Waddle through the Royal Palace of Stockholm

Right in the heart of Stockholm, you can find the Royal Palace, a testament to Swedish history and royalty. This architectural gem invites you into a world of opulence and grandeur. The Royal Palace is the official residence of His Majesty the King of Sweden, with over 600 rooms. None of the members of the Royal family actually live at the palace but they all work from there. The palace is  also used for representative purposes for the Royal family.In this blog post, we will reveal the treasures that await within the Royal Palace of Stockholm and what you can find within its walls. Prepare to be enchanted and learn why a visit to the Royal Palace is a must for any traveler.

How to Get to the Royal Palace in Stockholm

You can find The Royal Palace on Gamla Stan (Old Town) island, at Slottsbacken 1, 111 30 Stockholm, Sweden. It is located in the middle of the city, you can hardly miss it. Its prime location makes it easily accessible to locals and tourists exploring the historic heart of Stockholm.

Getting to the Royal Palace in Stockholm is relatively straightforward. 

• Public Transportation. Stockholm has an efficient public transportation system. You can take the metro (T-bana) to Gamla Stan station (red and green lines) and then walk to the Royal Palace, just a short distance away. Buses and trams also serve the area, and you can plan your route using the local transportation website or mobile apps.
• Waddling. Waddling to the Royal Palace is convenient if you’re in central Stockholm or exploring the Gamla Stan area. Simply follow the signs or use a navigation app to guide you to Slottsbacken, where the palace is.
• Taxi. Taxi services are widely available in Stockholm. You can easily hail a cab or book a ride through popular apps like Uber or local services such as Taxi Stockholm. Just provide the driver with the address, Slottsbacken 1, and they will drop you off at the palace entrance.
• Guided Tours. Another option is to join a guided tour with the Royal Palace as part of its itinerary. Many tour operators offer guided waddles or bus tours that cover key landmarks in Stockholm, including the Royal Palace. 

Your Guide to Stockholm’s Public Transport

Opening Hours and Tickets

Opening Hours

The palace is open to the public year-round. The opening hours vary seasonally, with extended hours during the summer months. Typically, the palace welcomes visitors from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but checking the official website for the most up-to-date information on opening hours is recommended. 

Ticket Prices

The price of tickets for the Royal Palace varies depending on the package and type of access desired. You can buy the tickets comfortably at the place and pay with a card. Or you can buy them online, though it was a little confusing as you can buy a combination, also to the Royal Stables or other palaces. We preferred the old-school version. 

• • Adults: 170 SEK
  • Students: 150 SEK
  • Children 11 to 17 years old: 85 SEK
  • Plushies: free entry

Please note that ticket prices may change, so be sure to check the official website.

Guided tours of the castle

There is also a possibility of joining a guided tour. It is a great way to experience the building and its rich history. The guided tours are usually just 30 SEK extra, on top of the admission price, and may be booked in advance online. Depending on which tour you choose, they last about 30 to 45 minutes and they are held in English.

Facilities & Amenities at Royal Palace of Stockholm

• • • Toilets available for visitors
    • Gift shop on-site with souvenirs and books
    • Lockers/storage for small bags
    • Wheelchair accessibility in selected areas
    • Accessible toilets available
    • Visitor information desk
    • The ticket office at the entrance
    • Guided tour meeting points are clearly marked
    • Seating areas in certain sections
    • Security checks at the entry

Things to know about Sweden before you visit

Waddle Inside With Us

We knew right away that we wanted to explore the inside of the Royal Palace of Stockholm after seeing just how grand and massive it is from the outside. The palace is divided into several different sections, and we ended up buying our tickets on-site rather than in advance. However, booking online is probably the easier option if you want to skip the queue.

From the very first room, we were honestly taken aback. It was a throne room, and it immediately set the tone for what was to come. Everything feels grand, detailed, and a bit overwhelming in the best way. And from that point on, it just keeps getting better as you move deeper into the palace.

