This article explores the influence of the Swedes on the formation of Saint Petersburg from its foundation to the revolutionary events of 1917. The author concludes that, despite the relative smallness of the Swedish community living in the Northern capital, the representatives of this nation managed to make a significant contribution to the development of various industries and spheres of life. These areas were very diverse: from the creation of outstanding architectural objects to active scientific activity in the Academy of Sciences, from the foundation of factories to the organization of Women's political courses. The contribution of the Swedish community of modern St. Petersburg to the cultural life of the city is also considered, while a similar situation is observed: a small Swedish community does not live as a closed group, but, on the contrary, actively participates in the cultural life of the city and attracts the interested citizens to it. The article explores the main activities of the Consulate General of Sweden in the field of the use of «soft power» of the state as well as the initiatives of the residents of St. Petersburg themselves to popularize Swedish culture. Besides, there is a growing interest of St. Petersburg residents in the culture and traditions of the Kingdom of Sweden.