Published 9/28/2026
Sweden’s first free port opened provisionally in 1919, and Stockholm’s Frihamnen was fully completed on 27 September 1926. Now celebrating its centenary, Frihamnen remains part of one of Stockholm’s historically most important hubs for passenger and freight transport, which continues to develop across the Frihamnen and Värtahamnen port areas.
The need for the port is essentially the same today as it was 100 years ago. Each year, 11 million passengers and 8 million tonnes of cargo pass through Ports of Stockholm’s ports. However, modern shipping and the city place very different demands on the port, which has evolved over the years in step with developments in shipping and urban development.
“By celebrating Frihamnen’s centenary, we are highlighting a location that has played a key role in the Stockholm region’s transport logistics throughout its history. Frihamnen is both a fascinating part of Stockholm’s industrial heritage and an important part of the city’s future development,” says Alexandra Ribenyi Lindström, Acting CEO of Ports of Stockholm.
Over the past decade, port infrastructure in central Stockholm has undergone major changes. Container operations have relocated to Stockholm Norvik Port, operations at Värtahamnen and Frihamnen have been consolidated on expanded piers, and former warehouses have been given a new lease of life as modern offices.
At the same time, the port retains its original functions. Today, these include handling project cargo and accommodating naval vessel visits, while millions of ferry and cruise passengers pass through the area each year. A significant share of trade in goods with Finland also passes through these ports.
“Stockholms Hamnkvarter is taking shape within the sustainable urban district of Stockholm Royal Seaport. New developments are being built on former port land, while vital shipping services and terminals give the area its distinctive character. This is an important location for travel and trade that is undergoing an exciting transformation,” says Mattias Sandell, Development Strategist at Ports of Stockholm.
Looking ahead, Frihamnen’s future is likely to bring further integration between the city and the port, alongside a continued focus on sustainable transport and sustainable urban environments. Shipping is already one of the most sustainable ways to transport large volumes of cargo, and efforts to improve its sustainability have been under way for many years.
Work continues to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, expand access to onshore power supply for vessels at berth, improve sustainable waste management and develop other solutions. No one knows for certain what Frihamnen will look like in 100 years, but it is easy to imagine that it will continue to play an important role for both Stockholm’s residents and its visitors.
FRIHAMNEN: A BRIEF HISTORY
The history of Stockholm is not the story of a city that acquired a port. It is the story of a port that gave rise to a city. Stockholm was founded as early as the 12th century because of its excellent location. The port lay at the heart of the city and was its hub for trade and commerce. In the early 20th century, parts of the port were relocated to Värtahamnen and Frihamnen, which at the time lay far outside the city. On 27 September 1926, King Gustaf V, the current King’s great-grandfather, officially opened the new Frihamnen port.
Read more about Frihamnen on our dedicated Ports of Stockholm history website (in Swedish).