Stora Hotellet
Jönköpings län
Stora Hotellet, originally known as Jönköpings Hotell, is a prominent city hotel located in the heart of Jönköping, Sweden. Designed by Birger Oppman with assistance from Helgo Zettervall, it was constructed between 1856 and 1860, partially opening in 1858 for a local agricultural meeting. The hotel was built following a devastating fire in 1854 that destroyed nearby blocks along Hamnkanalen and Lake Vättern. It features the grand Spegelsalen (Mirror Hall), nearly 300 square meters in size, inaugurated in 1864 to celebrate the opening of the Southern Main Line railway. The hall was renovated in 1904 in Jugendstil style, adorned with ceiling paintings and regional coats of arms from Götaland, Småland, Jönköping, Eksjö, Gränna, Kalmar, and Växjö. Historically, the hotel flourished in the late 19th century, serving as a key lodging spot for railway travelers between Stockholm and Skåne. A northern extension was added after a 1930 fire, originally including a hotel garden and an integrated gas station. The building originally had three floors and a cold attic, which was later converted into a lodge room used by the St. Johannes Lodge until 2013. Today, Stora Hotellet remains an iconic landmark combining historical architecture with modern hospitality.
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Tip: For the best experience, visit during the spring to autumn months when the hotel's lakeside location by Vättern is most pleasant. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during local events and student ball seasons held in the Spegelsalen. Discounts may be available for early reservations or longer stays. Check the official website for up-to-date offers and opening hours.
Interesting facts
- •The Spegelsalen ballroom covers almost 300 square meters and features ceiling paintings and coats of arms of several Swedish regions and cities.
- •The hotel was partially opened in 1858 to host an agricultural meeting before its official inauguration in 1860.
- •The northern extension after the 1930 fire included a built-in Standard (later Esso) gas station, a rare feature for a hotel building.
- •The attic was used as a lodge room by the St. Johannes Lodge until October 2013.
History
Stora Hotellet was constructed between 1856 and 1860 after a fire in 1854 destroyed parts of central Jönköping.
It opened officially on January 7, 1860, with Theodor Blanch as its first hotel manager.
The hotel gained prominence in the late 19th century, notably owned by Austrian immigrant Tobias Opbacher from 1895, who also owned Krönleins Brewery.
The Spegelsalen was inaugurated in 1864 alongside the opening of the Southern Main Line railway.
A northern wing was added after a fire in 1930, expanding the hotel's capacity and facilities.
The attic was converted into a lodge room used until 2013 by the St.
Johannes Lodge.
Place Guide
Spegelsalen (Mirror Hall)1864
A grand ballroom nearly 300 square meters in size, inaugurated in 1864 for the opening of the Southern Main Line railway. Renovated in 1904 in Jugendstil style, it features ceiling paintings and regional coats of arms representing Götaland, Småland, and several local cities. It has been a traditional venue for student balls and significant events in Jönköping.
Northern Extension1930s
Built after a 1930 fire, this wing expanded the hotel with additional rooms, a dining hall, and originally included a hotel garden with outdoor seating. It also housed a built-in Standard gas station at the corner facing Norra Strandgatan, which was formerly part of the main road Riksväg 1.
Attic Lodge RoomLate 19th century (converted)
Originally a cold attic, it was converted into a lodge room by the St. Johannes Lodge Den Mellersta Pelaren and used until 2013 for lodge activities.
Contact
Phone: 036-10 00 00
