The Royal Palace, Kungliga slottet, dominates the waterfront of Gamla Stan. It was built in the eighteenth century to designs by Nicodemus Tessin the Younger after the earlier Tre Kronor castle burned in 1697, and it remains the official residence and workplace of the Swedish monarch, with royal events still held in its state rooms. Visitors can see several parts of it. The Royal Apartments are a run of grand ceremonial rooms, from the Hall of State to rooms dressed for receptions. The Treasury, in the vaults, holds the regalia, including crowns, orb and sceptre. The Tre Kronor Museum, in the cellars, tells the story of the medieval castle that stood here before the fire, and Gustav III's Museum of Antiquities shows the king's classical sculpture collection. Outside, the changing of the royal guard in the outer courtyard is one of the city's most popular free spectacles. The palace is open all year, with shorter hours in the low season, and parts can close at short notice for official events.
How to visit: buy entry on the official site or at the palace, and start with the Royal Apartments, then the Treasury. The ticket covers several of the palace museums, and guided tours in English help bring the rooms to life.
Changing of the guard: it takes place in the outer courtyard most days, with a longer ceremony and band music on some days in summer. Arrive early for a spot near the front.
Pairing: the palace sits at the top of Gamla Stan, so combine it with Storkyrkan next door, Stortorget and the Nobel Prize Museum, and finish on Skeppsbron for the view across the water.
What to expect
The experience
Self-guided or guided visits to the state apartments, the Treasury and the palace museums, plus the free guard change outside.
Best time
Late morning, timed so you finish in the courtyard for the changing of the guard.
How long
About two hours for the main sections.
Tips
Check the official calendar for closures due to state events, and arrive early for the guard ceremony.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History lovers and anyone curious about Europe's working royal palaces.
- Families
- Children enjoy the crowns in the Treasury and the marching guards.
- Couples
- The grand rooms, then fika in Gamla Stan.
- Pair with
- Gamla Stan, Storkyrkan and the Nobel Prize Museum.
- Time needed
- Two hours, plus the guard change.
Good questions
Can you visit the Royal Palace in Stockholm?+
Yes. The palace is open to visitors year-round, though parts may close at short notice for royal and state events.
Does the king live in the Royal Palace?+
It is the official residence and workplace of the monarch, but the royal family lives at Drottningholm Palace outside the city.
When is the changing of the guard?+
It takes place in the outer courtyard most days; check the official schedule, as times vary by season.
What does a palace ticket include?+
Entry covers several palace sights, typically the Royal Apartments, the Treasury and the palace museums; check the official site for the current list.
How long do I need at the Royal Palace?+
About two hours for the main sights.