Riddarholmskyrkan

About the museum

Riddarholmskyrkan originates from the Franciscan monastery Gråbrödraklostret (the Grey Friars' Monastery), founded in 1270 on Riddarholmen. The church was completed around 1300 and was built almost entirely of brick, which was unusual in Sweden. In his will of 1285, King Magnus Ladulås stated that he wished to be buried in the monastery church, and where he lies is still unclear. In 1470 the grave of Karl Knutsson Bonde was added.

In the 17th century the church became the royal burial church. With the sole exception of Queen Kristina, the Swedish monarchs from Gustav II Adolf, who died in 1632, to Gustaf V, who died in 1950, rest here. In total seventeen rulers have been buried in the church. Between 1858 and 1860 a burial chapel was built for the reigning Bernadotte dynasty.

Since 1807 the church has been solely a church of burial and remembrance, and regular services are not held. It is also an order church, with coats of arms of knights of the Order of the Seraphim. The church floor consists of gravestones and is fragile, and the spire is being renovated. The church is managed by Riksmarskalksämbetet (the Office of the Marshal of the Realm) and Statens fastighetsverk (the Swedish National Property Board).

Highlights

• The burial church of the Swedish kings, with seventeen buried rulers
• Stockholm's oldest surviving building and former medieval monastery church
• The Bernadotte burial chapel from 1858–1860
• Coats of arms of knights of the Order of the Seraphim
• Graves of Magnus Ladulås and Karl Knutsson Bonde

Permanent exhibition

• De kungliga gravarna – The church holds the graves of seventeen Swedish rulers from Gustav II Adolf to Gustaf V, as well as the Bernadotte burial chapel from 1858–1860.

Operated by

Riksmarskalksämbetet / Statens fastighetsverk

Admission & discounts

A visit ticket is purchased in addition to the entrance fee. Free entry is available, among others, for licensed guides and ICOM members upon showing a card. The Kulturarvskortet (Cultural Heritage Card) gives a 50% discount.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

A separate entrance for wheelchair users is at the church's north long side; staff open it after a call on the intercom. There are ramps at a few steps and level changes, but the floors of gravestones are somewhat uneven. Disabled parking is next to the entrance (a disabled parking permit is required). There is no toilet in the church; the nearest public toilet is at the car park on Riddarholmen (fee). Assistance dogs are allowed.

Kids & families

• Stroller-friendly: not available

Pushchairs cannot be taken into the church and must be parked at the designated place.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

There is no toilet in the church. Large bags, backpacks and umbrellas may not be brought in.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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