There is a lot to explore inside the Royal Palace of Stockholm, and the experience is divided into sections, each offering something unique and impressive.

You can waddle through the grand reception rooms, filled with elegant interiors from the 18th and 19th centuries, where every detail feels carefully preserved. One of the highlights is the Rikssalen, also known as the Hall of State, home to Queen Kristina’s striking silver throne. Nearby, the Ordenssalarna, or Halls of the Orders of Chivalry, showcase ceremonial spaces that reflect Sweden’s royal traditions and history.

Beyond that, there are several fascinating museums inside the palace. The Tre Kronor Museum tells the story of the original medieval castle, while the Treasury displays royal regalia and crowns. You can also explore Gustav III’s Museum of Antiquities, which adds another layer of cultural depth to the visit. The Royal Apartments are another standout. Here, you are surrounded by lavish interiors decorated with ornate furnishings, detailed tapestries, and impressive chandeliers. Rooms like the State Apartments, the Bernadotte Apartments, and the Guest Apartments all offer a glimpse into the royal lifestyle, making it easy to imagine how Swedish royalty once lived and hosted official guests in this very palace.

The first walkthrough felt more like a museum-style introduction to the Swedish royal world. As we moved through the rooms, we were surrounded by portraits of the royal family and historical figures, and by detailed displays that helped set the scene for everything that followed. There were also showcases of clothing and ceremonial garments, which gave a really clear sense of how the royal family has evolved and what their traditions actually look like up close. It was an easy and engaging way to understand the history and identity of the monarchy before stepping into the grander, more formal palace spaces.

The Bernadotte Gallery

One of the most memorable parts of waddling through the palace was the long, impressive corridor known as the Bernadotte Gallery. This portrait-lined hallway stretches out with incredibly high ceilings that immediately make you feel small in the best possible way. Every surface feels rich in detail, from ornate gold decorations to carefully preserved ornaments that catch the light as you move through.

Along the walls, portraits of the Bernadotte dynasty create a strong sense of presence and history, almost like you are quietly being guided through generations of Swedish royalty. The atmosphere is formal yet captivating, and the space’s scale adds to that constant feeling of awe. It genuinely feels like stepping back in time, with each step revealing more detail than you expect, making you want to slow down and take everything in without missing a single moment.

The State Apartments

The State Apartments were just as impressive as any of the other rooms we explored. These grand ceremonial rooms are used for official state functions, royal receptions, and important diplomatic events.

Inside, everything feels carefully designed to impress, from the vast open spaces to the ornate ceilings, detailed furnishings, and historic artworks. Even though these rooms are still used today for formal occasions by the Swedish royal family, they are open to visitors, which makes the experience feel even more special. Waddling through them, you really get a sense of the palace’s living role in modern royal traditions while still being surrounded by centuries of history.

Royal Chapel

One of the most peaceful spaces inside the Royal Palace is the Royal Chapel. This is the official place of worship for the Swedish royal family and is still actively used today for services, ceremonies, and special royal occasions. Stepping inside feels noticeably different from the rest of the palace, with a calmer, more reflective atmosphere that instantly slows you down. The baroque design is full of elegant detail, and the ceiling frescoes are especially striking, drawing your attention upward as you take in the craftsmanship and history of the space.

The White Sea

Another impressive room is the so-called White Sea, a grand salon that has undergone fascinating transformations over time. Today, it is used as a reception space where the King and Queen welcome guests before banquets, and it later serves as a drawing room after formal dinners. Originally, this space consisted of two separate rooms, but they were merged during renovations in 1845 for King Oscar I and Queen Josefina. The redesigned hall features a stunning inlaid oak parquet floor made from various woods, including birch, mahogany, lemonwood, and ebony. The painted ceiling, created by Domenico Francia and Guillaume-Thomas-Raphael Taraval, adds a refined artistic touch that makes the room feel both grand and surprisingly warm.

