Wander through a thousand years of history

The Royal Palace of Stockholm has a history that stretches back more than a thousand years. From the Middle Ages to the present day. This was originally the site of a fort to defend the Mälaren Valley against Finnish and Russian pirates. Fortifications dating from the 10th century have been found out in the water.

The journey through time begins at the Tre Kronor (Three Crowns) Museum, down in the cellars of the palace. Here you can see traces of the mediaeval palace, such as the 13th century defensive wall of the Tre Kronor Palace, an ancient kitchen, a food hoist, a 16th century marble piece of garden furniture and even a mediaeval cesspit. There is also a secret passage here. It was used by King Karl XI, who snuck out incognito from time to time in his grey cape to see how the ordinary people lived. The passageway is still usable, and leads out under Norrbro. For many years, the workings of state were largely carried out at the palace. During the time of King Johan III (1537-1592), as many as a thousand people worked here. The Tre Kronor Museum has models of the palace, from the mediaeval castle to today's Renaissance palace.

From the Tre Kronor Museum, via the magnificent Western Staircase, we can continue to follow the history of the palace at the Royal Apartments. Wandering through the state rooms is like uncovering layer upon layer of Swedish interior art, sometimes revealing stark contrasts. This is because Sweden's kings and queens have always decorated their rooms in the latest styles.

Karl XI's Gallery is one of the highlights of 18th century décor. In King Oskar II's Study, the late 19th century has been preserved complete with contemporary technological innovations, such as a telephone and electric lights. A few paces further on is the Jubilee Room, the most modern room in the palace, which was decorated as a gift for the current king's 25th jubilee in 1997. Having wandered through a thousand years, we have now returned to the present day.

The journey through time begins at the Tre Kronor Museum, down in the cellars of the palace. Photo: Alexis Daflos

From the Tre Kronor Museum, via the magnificent Western Staircase, we can continue to follow the history of the palace in the Reception Rooms. Photo: Håkan Lind

Karl XI's Gallery is one of the highlights of 18th century décor. Photo: Alexis Daflos

In King Oskar II's Study, the late 19th century has been preserved complete with contemporary technological innovations, such as a telephone and electric lights. Photo: Alexis Daflos

The Jubilee Room is the most modern room in the palace, which was decorated as a gift for the current king's 25th jubilee in 1997. Photo: Alexis Daflos

Visit the Royal Palace

Museum Three Crowns and the Royal Apartments are included in the palace ticket. Stroll on your own or join the guided tours.

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Guided tours Open today 10.00-16.00

A guided tour will ensure that your visit to the palace is particularly memorable. Our knowledgeable guides bring objects to life, puttin...

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App with guides Open today 10.00-16.00

The Swedish Royal Palaces app includes a number of features to enhance your visit to the Royal Palaces.

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For children Open today 10.00-16.00

The Palace's grand state rooms, the mediaeval gate at the Tre Kronor Museum and the crowns in the Treasury are just a few of the exciting...

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Events

Royal Palace tour 1 Sep – 27 Apr 2025

Join our knowledgeable guides for a tour through the state rooms at the Royal Palace of Stockholm. During the tour, history will be broug...

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Christmas hunt 21 Dec – 6 Jan 2025

Bring your children and grandchildren to the Royal Palace's state rooms during the Christmas holidays. We need your help looking for elve...

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The last day of the year will end with the Armed Forces Music Corps' annual New Year's concert in the Royal Chapel at the Royal Palace. T...

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Discover more at The Royal Palace

The Royal Apartments Open today 10.00-16.00

The Royal Apartments at the Royal Palace is a collective name for the magnificent state rooms that are used at The King and Queen's recep...

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The Hall of State Open today 10.00-16.00

The Hall of State was ready for use by the 1755 parliament, and was the place where sessions were held under the chairmanship of the mona...

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The Apartments of the Orders house an exhibition relating to the Orders of Chivalry. During the Age of Liberty the rooms were offices for...

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The Treasury Open today 10.00-16.00

In dark cellar vaults at the Royal Palace the Monarchy's most important symbols – the Regalia – are kept in safe-keeping. See fascinating...

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Museum Three Crowns Open today 10.00-16.00

The Museum Three Crowns (Tre Kronor) is a museum dedicated to the original Tre Kronor Palace in Stockholm, which was destroyed in a viole...

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The Royal Gift Shop Open today 10.00-17.00

Welcome to a boutique that is something out of the ordinary. The Royal Gift Shop is a unique present and souvenir shop offering products ...

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Articles and movies

At the Royal Gift Shop, you can find unique Christmas gifts inspired by the interiors and collections of Sweden's royal palaces. Every pr...

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Take a ride in the Royal Stables' Daimler DE27 Limousine, and listen to driver Martin Forsén as he talks about the Royal Stables' oldest ...

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The Swedish Royal Palaces app 'Kungliga slotten' now includes a number of new features to enhance your visit to the royal palaces.

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Opening hours: Open today 10.00-16.00