00, and at weekends from 10:00 to 16:00. Queues are shortest on weekdays shortly after opening; on sunny days and at weekends it can get busier.

Admission costs 180 SEK for adults and 140 SEK for children aged 5 to 12 and for seniors from 65, while children up to 4 ride free. Only card payment is accepted on site – cash does not work. It's worth reserving a ticket in advance through the official booking page, which saves queueing on busy days. No fixed group or combo rates are publicly listed; groups should contact the arena directly.

Getting there

The Globen is at Arenatorget 2 in Johanneshov, south of the city centre. The easiest way is by underground: take the green line 19 to Globen station, then it's around a 5-minute walk. From T-Centralen the ride takes about 15 minutes. Alternatively, get off at Gullmarsplan and walk about 8 minutes.

For an overview of the network and useful tips, see the guide Getting around Stockholm; the underground's artworks are covered in the guide Tunnelbana Art. For the best sights across the city, see the guide Stockholm Attractions.