Kungliga slottet

About the museum

The Royal Palace (Kungliga slottet) on Stadsholmen in Stockholm has a history of many centuries. Archaeological excavations on Helgeandsholmen in 1978–80 found traces of timber structures from the late 10th century, and according to the medieval rhymed chronicle, Birger Jarl had a castle built in the mid-13th century on the site where the palace stands today. The thick walls of the old castle still partly survive in the north wing of the palace.

Under Gustav Vasa, after the Kalmar Union had broken up in 1521, the castle became the country's main residence and was rebuilt as a Renaissance palace. After the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, radical rebuilding was planned, which began in 1692 under the palace architect Nicodemus Tessin the Younger. On 7 May 1697 the palace was almost completely destroyed in a devastating fire, and the present palace was built in the Baroque style and given the form of a Roman palace.

The palace has more than 600 rooms on eleven floors, with the state rooms facing the city and the smaller residential rooms facing the inner courtyard. It is the workplace of the royal couple and of the offices that form part of the Royal Court (Kungl. Hovstaterna), while large parts are open to visitors all year round.

Today visitors can see the State Apartments with the Ordenssalarna (Order Halls) and Rikssalen, the Skattkammaren with the regalia, and Museum Tre Kronor, which tells the story of the palace's medieval history. Here you will also find Gustav III:s antikmuseum, the Palace Chapel and Livrustkammaren, and the Högvakt changing of the guard takes place in the Yttre borggården (Outer Courtyard).

Highlights

• The State Apartments with the Ordenssalarna and Rikssalen
• Skattkammaren with the regalia
• Museum Tre Kronor on the palace's medieval history
• Gustav III:s antikmuseum
• The Högvakt changing of the guard in the Outer Courtyard

Permanent exhibitions

• Representationsvåningarna – The palace's state rooms, including the Bernadottevåningen, the Gästvåningen, the Ordenssalarna and Rikssalen.
• Skattkammaren – The royal regalia and crowns are displayed in Skattkammaren.
• Museum Tre Kronor – A museum in the medieval parts of the palace about the old Tre Kronor castle.

Founded

1760

Operated by

Kungliga slotten (Ståthållarämbetet)

Admission & discounts

From May to September prices are higher: adults SEK 240, students SEK 220, children aged 7–17 SEK 120. The Kulturarvskortet (cultural heritage card) gives 50% off. Free admission for, among others, members of the Friends of the National Museums, ICOM members and authorised guides, upon showing a card. The minimum age for visiting without an adult is 12.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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 lift in the Västra valvet goes up to the Bernadottevåningen and the Festvåningen; it fits one manual wheelchair and an assistant, and staff should be asked for help. There are many steps inside the State Apartments, including 101 steps from the Västra valvet to the Festvåningen, and ramps are missing in several places. Stair climbers are available but must be booked in advance. Disabled parking is available in some places around the palace.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations: not available
• Stroller-friendly: not available

The picture hunts Djursafari (Animal Safari) and Hemma hos … for children aged about 5–12 are collected at the ticket desk and included in admission. Family tour on Saturdays at 14:30 September–May and extra programmes during school holidays. Prams may not be taken inside but can be left outside on the south side.

Getting there & parking

Tickets are sold at Biljetter & Information in the Yttre borggården and at the entrance desks, or online.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers
• Wi-Fi

The Kungliga Slottsboden shop is by Tickets & Information. A few lockers are available at the Yttre borggården; larger bags and rucksacks must be stored there. Free Wi-Fi at the entrances for downloading the app. Eating is not allowed inside the palace.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit