Visiting the royal elegance in eight castles

A dazzling array of gardens, derived from Baroque, Renaissance, and historical legends, has made Stockholm one of the most concentrated cities in terms of palaces. We have carefully selected eight palaces in Stockholm that are worth visiting, each with its own unique characteristics, whether they are close or far from the city center. They are not to be missed.

Drottningholm Palace

Drottningholm Palace is most renowned for its rich historical atmosphere. As the best-preserved royal palace in Sweden, the 17th-century Drottningholm Palace is one of Stockholm's three UNESCO World Heritage sites. The palace was built by architect Nicodemus Tessin based on a French prototype. Since its completion, numerous royal figures have left their mark here. In the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, grand salons were held here. Additionally, it boasts beautiful gardens, a unique palace theater, and Chinese-style architecture. The spectacular Baroque garden was established in 1681. Most parts of this attraction are open to visitors year-round.
This Renaissance castle is located in the picturesque town of Mariefred on Lake Mälaren. Gripsholm Castle features a deer nature reserve and showcases four centuries of home furnishings, crafts, and interior decorations, exuding a romantic atmosphere. It also houses the Gustav III Theater and the Swedish National Portrait Gallery.

Rosendal Palace

Rosendal Palace is located on Djurgården Island and was built for King Charles XIV. It is an outstanding example of Swedish Empire style architecture. The palace's furniture, textiles, and various facilities were all crafted by Sweden's top artisans, and their exquisite craftsmanship is truly impressive.

Rosersberg Palace

Rosersberg Palace showcases the original appearance of the royal residence during the reigns of Charles XIII and Charles XIV. The palace was built by the Oxenstierna family in the 1630s and has been a royal residence since 1762. To this day, its interior collections are well-preserved, especially the unique textiles that illustrate the development stages from the late 18th-century Gustavian style to the 19th-century Empire style. Its location near Lake Mälaren adds to the charm of Rosersberg Palace.

Skokloster Castle

Skokloster Castle, built in the 17th century, is the largest private palace in Sweden. Located near Lake Mälaren and Arlanda, it is one of the greatest Baroque castles in the world. Visitors can explore the rooms of the castle on their own or leisurely stroll through the elegantly arranged guest rooms and halls, admiring the antiques and furniture on display.
The Chinese Pavilion is located within Drottningholm Palace and was built in the 1750s. This fairy-tale-like palace is considered a treasure by the Swedish people. It is a perfect example of the combination of the best Rococo furniture in Europe and Chinese-style architecture, and it depicts the cultural exchanges between Asia and Europe 300 years ago. Drottningholm, where the Chinese Pavilion is located, is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.
This is one of the largest palaces in Europe and also the official residence of the King of Sweden. This Baroque-style palace has over 600 rooms, most of which were built in the 18th century. In 1697, the palace's predecessor, the 'Tre Kronor' castle, was destroyed by a fire. The palace showcases magnificent interiors from the 18th to the 19th century, the Rikssalen (Hall of State) with Queen Christina's silver throne, and the Ordenssalarna (Hall of the Orders of Chivalry). Visitors can also explore the Gustav III's Museum of Antiquities, the Tre Kronor Museum, and the Treasury.