1. Lidingövägen – Valhallavägen/Odengatan

With adrenaline at its peak, we start on the wide raoad Lidingövägen next to Östermalm’s sports grounds. We pass the Stockholm Stadium — where the finish awaits in just under 42 km. Don’t turn left out of old habit. Take a right onto Valhallavägen instead! The first kilometre marker appears just before Odengatan. Note: Lidingövägen was formerly called Ropstensvägen, connecting the Lidingö ferry terminal to the customs point near today’s Karlaplan. 

2. Odengatan – Sveavägen

A pleasant downhill stretch leads us along Odengatan to Sveavägen, which we now follow further than in previous years, heading toward the heart of the city. Note: Look right at Gunnar Asplund’s famous City Library — a landmark of classical architecture. 

3. Sveavägen – Kungsgatan/Hötorget

We pass the Grand cinema visited by Olof Palme the night he was assassinated, and Adolf Fredrik Churchyard where he is buried. Then we turn right onto Kungsgatan at the Concert Hall.Note: Until about 150 years ago, Hötorget was divided into Månglartorget, where meat, fish, vegetables, and flowers were sold, and Bondetorget, which offered seasonal produce. At the Porter Café, you could get a glass of porter or a bottle of “pickadong” (red wine) for modest prices. 

4. Kungsgatan – Central Station

A fast downhill takes us toward Stockholm Central on a more urban route. Note: When the station opened in 1871, the city centre shifted from Gamla Stan to Norrmalm. 

5. Central Station – Mälartorget

We reach “the city between bridges” earlier than ever before on Stockholm Marathon. Watch uneven pavement and narrow sections. Note: Look toward Strömsborg. Once home to a restaurant, bathhouse, and bowling alley.  

6. Mälartorget – Slottsbacken

We run along the waterfront around Gamla Stan, from Munkbron to Skeppsbron. Note: The old town today has about 3,000 residents, down from over 13,000 150 years ago.  

7. Royal Palace – Kungsträdgården

On Skeppsbron, we’ve waved up at the Royal Palace. We make a short detour by turning left after Logården and running across Norrbro, through Helgeandsholmen, via Gustav Adolfs Square and along Strömgatan to Kungsträdgården. Note: Skeppsbron is Stockholm’s oldest quay. It has been there since the 17th century when King Gustav II Adolf decided to tear down the old city walls. 

8. Kungsträdgården – Strandvägen

A gentle incline takes us along Kungsträdgården before we turn right onto Hamngatan. Watch out for the tram tracks, and continue to Nybroviken and onto Strandvägen. Note: It wasn’t until the 1897 World Exhibition that Strandvägen became fully accessible from Nybroplan to Djurgårdsbron. Before that, it was lined with shacks. Nybroviken was once a foul-smelling latrine, yet it was still used for washing laundry – and even as drinking water! The bay was barely navigable, filled with debris and wrecks. At its innermost point was Katthavet, where waste barrels were emptied. Today the site of Berzeli Park. 

9. Strandvägen – Karlaplan

Keeping pace with the Djurgården tram line, we pass the final flat stretch of the opening section before turning onto Narvavägen’s nearly 600-meter, tree-lined incline with a gradient of about 2–3%. It’s a perfect hill for training in the spring, especially since you’ll return here after nearly 40 kilometres of running. Note: Oscarskyrkan, on your right at the start of the climb, was inaugurated in 1903. It originated from an architectural competition with a strict cost limit of 325,000 SEK. Today, that amount wouldn’t even buy three square meters of an apartment in Östermalm. 

10. Karlavägen – Sturegatan

After rounding Karlaplan, we catch our breath along Karlavägen—an esplanade lined with around twenty sculptures. At Humlegården, we turn right and uphill along Sturegatan. By now, we’ve climbed nearly all the elevation from the waterfront back up toward Stadion. In the incline toward Valhallavägen, you can already make out the outline of Stadion, which we pass after just 10 kilometres. Don’t be tempted to stop if you’re feeling tired or negative—every runner experiences lows during a marathon. 
Note: The austere Fältöversten complex between Karlaplan and Valhallavägen was built in the early 1970s on what used to be a run-down area. Karlaplan is inspired by Place de l’Étoile in Paris and serves as the hub of five streets. This is also where Hökens Port once stood, beyond which lay what was called the “Outer Darkness.” At the corner of Narvavägen and Karlavägen, August Strindberg once looked out over the transformation of Ladugårdslandet into what is now Östermalm. 

