The Royal Palace or Stockholm Palace (Kungliga Slottet) is not just one of the largest palaces in Europe, but also one of the most active and lively. The palace is the official residence of the King of Sweden and is open to the general public throughout large parts of the year. In order to get as much as possible out of your visit, join one of the guided tours which take visitors around the building. You will follow a royal guide who will show you around the palace's grand state rooms and treasury, bringing the artefacts to life and placing them within their historical context.
There are also child-friendly tours for families with young kids, but whether you go with a guide or explore on your own, the little ones are sure to love walking around the ruins of the former castle, Tre Kronor, discovering the medieval vault or checking out the crown jewels in the Royal Treasury. The large state apartments offer an entertaining animal safari where kids can use a map to find the wild animals hidden among the decor and furnishings of the palace.
The Royal Palace in Stockholm (Kungliga Slottet) - one of the highlights of 10 Free Things to Do in Stockholm and 10 Best Things to Do This Summer in Stockholm (Read all about Stockholm here)
What are the highlights of Stockholm Palace?
One of the main highlights are the fantastic state rooms whose decor bear the markings of former regents and which are still used even today by the king and queen when receiving dignitaries and on other ceremonial occasions. Visit the rooms used for gala dinners and awarding medals, or for hosting foreign heads of state overnight. And be sure not to miss the Hall of State with Queen Christina's silver throne. You can also swing by the Royal Chapel and see the spot where many of Sweden's royals have been baptised.
Another must-see is the treasury where the crown jewels are stored. The oldest artefacts are 2 swords, which belonged to Gustav Vasa, and a crown which belonged to Eric XIV. The baptismal font used for royal baptisms at the palace is also stored here. In the Armoury (Livrustkammaren), you'll find parade armour, weapons and costumes from Sweden's royal history. For example, check out Gustav III's masquerade costume, complete with bullet hole from when he was shot, or the mud-splattered blue uniform worn by Charles XII when he was killed at the Siege of Fredriksten. Also in the palace is Gustav III's Museum of Antiques which is one of the oldest museums in Europe.
History of the Royal Palace
This majestic baroque building was erected in the early part of the 18th century although its history dates all the way back to the 13th century when the former castle known as Tre Kronor was first built here. During the age of the Vasa Kings, this defence fortification was transformed into a splendid Renaissance castle but it was unfortunately destroyed in a huge fire at the end of the 18th century. The idea was to rebuild the castle in 6 years but it ended up taking 10 times as long before the current palace was first completed in 1754.
The Royal Palace was built not only as a residence for the Swedish monarch and his family but for the entire central Swedish national administration. If you're interested in learning more about this early part of the palace's history, be sure to visit the Tre Kronor Museum housed in the part of the building which best survived the fire. To get there you will need to pass the 5-metre thick defensive wall from the 12th century.
Good to know about the Royal Palace
Be sure to round off your visit to the Palace with a look in the Royal Gift Shop (Slottsboden) to pick up a unique present or souvenir to commemorate your trip. If visiting in the summer, you can enjoy a cup of coffee at the palace's Summer Café which is located in the inner courtyard.
The Royal Palace isn't the only place worth paying a visit to while in Gamla Stan. Be sure to swing by Stortorget Square and check out the gorgeous buildings which date back to the Middle Ages and stroll around the area's charming cobblestone alleys.
The Royal Palace's location in Gamla Stan makes it an easy destination to reach by foot. The metro and bus from Stockholm Central Station can also get you pretty close but expect a short walk on the final stretch up to the palace. Parking is very difficult in this area so it is best to leave the car back at your accommodation.
The Royal Palace in Stockholm (Kungliga Slottet)
Location: Slottsbacken 1, 111 30 Stockholm, Sweden
Phone: +46 8 4026100