Exploring the Royal Palace of Stockholm ⋆ Lifeguin

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.

The Palace was largely built during the eighteenth century in the Italian Baroque style, on the spot where the “Tre Kronor”, the original castle burned down in 1697.

Where is the Royal Palace in Stockholm Located

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.

Opening Hours and Tickets

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
Penguins: free entry

It’s important to note that ticket prices may be subject to change; check their website here LINK.

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.

Why Visit the Royal Palace in Stockholm

You should visit because it is beautiful! It’s really mesmerizing. Recently, we were visiting a lot of palaces, and this one surprised us. Especially if you look from the outside, it does not look like it offers much, but inside, you will be in a fairy tale.

Apart from what we already mentioned, here are other reasons for a visit.

Historical Significance. The Royal Palace is a living testament to Sweden’s rich history and royal heritage. Exploring its halls allows you to immerse yourself in the grandeur and witness the legacy of Swedish royalty firsthand.

Architectural Marvel. The palace’s stunning architecture, with its baroque and rococo elements, is a sight to behold, although, from the outside, it might not look like it. Admire the intricate details, majestic facades, and sprawling courtyards that make the Royal Palace a true architectural masterpiece.

Cultural Experience. Visiting the Royal Palace provides a unique insight into Swedish culture and the country’s deep-rooted traditions. We learned about the royal lineage, customs, and the significance of the monarchy in Swedish society.

We loved each second we waddled in.

Waddle inside with us through the Royal Palace of Sweden

There is a lot to explore inside the palace. It is divided into various sections, each with something unique to offer.

There are the reception rooms with splendid interiors from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Rikssalen (the Hall of State) with Queen Kristina’s silver throne, and Ordenssalarna (Halls of the Orders of Chivalry). You can also see Gustav III’s Museum of Antiquities, the Tre Kronor Museum, and the Treasury.

Royal Apartments. Here you can marvel at the lavish interiors, adorned with ornate furnishings, intricate tapestries, and stunning chandeliers. Discover rooms such as the State Apartments, the Bernadotte Apartments, and the Guest Apartments, each offering a glimpse into the regal lifestyle.

Royal Chapel. Admire the beauty of the Royal Chapel, a place of worship for the royal family. Explore the exquisite craftsmanship of its baroque design and the stunning ceiling frescoes.

The White Sea

When banquets are held in Karl XI’s Gallery, The White Sea is furnished as a large salon with groups of chairs. The King and Queen welcome their guests here before the banquet, and after the meal the room is used as a drawing room. The White Sea was originally divided into two rooms: the queen’s guardroom and the dining room. During rebuilding work in 1845, the dividing wall was removed, and the new room was furnished as a banqueting room and ballroom for Oskar I and Queen Josefina. The oak parquet floor inlaid with woods including birch, mahogany, lemon wood, and ebony, was also completed in 1845, together with the music stand. The ceiling paintings are by Domenico Francia and Guillaume-Thomas-Raphael Taraval.

The Bernadotte Apartments

These apartments are used regularly by the King for ceremonial audiences, presentations of medals, 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.

At the East Octagonal Cabinet, King Carl XVI Gustaf receives newly appointed foreign ambassadors during formal audiences. At such an audience, ambassadors submit their credentials, a document confirming that they will represent their country in Sweden. The ambassadors travel to the palace from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs by horse and carriage. They are met in the East Staircase by music, the King’s Guard, and representatives from the Office of Ceremonies. The room is one of the palace’s best-preserved rococo interiors.

The palace is also home to the Bernadotte Library, which houses a collection of over 100,000 books and manuscripts, including some from the 15th century. There is as well a theater, the Royal Dramatic Theatre, which was built in the 18th century and is still used for performances today.

The Royal Palace also contains the Armory, with royal costumes and armor, as well as coronation carriages and magnificent coaches from the Royal Stable. Make sure not to miss the parade of soldiers and the daily changing of the guard.

Tre Kronor Museum

You can find the Tre Kronor Museum in the cellars of Stockholm’s Royal Palace. It is a captivating journey through the remnants of history. This part of the castle pays tribute to the original Tre Kronor Castle, tragically lost in a devastating fire in 1697. Here, you are transported back in time, surrounded by artifacts painting a vivid picture of the castle’s grandeur, showcasing remnants of its once-mighty walls and intricate architectural details. Walking through the museum’s dimly lit corridors, one can almost hear the echoes of the past.

The Palace wood cellar

The wood cellar in the Palace’s west wing was built after the great fire of 1697. This wood cellar has been in use since the 18th century. Even today, wood is carried up to the Palace’s open fireplaces and stoves from here.

Huge quantities of wood were needed to heat the Palace’s rooms. From north, south, and east, ships supplying wood arrived in Stockholm and at the Palace. Much of the wood ended outside the Palace in the Royal woodyard.

As technology progressed, the use of wood decreased. In 1909, water-heated radiators were installed; in 1950, the Palace was equipped with heating oil pipes, and in 1996 to 1999, district heating.

Treasury

Delve into the history and treasure trove of the Swedish monarchy at the Treasury. Discover an impressive collection of regalia, including crowns, scepters, and ceremonial robes. See precious jewels, ancient regal items, and royal gifts that span centuries.

Gustav III’s Museum of Antiquities

The Gustav III’s Museum of Antiquities in the Stockholm Royal Palace is a true treasure trove for history and art enthusiasts. King Gustav III of Sweden established this museum in the late 1700s, and it is a testament to his passion for classical antiquity.

Upon entering the museum, you are transported into an art collection showcasing a stunning array of sculptures, vases, and other artifacts from Greece and Rome, each carefully curated to highlight the artistry and craftsmanship of antiquity.

One of the museum’s highlights is the Roman Gallery, where intricately carved statues and reliefs pay homage to the creative genius of the ancient Romans. On the other hand, the Egyptian Gallery reveals the mystery of the pharaohs, exhibiting an array of artifacts that offer a glimpse into the fascinating world of ancient Egypt.

What sets this museum apart is its intimate setting. Unlike larger institutions, Gustav III’s Museum of Antiquities provides a more personal and immersive experience. You can waddle through the museum’s halls and experience the art close on.

Changing of the guards at the Royal Palace

Changing of the guards has become one of the most popular attractions in Stockholm; try to combine your visit to the Palace with this ceremony. During the summer, it’s held daily and usually at 12.15 and 13.15 on Sundays. For the rest of the year, there are a few days every week without a ceremony. But if you’re in Stockholm over the weekend, you can almost always expect to see it. The place to be is in the upper castle yard, close to the church Storkyrkan. However, it is nice to see it also as the guards are arriving.

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.

Enjoy your waddle through the Royal Palace!

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