11. Sturegatan – Fältöversten

The original opening stretch of the marathon course slopes gently downhill along Valhallavägen. Here you can conserve energy—but also benefit from maintaining a slightly faster pace than your overall average. Note: Until the mid-18th century, Norra Djurgården (on your left as you turn onto Valhallavägen) was enclosed with fences and guarded gates, overseen by royal gamekeepers and forest wardens. Today it’s a beautiful recreational area, perfect for long, easy runs. Opposite Stadion stands the Royal College of Music, the second oldest in the world, with roots dating back to 1771. It has trained greats such as Jussi Björling, Malena Ernman, Birgit Nilsson, and Peter Jöback. 

12. Fältöversten – Radiohuset

Turning right from Valhallavägen onto Oxenstiernsgatan takes us up a short incline toward the Swedish Radio and TV buildings. Note: The first international running competitions in Stockholm were held in 1891 in Gustav Adolfs Park, located between Valhallavägen and Karlavägen. The Dicksonpokalen was permanently awarded to the club whose runner could win three consecutive races over the 1,609-meter hilly triangular course in under five minutes. AIK claimed it through Patrik Löfgren. 

13. Radiohuset – Maritime Museum

From Radiohuset, the course drops steeply downhill toward Berwaldhallen, then turns left and continues down to Nobelgatan through Diplomatstaden. Note: The area that became Östermalm was once known as Ladugårdslandet. Cows grazed in the fields and pigs roamed the farmland. It was nothing like today’s embassy district. This area also hosted the Stockholm Exhibition of 1930, which introduced functionalism. The style was so disliked by then-mayor Carl Lindhagen that he proposed banning it. 

14. Maritime Museum – Kaknäs

A flat stretch, though it can be exposed to wind since Gärdet opens out on the left and the Djurgårdsbrunn Canal lies on the right. Note: Ladugårdsgärdet served as a military drill field, particularly during the reign of King Karl XIV Johan in the early 19th century. The field has gradually shrunk, especially in the 1930s when housing was built. The 155-metre Kaknäs Tower offers some of Stockholm’s best views, but when running below, it’s easy to miss! And the 155 metres got nothing on us, right? We’ll be running 262 times that distance! 

15. Kaknäs – Manilla

It’s an easy run down to Djurgårdsbrunn Bridge. This is another opportunity to lengthen your stride. Out on Djurgården, however, it gets tougher. Here you face a long, steady climb with a 3% gradient toward Manillahuset. Note: The Djurgårdsbrunn Canal was dug in 1834. The old route had previously been blocked to prevent ships from bypassing customs at Blockhusudden. After crossing the bridge, you’ll pass Gröndal on your left at a short distance — the final home of poet Gustaf Fröding.  

16–18. Djurgårdsvägen 

A steep descent from the top of Manilla takes us right onto the longest uninterrupted stretch of the course, the gently undulating Djurgårdsvägen. After passing the Italian Embassy at Oakhill (fortunately on its lower side), the road levels out again. From here, there are no hills all the way to Slussen! Note: At the 18-kilometre mark we pass Skansen. Artur Hazelius’s idea for an open-air museum began with a few wax figures depicting rural life and gradually expanded — from individual traditional Swedish cottages to entire farmsteads. It also includes a zoo featuring mainly Nordic animals. Skansen has inspired similar museums around the world. 

19. Djurgården – Strandvägen

We leave Djurgården, and the easier section comes at just the right time. We meet runners who haven’t yet reached the 10 km mark and are about to tackle the climb on Narvavägen. Just think how much further ahead we are. Soon, the big crowds with spectators will be back again! Note: On the northwestern tip of Valdemarsön (as Djurgården was formerly called), King Johan III established a royal game park. In the 17th century, a popular pastime was pitting animals against each other. 

