05 Jan Stockholm Restaurants 1944

Stockholm restaurant 1944

In 1944 Stockholm, there were many restaurants available for the dining pleasure of the members of the American Legation and the American airmen who were interned there. I have written about some of them, but here I would like to keep a running list of what I’ve found in my research. I will continue to add to it.

Several of these came from the 1944 Stockholm Illustrated Guide as “the most frequented summer restaurants in Stockholm … most of which are also open in winter.”

The American internees and those working at the Legation were cautioned that no restaurant was safe, even the very finest such as the Grand Hotel.  The Gestapo could very well be seated at the next table!

I welcome comments and edits from anyone who has “been there.”

In alphabetical order:

• Bäckahästen – This restaurant at Hamngatan 2 was known as a Nazi hangout. I found a posting, “Beneath a Steel Sky” which suggests that it was also popular with Stockholm gays. Do a google translate and read the interesting comments which suggest that this may have given intelligence officers a convenient cover.
• 

  Bellmansro Restaurant, courtesy of Simon Olsson

  Bellmansro – Popular during World War II but burned in 1952.

• Berns Salonger – very elegant, still open today.
• Blanch’s Café – another popular restaurant and bar. The building was replaced in the 1960’s during a great urban renovation.
• Den Gyldene Freden – in Old Town. Built during the 17th century. The house and tavern opened in 1721. Österlånggatan 51.
• Djurgårdsbrunn – bar and restaurant in Djurgården. According to the restaurant website, it is on the site of Queen Kristina’s former royal estate where she would hunt lions.

Katarinahissen in 1941. Source: Wikipedia (Stockholms stadsmuseum, Börge Gallen)

• Gondolen – by Slussen. The Katarina Lift (or in Swedish, Katarinahissen) is an outdoor elevator with a walkway between Stadsgården and Mosebacke Square. The original steam engine lift was inaugurated in 1883 but demolished in 1933 when the Slussen traffic hub was rebuilt. A new lift with an electric motor was finished in 1936 but closed to the public in 2011 due to its worn condition. The restaurant is now “Erik’s,” and it hovers 33 cm high. It looks like it might be right on the walkway.
• Grand Hotel – Yes, this was the destination for Allied and Axis guests to mix freely, always on high alert. It is open today of course, a magnificent place to dine.

• Hasselbacken – at Djurgården, Hazeliusbacken 20. Dating from the 1700’s. After a fire the restaurant was rebuilt in 1874, and it has been extensively renovated since. Today there is a hotel, conference center and restaurant at the site.
• Högloftet – in Skansen, and still serving today.
• Konstnärshuset – this is the “Artists’ House,” just a few minutes from the American Legation and open today. Also known as K.B.
• Lindgården – opposite Hasselbacken in Djurgården. Built in 1929 but torn down in 2011 to be replaced by a hotel.
• Mosebacke – at Mosebacke Torg (Moseback Square) In 1944 this was considered the “south side of the city” in Södermalm, just below Staden (or Gamla Stan.) Today this is a more bohemian easy going part of Stockholm with lots going on. From what I can tell online, the Mosebacke restaurant is now part of the Södra Teatern, “Sweden’s foremost international venue for music, theatre & debate.”  There is a jazz brunch on weekends. I am not sure whether or not this is the same restaurant as in 1944.
• Operakällaren – at Karl XII.  “The Opera Bar” The name dates back to 1787 when the restaurant was located in the cellar under Gustav III’s opera house. In the 1860’s the wine cellar was transformed into a modern restaurant. Then when the new Opera House was built a bar was added in 1905. After a total renovation, the new Operakällaren was opened in 1961.
• Regnbågen – a noted Nazi hangout no longer there today.
• Solliden – in Skansen. Still open today.
• Stadshuskällaren – luxury restaurant in the basement of the Town Hall Stadhuset, inaugurated in 1923.  This is where the annual Nobel banquet is served
• Stallmästaregården – at Haga Park in northern Stockholm. “Stockholm’s oldest inn” according to its website. Dates back to the mid-1600’s.
• Stortorgskällaren – Located at the public square Stortorget 7 in Staden (Gamla Stan.) It is built over a medieval basement, part of which dates back to the 15th century.
• Strand Hotel – today this hotel is the Radisson Blue luxury hotel.
• Strömsborg – on an island in the river and part of the Old Town. Looks like the restaurant burned down in 1953.
• Sturehof at Stureplan 2 was first a German-style beer hall, Malta, opening in 1897.  In 1905, the owners changed the name to Sturehof. Many items on the menu date back to the restaurant’s early days.
• Zum Franziskaner is a German restaurant popular with the Axis crowd, of course, during the war. According to its website, “Stockholm’s oldest restaurant from 1421 in the old town with stunning views …” The present house was built in 1906.

Update May 26, 2016:

Please see the two comments sent in below with additional details on these Stockholm restaurants.

Share this Post

• Tweet