One building dominates the southern skyline of Stockholm like nothing else: the Globe. Even after three decades of living and working here, I still get a little thrill every time I see that massive white sphere rising above the city. Originally known as the Ericsson Globe and now officially named the Avicii Arena, most locals – myself included – simply call it “Globen.” It’s not just a landmark – it’s a record-breaker.
Opened in 1989, it remains the largest spherical building in the world. The event hall can hold up to 16,000 spectators.
But the real magic isn’t just looking at it from the outside. Since 2010, you’ve been able to climb right up the side of it. “SkyView – On top of the Globe” was chosen as slogan for the new viewpoint. If you visit Stockholm, you can start your sightseeing tour here with an unforgettable view.
The SkyView: A glass journey to the clouds
If you want the ultimate bird’s-eye view of Stockholm, the SkyView is your ticket. Imagine two spherical glass gondolas gliding up rails mounted directly onto the outer skin of the arena. It’s an engineering marvel built by the same experts who design ski lifts in northern Sweden.
The journey takes you to the very apex of the Globe, 130 meters above sea level.
And the best part?
The view is absolutely staggering. You can see the winding waterways of the archipelago, the historic rooftops of Södermalm, and the sprawling greenery that makes Stockholm so unique.
SkyView glass gondola ride
This is a popular attraction, especially on weekends. I always recommend booking your time slot in advance to avoid long waits.
Check availability for your preferred date
Insider tips from 30 years of Sweden travel. This guide contains affiliate links (marked with ➔) to help support my work at no extra cost to you.
Does the “Fear of Heights” kick in?
I’ll be honest with you. Even as a seasoned traveler, that steep incline can feel a bit intense. When I first took the ride, I found myself staring at the floor for the first few minutes.
But here is the trick: Once you reach the top, the movement stops, and the gondola feels perfectly steady. That’s the moment to look out. The relief is worth it, and the panoramic views are so distracting you’ll forget how high up you actually are.
What to expect during your visit
Your experience starts before you even step into the glass pod. Before boarding, you are ushered into a small theater for a five-minute film about the history of the Globe and the incredible feat of engineering required to build the SkyView. It’s a great way to build anticipation.
- Capacity: Each gondola holds up to 16 people.
- The “butt” joke: If you look at the Globe from a distance, you might notice the two parallel rails of the SkyView. Local Stockholmers often joke that from the right angle, the building looks like … well, a giant backside.
- A fresh face: You’re seeing the Globe at its best. It underwent a massive “facelift” in 2016, where specialized climbers power-washed the entire exterior for the first time in its history. See pictures below.
More than just a view: The Arena District
The Avicii Arena is the heart of the largest event venue hub in Northern Europe. There is always something happening here, from the Eurovision Song Contest to world-class hockey and concerts.
Just next door, you’ll find the 3Arena, a state-of-the-art soccer stadium. If you’re in the mood for some retail therapy after your ride, Globen Shopping is right there with 60 different shops to explore.
Tickets
Get your ticket now: SkyView Glass Gondola Ride
Tickets for the SkyView glass gondola ride are also included in the Stockholm Go City All-Inclusive Pass (“Stockholm Pass” for short; as of February 2026).
Hotels near the SkyView and Avicii Arena
Book now: Hotels, hostels, B&Bs in the area
I especially recommend the Motel L where I have twice stayed myself. This is a very modern hotel with air conditioning, a tram stop right in front, and several pleasant cafés and restaurants around the corner in an area that is called Hammarby sjöstad.
The Stockholm Globe gets a facelift
In 27 years a lot of dirt had accumulated on the surface of the Stockholm Globe. The tourist attraction, therefore, got a facelift before the Eurovision Song Contest in May 2016. With high pressure washers, spezialied workers cleaned the Globe section by section. This was the first exterior cleaning in the history of the famous building.
Sightseeing tours, activities and entrance tickets
Book now: The best Stockholm tours, activities and tickets
My photo at the top of the page was taken in the middle of the Götgatan street on Södermalm, near the Medborgarplatsen square. – Source for the text on the cleaning of the Globe: Klätterservice i Norden AB. Photos: Johan Marklund.