20. Nybroviken – Blasieholmen

This is the most tourist-packed part of the course, passing the Waxholm boats. But instead of heading out to the archipelago, we’ll keep on keeping on along the course. Note: Until the 17th century, Blasieholmen was an island, separated from Norrmalm by the waterway Näckströmmen. During the Battle of Brunkeberg in 1471, the Danish army fled across Näckholmsbron, which collapsed, causing many to drown as they tried to escape to waiting ships. 

21. Slussen

How many marathons pass by a royal palace? We do it three times! A palace has stood here for over eight centuries. The current one is not even 300 years old and has 660 windows across its 1,430 rooms. Note: After the fire in the spring of 1697, palace architect Nicodemus Tessin the Younger managed to design the new palace in just six weeks. He believed it could be built in seven years — but it ended up taking 57, partly due to the costly wars of King Charles XII. 

22. Katarinavägen

Now we take on a serious climb. A full kilometre uphill from Slussen along Katarinavägen. It’s steepest at the beginning, then gradually levels out with Stockholm’s waterways behind us. Keep your head up and shorten your stride. Don’t chase other runners or your heart rate. Note: The first Slussen was built by Dutch engineers in the 17th century and lubricated with butter. Later versions were designed by leading Swedish engineers of their time – Christopher Polhem in the 18th century and Nils Ericsson in the 19th. Today’s is the fifth generation of Slussen, featuring the Golden Bridge. There have always been plenty of bars and restaurants around Slussen.   

23. Folkungagatan – Katarina Bangata

We enter SoFo (as real estate agents like to call it) and pass three former cinemas, but plenty more hip, bearded locals along Folkungagatan. Note: Over less than 1.5 km, the course is lined with around 30 restaurants. Save your order! The next aid station is just a couple of kilometres ahead. 

24. Katarina Bangata – Skrapan

Now we’re deep in “Bajen territory.” The 23 km marker is just past Nacka’s Corner. Take a moment to admire Olle Aldrin’s Nacka statue, “See you at the finish.” We’ve got just under 20 kilometres to go. Note: Skanstull was built in the 1640s as a fortification to defend against Danish attacks from the south. The customs station was established in the following decade. 

25. Skrapan – Södra Station

We zigzag through central Södermalm along flat sections by Rosenlundsparken. Pick up the pace on the long straight along Magnus Ladulåsgatan – because the hills are coming soon. Note:You know you’re on Södermalm when a single block includes both the Catholic Cathedral and the bar Gröne Jägaren. 

26. Magnus Ladulåsgatan – Hornsgatan

We continue straight along Rosenlundsgatan to Gamla Bysis by Hornsgatan, where those who couldn’t pay their debts were once imprisoned. The long-standing myth that the poet Bellman was among them isn’t true, though his street lies just a few blocks to the right. Note: Before the first Årsta Bridge was built about a hundred years ago, the old railway ran along Maria Bangata from an embankment over Årstaviken. Today it lives on as a pedestrian and cycling path that we now cross. Come back in late August for the Stockholm Half Marathon and you’ll be able to run “on the rails” during its 18th kilometre. 

27. Hornsgatan – Högalidsparken

We only run one block along Hornsgatan, where another race called Midnight Run finishes in August. Gather your energy, because after leaving Zinkensdamm behind and turning left onto Lundagatan, a tough climb awaits. This is the highest point of the course, followed by an equally steep descent toward Högalidsparken. Note: In the late 1600s, Frantz Zinck lived here for just five years. He never managed to buy the estate at Tanto, yet his dusty name lives on in “Bajen territory.” Zinken is home to the green-and-white bandy team, and famously hosted the band Bob Hund’s final performance. 

28. Högalidsparken – Västerbron

We continue zigzagging slightly downhill from Högalid (“High Hill”) toward Knivsöder. Take the opportunity to refuel before leaving Södermalm and heading up Västerbron, which for many years in Stockholm Marathon history had to be conquered twice. Now we approach it more gently from Långholmsgatan, with a manageable incline and still breathtaking views. Note:Högalid Church was designed by Ivar Tengbom, who later also designed the Stockholm Concert Hall. Its twin towers, rising 84 metres, are visible from much of the city. It is a handy landmark if you ever lose your way! 

