Visit the official residence of the Swedish royal family to see sumptuous architecture, decoration and art collected and appreciated since the 1700s.
Stockholms Slott, now the residence of Sweden’s royal family, is an impressive Baroque-style structure in Gamla Stan. The seven-storey palace was built in the 1700s and has over 600 rooms. Visit the Royal Palace to enjoy its Italian sculptures, watch the ceremony of the Changing of the Guard and appreciate the grandeur of royal life.
Many areas in the Royal Apartments are open for public viewing. See where the king and government officials meet in the Cabinet Room. Look for Queen Kristina’s silver throne in the Hall of State in the 1600s she ruled Sweden for two decades and then changed religions and abdicated. In the Bernadotte Gallery, find portraits of past members of Sweden’s royal family. Then visit the basement to glimpse the treasury regalia, including swords, crowns and a silver baptismal font.
Visit the palace’s two museums. The Museum of Antiquities is open in summer only. It holds more than 200 sculptures that King Gustav III brought from Italy to Sweden near the end of the 18th century. The Tre Kronor Museum, open year-round, tells the history of the original palace built on the same spot, but destroyed by fire in 1697.
Outside, watch the Changing of the Guard. You’ll see a foot parade and military band and sometimes mounted royal guards. The full ceremony takes 40 minutes. Find information on timing at the official website of the Swedish Royal Guard.
Stockholms Slott hosts live music every August. Listen to classical concerts in the Royal Chapel or Hall of State.
Gamla Stan (Old Town) surrounds Stockholm Royal Palace. From the centre of the city it is a pleasant 20-minute walk to the palace or a short bus or metro ride. You can also find pay-and-display parking nearby, but it is rather expensive and sometimes limited.
From May to December the palace is open daily. January through April hours are from Tuesday to Saturday except holidays. Take advantage of English guided tours they are free, but it’s best to reserve a spot. Find opening times, tour schedules, ticket prices and event times on the official website of Stockholm Royal Palace.
