Håkan Hellström Takes Over Scandinavium in 2026: 'This One's Personal'
It's almost enough to make you pinch yourself. When Håkan Hellström walks out at Gothenburg's Scandinavium this spring, it'll mark his first proper arena tour in a decade. And if anyone thought the buzz might have cooled after those magical summer nights at Ullevi in 2022 – when over 210,000 people truly left their hearts on the stage – then think again. Tickets for the 20th March vanished in no time, and now it's official: there's an extra night on the 19th March. This isn't just any concert. This is a reunion.
From Ullevi's Expanse to Scandinavium's Intimacy
It's easy to forget, in the wake of those epic, stadium-wide singalongs at Ullevi, that Håkan actually has a long and cherished history with Scandinavium. His debut down there on Valhallagatan was back in 2008. It felt fresh, exciting. He last played that same stage in 2016. And now, a decade later, he's back. But the journey hasn't exactly been a straight line. The music scene of 2022 was largely defined by Håkan Hellström – by those four Ullevi shows that turned Gothenburg into a collective frenzy. To go from 70,000 in an open-air stadium to a packed Scandinavium, holding around 12,000, is a deliberate artistic move. It's about closeness. About seeing the creases in his jacket and the sweat on his brow. About truly being able to tear your heart out, as he might sing himself.
New Tracks and Trusty Old Favourites
Right now, the single "Svindlande höjder" is getting heavy radio play, and in October, the new album "Svensk Rost" is released. It's a promising sign. The title hints at something tried and tested, something that's gained a patina – but that still holds strong. Much like Håkan himself. Much like us in the audience. At Scandinavium in March, we're guaranteed to hear the new gems, but the old classics might just hit the hardest. "Känn ingen sorg för mig Göteborg", "Det kommer aldrig va över för mig" and "Valborg" are sure to echo through the rafters. For one generation, this is the soundtrack to their lives. For another, like 18-year-old Ronja who was first in the queue outside Scandinavium, it's the discovery of something their parents already know: Håkan Hellström truly resonates across all ages. He sings about longing, about being tipsy, about love and about everyday life. It's impossible not to be drawn in.
Planning Your Night: What You Need to Know
For those lucky enough to have a ticket – or who are still hunting for one for Thursday the 19th March – it pays to be prepared. Got Event and the organisers have issued some handy guidelines:
- Age Restrictions: 13 years (18 years for standing area), in line with Public Health Agency recommendations.
- Bags: No outright ban, but bags larger than 40x40x20 cm aren't allowed. Leave the rucksack at home and just bring the essentials.
- Prohibited Items: Umbrellas (of any size!) and e-bike batteries can't be brought in. Bear that in mind if you're cycling.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair spaces are easiest to book via Ticketmaster. Audio description and sign language interpretation are also available via the "Got Event Tillgänglighet" app.
- Food and Drink: To make a full evening of it, Scandinavium has both Glöd Kök & Bar and Pouls Restaurang serving food before the concert.
I'll be there on the floor, hands probably in the air and already hoarse after the first chorus. Because this isn't just another night at work. This is Håkan Hellström. In Gothenburg. In March. It'll never be over for me. And clearly, not for him either.