The Bernadotte Apartments

The King regularly uses these apartments for ceremonial audiences, medal presentations, and meetings of the advisory council on foreign affairs. The original furnishings date back to the 1730s and 40s under the supervision of the architect Carl Härleman. When they moved into the new palace in 1754, King Adolf Fredrik and Queen Lovisa Ulrika resided in these apartments. During the reign of Gustav III and later throughout the 19th century, they underwent several renovations. Oskar II and Queen Sofia were the last residents in the apartments.

Each room inside the Royal Palace of Stockholm seemed even grander than the one before, with more detail, more elegance, and a stronger sense of history as we moved deeper into the palace. It really felt like every space was carefully designed to impress in its own way, building up that constant feeling of awe throughout the visit.

The East Octagonal Cabinet was one of our favorites. This beautifully preserved Rococo room is still used today for formal diplomatic audiences, where King Carl XVI Gustaf receives newly appointed foreign ambassadors. During these ceremonies, ambassadors present their credentials, officially confirming their role as representatives of their country in Sweden. The arrival itself is quite ceremonial, with ambassadors traveling from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs by horse and carriage and being welcomed at the East Staircase by music, the King’s Guard, and officials from the Office of Ceremonies. Inside, the room feels elegant yet intimate compared to some of the larger halls, and it left a lasting impression as one of the most atmospheric and memorable spaces in the entire palace.

The palace is also home to the Bernadotte Library, and this was one of those quieter but surprisingly fascinating parts of the visit. It holds more than 100,000 books and manuscripts, some dating all the way back to the 15th century, which makes it feel like you are stepping into a very different layer of history that most visitors might easily miss.

Another interesting feature is the palace theatre, known as the Royal Dramatic Theatre. Built in the 18th century, it is still used for performances today, which adds a really unique living element to such a historic setting.

You should also not miss the Armory, which feels like a treasure trove of royal history. It displays everything from royal costumes and suits of armor to coronation carriages and beautifully preserved coaches from the Royal Stable.

And to complete the experience, the daily parade of soldiers and the changing of the guard outside the palace are highly recommended, and we would highly recommend timing your visit around them. It adds a traditional, almost ceremonial rhythm to the whole experience, really bringing the palace to life beyond its interiors.

The Changing of Guards in Stockholm, Sweden

Tre Kronor Museum

The Tre Kronor Museum, in the cellars of the Royal Palace, offers a fascinating journey back in time to Sweden’s past. This part of the palace is dedicated to the original Tre Kronor Castle, which once stood on this site before being destroyed in a devastating fire in 1697.

As you explore the museum, you are surrounded by carefully preserved remnants and artifacts that bring the old castle to life. It gives a vivid sense of its former grandeur, from sections of its ancient walls to architectural details that hint at its former power. Waddling through the dimly lit corridors, it is easy to imagine the history that unfolded here, as if the echoes of the past still linger in the stone walls.

The Treasury

The Treasury is basically where things go full “hell yeah, let’s check the gold.” It is a proper treasure trove of Swedish monarchy history, and honestly, it feels a bit unreal seeing everything in one place. Inside, you will find an impressive collection of royal regalia, including crowns, scepters, and ceremonial robes that look like they were made purely to flex on history. There are also centuries’ worth of jewels, ancient royal items, and gifts that were clearly not “budget souvenirs.” It is shiny, detailed, and slightly overwhelming in the best way. It is one of those rooms where you keep thinking, “Okay, this is definitely the richest room I have been in today,” while trying not to get distracted by how much gold is actually in front of you.

Gustav III’s Museum of Antiquities

The Gustav III’s Museum of Antiquities is a bit of a hidden gem, especially if you are into history or enjoy wandering through places that feel like a time warp. It was originally established in the late 1700s by King Gustav III, who clearly had a serious passion for classical art and ancient civilizations.

Once you step inside, you are surrounded by a collection of sculptures, vases, and artifacts from ancient Greece and Rome that make you slow down and look more closely. Everything is displayed in a way that really highlights the craftsmanship, and it is easy to get a bit lost just taking it all in.