29. Västerbron – Rålis

Mastering long-distance racing is about maintaining an even effort level as possible. After letting others charge uphill, you can now gradually reel them back in by lengthening your stride. Practice landing lightly on downhills beforehand, otherwise your thighs may take a beating toward the end of the race. Note: Västerbron offers one of Stockholm’s most beautiful views. To the right lies Riddarfjärden with the silhouette of City Hall and Riddarholmen – a reminder of the city’s first golden age. To the left, beyond the greenery of Långholmen, the Essingeledenhighway pulses across Lake Mälaren. The waters are filled with boats of every kind. 

30. Around Rålambshovsparken – Norr Mälarstrand

It takes us nearly 30 kilometres to reach Kungsholmen. The 29 km marker is placed almost exactly at the starting line of another classic race, Kungsholmen Runt. From here, we have two straight, easy kilometres to City Hall. Note: Åke Rålamb leased the land where the park now stands in the early 1700s. Despite later being evicted, he still got to give the park his name. 

 31. Norr Mälarstrand – Hantverkargatan

After admiring City Hall, we turn left for something never done before in Stockholm Marathon history. We go onto Hantverkargatan and head uphill toward Kungsholm Church. Note: Kungsholmen was originally called Munklägret (“the monks’ camp”). The current name dates from 1672, but the island later earned the nickname Svältholmen (“Starvation Island”) due to its harsh living conditions, with factories, run-down wooden houses, and overcrowded tenements dominating the area. Separator on Fleminggatan was once Sweden’s largest industrial workplace. 

32. Hantverkargatan – Fleminggatan

We continue the climb from Riddarfjärden across Kungsholmen up to the City Court. Don’t stare at your watch or draw conclusions just because your pace is dropping. Keep your cadence high and take your time at the aid stations. We’re about to enter the final phase of the race… the last 10 kilometres! Note: According to Lindhagen’s city plan of 1866, which transformed Stockholm into a modern city, there was supposed to be an avenue running from Norr Mälarstrand to Fleminggatan. Perhaps we’ll have to build it before the marathon course is redesigned next time. 

33. Fleminggatan – St. Eriksbron

We leave Kungsholmen the same way as in the classic two-lap course, back when the uphill on Fleminggatan was considered tougher than Västerbron. Note: On your right as you reach St. Eriksbron stands Sportpalatset. In 1978, a cinema here was converted into Polar Studios, where ABBA, Led Zeppelin, and the Ramones recorded music. At the top of the building, Bruno Liljefors once had his three-story studio with the windows thrown wide open. The painter even fed birds with meat and fish. 

34. St. Eriksbron – Torsgatan

We turn right after St. Eriksplan, with Vasaparken on our left. After passing Bonniers Konsthall, we follow the railway on our right toward Central Station. It’s downhill! Note: Before television became common in homes, political debates in Vasaparken drew huge crowds. The debates between Tage Erlander and Bertil Ohlin in 1948 and 1952 are said to have attracted up to 50,000 spectators cheering for their favourites — just like at a football match.  

35. Torsgatan – Stockholm Central

We skim past Norra Bantorget and continue following the railway — but without hopping on the Arlanda Express. Now we’re back at Central Station. Note: Norra Bantorget has traditionally been the heart of the labour movement, home to the LO headquarters and a central gathering place for May Day marches. 

36. Central Station – Munkbron

See section 5. 

37. Munkbron – Skeppsbron

See section 6. 

38. Gamla Stan – Kungsträdgården

See section 7. 

39. Kungsträdgårdsgatan – Strandvägen

See section 8.  

40. Strandvägen – Karlaplan

See section 9.  

41. Karlaplan – Sturegatan

See section 10. 

 42. Sturegatan – Stadion

The final kilometre begins on the uphill stretch of Sturegatan. But instead of taking the shortest route to Stadion, we extend it slightly to squeeze out the final required metres, continuing one more block to Engelbrektsgatan, where at last the course turns in the right direction. 

The finish inside a packed Stockholms Stadion is overwhelming. That finish makes the entire journey worthwhile — both the 42 kilometres on race day and all the training miles your legs have carried you through on the road to adidas Stockholm Marathon.  

We’ll do it all again next year, won’t we? 

Note: Stockholms Stadion was built for the 1912 Olympic Games. Before that, Idrottsparken stood on the same site. Stockholms Sadion holds the world record for the most athletics world records set at a single arena—83 in total.