Skogskyrkogården

Skogskyrkogården (translated as The Woodland Cemetery) is a cemetery located in southern Stockholm, Sweden. Its design reflects the development of architecture from national romantic style to mature functionalism.

Skogskyrkogården came about following an international competition in 1915 for the design of a new cemetery in Enskede in the southern part of Stockholm, Sweden. The design of the young architects Gunnar Asplund and Sigurd Lewerentz was selected. Work began in 1917 on land that had been old gravel quarries that were overgrown with pine trees and was completed three years later. The architects' use of the natural landscape created an extraordinary environment of tranquil beauty that had a profound influence on cemetery design throughout the world.

The crematorium, with its remarkable Faith, Hope, and Holy Cross Chapels was Gunnar Asplund's final work of architecture, opened shortly before his passing in 1940. In 1994, Skogskyrkogården was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and although it does not have the number of famous interments as the Norra begravningsplatsen, its much older counterpart in northern Stockholm, it is a major tourist attraction. At the Tallum Pavilion, visitors can see an exhibition about the cemetery and the story of its origins and the two architects whose vision created it.

A few of the notables buried here are:

  • Anton Nilson (1887-1989), revolutionary communist
  • Gunnar Asplund (1885-1940), architect
  • Greta Garbo (1905-1990), actress
  • Ivar Lo-Johansson (1901-1990), writer
  • Oscar A.C. Lund (1885-1963), silent film actor, director
  • Lennart "Nacka" Skoglund (1929-1975), football star
  • Alma Johansson (1880-1970)- missionary
  • Pelle Lindbergh (1959-1985) - Team Sweden and NHL goaltender with Philadelphia Flyers

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Åsa Vikström
8 September 2014
A beautiful place with fantastic architecture. It's a special place with both forest and huge open space. In the weekends there are a little cafe in the area. Take an hour or two and just walk around
DHR.com
8 December 2011
This UNESCO World Heritage Site has served as inspiration to many cemetery landscapes in the world. This serene and calming atmosphere was created by architects Asplund and Lewerentz in 1917.
Wagner SL
8 October 2015
Designed by two famous Swedish architects in the early 1920s, it is a UNESCO heritage. The tomb of Greta Garbo is just at the south end path from Woodland Chapel. Easy access by metro green line south
Querelle Genet
27 June 2021
A must see place if you are here in November during allhelgonahelgen when the cemetery is full of candles and there is a choir service. Greta Garbo is buried here. Famous architectural destination.
José Ayala
10 August 2014
Yes, it's a cemetery, but it well deserves a visit. Peaceful landscape, surrounded by millinery trees, and ancient chapels. The pink tomb of Greta Garbo is a hidden treasure.
Alexander Winblad
2 September 2014
The most beautiful place in Stockholm. Asplund and Lewrentz in total harmony. Visit at all times of the year. Go there on Allahelgona in November! Love this place.
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