Drottningholm Palace (Drottningholms slott) is a late-17th-century Baroque palace on the island of Lovön (Ekerö), just west of Stockholm, built for Queen Hedvig Eleonora and inspired by Versailles. Together with its Court Theatre, Chinese Pavilion and gardens, it became Sweden's first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, listed as the 'Royal Domain of Drottningholm.' It is a living palace: the Swedish King and Queen still reside in the southern wing, while the rest of the palace and the park are open to the public. In the 2026 summer season the palace interiors, the Chinese Pavilion and the Court Theatre are all open, making it an easy and rewarding day trip from Stockholm.
Opulent state reception rooms, including the Baroque grand staircase with ceiling paintings and the Karl X Gustav Gallery
The Court Theatre (Slottsteater, 1766), one of the world's only 18th-century theatres with its original stage machinery still in working use
The Chinese Pavilion (Kina slott), built as a surprise birthday gift for Queen Lovisa Ulrika
The formal Baroque gardens and the naturalistic English garden, with canals and sculptures
The rare atmosphere of a 'living' World Heritage Site that is still an active royal residence
Good to know
SeasonThe best time to visit is May to September, when the palace interiors, the Chinese Pavilion and the Court Theatre are all open. In winter (roughly December to February) the palace is mostly closed and the pavilion and theatre shut entirely, so always check opening status before you go.
SeasonSummer in Stockholm brings very long daylight (white nights), but the weather changes quickly and it can be windy by the water. Bring a light jacket, a rain layer and comfortable shoes for walking the grounds.
RulesThe gardens are free, but a ticket is required to enter the palace interior. English guided tours have limited places and fill up fast, so pre-book on the official site (kungligaslotten.se) in high season. Confirm current prices and times before your visit.
MannersRestricted areas such as the southern wing, where the King and Queen actually live, are off limits. Keep quiet inside, and follow the photography and no-flash rules, which vary from room to room.
SafetyStockholm is generally safe, but watch for pickpockets at the central station, on tour boats and in crowded tourist spots. Wear your bag in front and keep your passport and cards separated.
CautionSweden is nearly cashless, so a contactless card is essential. Buy tickets only from the official website and avoid marked-up unofficial resellers or touts.
Practical info
From central Stockholm, take the green metro line to Brommaplan and then bus 176, 177 or 301-323 to the palace stop; in summer you can also come by tour boat from Stadshuskajen (City Hall quay), about an hour each way. High season (May-September) is generally open daily 10:00-17:00, with reduced weekend-focused hours in spring and autumn, so always confirm current opening hours, closed days, prices and tour times on the official website.
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