Håkan Hellström to take over Scandinavium in 2026: "This one's personal"
You almost have to pinch yourself. When Håkan Hellström steps onto the stage at Scandinavium this spring, it'll be his first proper indoor tour in ten years. And if anyone thought the buzz would fade after those magical summer nights at Ullevi in 2022, when over 210,000 people had their hearts properly ripped out – well, think again. Tickets for March 20th vanished in no time, and now it's official: an extra night has been added on March 19th. This isn't just any concert. This is a reunion.
From Ullevi's vast expanse to Scandinavium's intimate glow
It's easy to forget, in the wake of those enormous singalong nights at Ullevi, that Håkan actually has a long and loving relationship with Scandinavium. His debut down there on Valhallagatan was back in 2008. It felt new, exciting. He last played that same stage in 2016. And now, ten years later, he's back. But the journey there has been anything but straightforward. The music year of 2022 was all about Håkan Hellström – those four Ullevi shows that turned Gothenburg into one massive, collective euphoria. To go from 70,000 in an outdoor arena to a sold-out Scandinavium, holding around 12,000, is a deliberate artistic choice. It's about closeness. About seeing the creases in his jacket and the sweat on his brow. About truly getting to tear your heart out, as he might sing himself.
New tunes and good old faithfuls
Right now, the single "Svindlande höjder" is getting plenty of spins on the radio, and in October, the new album "Svensk Rost" (Swedish Rust) drops. That's a good sign. The title hints at something tried and tested, something that's gained a bit of patina – but still holds strong. Just like Håkan himself. Just like us in the audience. At Scandinavium in March, we're guaranteed to hear the new gems, but the real question is whether the old classics won't 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 line outside Scandinavium, it's discovering something their parents already know: Håkan Hellström truly spans all generations. He sings about longing, about being tipsy, about love, and about everyday life. You just can't help but be drawn in.
Good to know for the big nights
For those lucky enough to have a ticket – or who are still hunting for one for Thursday, March 19th – it pays to be prepared. Got Event and the organisers have sent out some handy guidelines:
- Age limit: 13 years (18 years for standing area), in line with public health recommendations.
- Bags: No total ban, but bags larger than 40x40x20 cm aren't allowed. Leave the backpack at home and just bring the essentials.
- Not allowed: Umbrellas (no matter the size!) and e-bike batteries can't be brought in. Keep that in mind if you're cycling.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair spaces are easiest to book via Ticketmaster. There's also the option of audio description and sign language interpretation through the "Got Event Tillgänglighet" app.
- Food and drink: If you want to make a full night of it, Scandinavium has both Glöd Kök & Bar and Pouls Restaurang serving food before the concert.
I'll be there on the floor myself, probably with my hands in the air and fairly hoarse after the first chorus. Because this isn't just any night at work. This is Håkan Hellström. In Gothenburg. In March. It will never be over for me. And clearly not for him either.