Top Palaces in Stockholm

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Sweden is one of a few European monarchies that have preserved their historic significance during centuries. The tremendous history of Swedish royalty has found its reflection in the national culture, traditions and, of course, architecture. The first thing people associate with kings and queens is palaces – the essential residence of the royal members. Stockholm as a capital and the most important city of Sweden is not an exception; castles and palaces contribute to its urban landscape and travel attractions. 

First of all, it is related to the Royal Palace in Stockholm – the biggest one in Europe. Being erected in the middle of the 18th century, it still keeps its importance as a place where foreign guests are gladly welcomed and official meetings are organized. It was built on the ruins of the castle Tre Kronor (“Three crowns”) constructed in the 13th century and burnt down during the fire of 1697. The beauty of this palace goes without saying. Both exterior and interior (of 608 rooms) feature a mix of different architect styles, including Rococo, Baroque, Neoclassicism and Eclecticism of the 19th century. If you have a Stockholm card, go on a free visit to the most marvelous parts of the Royal Palace – The Hall of Thrones, The Hall of State, the Royal apartments, the Royal Museum “Tre Kronor” and many others.

One of the islands on the Malaren Lake is a host of Gripsholm castle, constructed in 1537 by Gustav Vasa. Previously, it was a fortress erected by Bo Jonsson Grip in 1380. His family lost the castle in 1526, when King Gustav I implemented a policy of mansions’ confiscation. After interior improvements made by Vasa, Gripsholm became a true reflection of Renaissance, which might be especially observed in royal apartments. During its history the palace was used as a fortress, a royal residence and, specifically, a prison for royal members. Today it is also the National Collection of Portraits.

Drottningholm palace is located on the other isle of Malaren Lake. Since 1981 it was honored to be a residence of current royal family and ten years later it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Drottningholm was built by order of John III of Sweden in the 16th century, who wanted to impress his wife Catherine Jagellon. So, it is not a coincidence that the translation of “Drottningholm” sounds like “Queen’s Island”. In contrast, during the eight decades of peaceful existence, the castle was ruined by the fire. A year later another Swedish Queen decided to reconstruct the residence. It was Hedvig Eleonora of Holstein-Gottorp, who ordered to construct a new palace corresponding to her position of Queen-regent. Besides the incredible furniture and the interior of the 17-19th century, Drottningholm also attracts with a palace church and a theatre and colorful gardens, performed mostly in French Baroque-style.

Charles XIV John of Sweden is a highly respected founder of a contemporary Royal House – House of Bernadotte. He also was an initiator of Rosendals Palace on Djurgården Island, built in 1820s. In order to preserve the architecture there was established the Museum of the First King.