The Roman Gallery is one of the standout parts, filled with detailed statues and reliefs that show off just how skilled ancient Roman artists were. Then there is the Egyptian Gallery, which brings a completely different vibe with artifacts that hint at the mystery and scale of ancient Egypt.

What makes this museum especially nice is how intimate it feels. Unlike huge, crowded museums where you rush from room to room, here you can waddle at your own pace, getting close to everything without feeling overwhelmed.

Changing of the guards at the Royal Palace

The Changing of the Guard has become one of the most popular attractions in the city, and it is easy to see why. We would highly recommend timing your visit to the palace so you can catch it, as it adds an extra layer of atmosphere to the experience.

During the summer, the ceremony takes place daily, usually at 12:15 and 13:15 on Sundays. Outside of summer, it happens a few times a week, but if you are visiting over the weekend, you will most likely still get to see it. The best spot to watch is in the upper castle courtyard, close to Storkyrkan, although it is also really nice to catch the guards as they arrive and march into position. Of course, we had to stay and watch it ourselves. It feels traditional, slightly grand, and surprisingly fun to watch unfold in real life. We highly recommend not skipping it. We have also written a separate blog post about the Changing of the Guard in Stockholm, Sweden, if you want a more detailed look at the ceremony.

Keep in mind that some areas of the palace may be restricted or closed to the public, as it is a working royal residence. It’s a good idea to check the official website or inquire at the palace for any specific information or restrictions during your visit.

Leaving the palace, you will deeply appreciate Sweden’s rich royal heritage. It is a journey through time, a glimpse into the lives of monarchs past and present, and an immersion into the cultural heart of Stockholm.

Is Visiting the Royal Palace in Stockholm Worth It

If you are still wondering whether the Royal Palace of Stockholm is worth visiting, the short answer is yes. From the outside, it may seem quite understated compared to other European palaces, but step inside and the experience completely changes. The interiors feel almost like stepping into a fairy tale, with richly decorated rooms and an atmosphere that truly surprised us. Beyond its beauty, the palace offers a deeper experience. It is a place where you can connect with Sweden’s royal history, walk through grand halls that have hosted centuries of ceremonies, and better understand the country’s traditions and monarchy. Architecturally, it blends baroque and rococo styles, and while the exterior may not immediately impress, the details inside more than make up for it. For us, it turned out to be one of the most unexpectedly memorable palace visits. We genuinely enjoyed every second we spent exploring it.

How Long Do You Need to Visit the Royal Palace of Stockholm

A visit usually takes around 2 to 3 hours if you want to see the main highlights at a comfortable pace. That gives you enough time to explore the Royal Apartments, wander through the museums, and take in some of the most impressive rooms without feeling rushed. If you are the kind of traveler who likes to really take it all in, read the details, and stop for photos, you could easily spend closer to 3 to 4 hours here. There is a lot more inside than it first appears, and each section has its own atmosphere, so it naturally slows you down in a good way. And if you time it with the Changing of the Guard, you might want to add a bit of extra time to enjoy that experience too.

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Best Time to Visit the Royal Palace of Stockholm

The best time to visit is early in the morning, right at opening time. This is when the palace is at its quietest, and you can enjoy the rooms and exhibitions without crowds, which makes the whole experience much more relaxed and immersive.

We always recommend making it your first stop of the day, especially if you want to really take your time exploring the Royal Apartments and museums. Later in the day, it tends to get busier, particularly around the Changing of the Guard, so starting early gives you the chance to see everything at your own pace before the crowds build up.

Visiting the Royal Palace turned out to be one of those experiences that exceeded expectations. Each room brought something different, from ceremonial halls and golden details to quiet corners filled with history and art. It is the kind of place where you naturally slow down, take it all in, and find yourself constantly looking up, noticing new details everywhere. If you are in Stockholm, this is one sight that is absolutely worth your time.

Pack your bags and waddle the Royal Palace of Sweden.

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