The Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet) is the Swedish monarch's official residence, standing on the island of Stadsholmen in the Old Town (Gamla Stan). Built in Baroque style by architect Nicodemus Tessin the Younger on the site of the medieval Tre Kronor castle that burned in 1697, it was inaugurated in 1754 and has some 1,400 rooms, making it one of Europe's largest palaces still used for its original purpose. Although King Carl XVI Gustaf and the royal family actually live at Drottningholm, this palace hosts the King's offices and state ceremonies, and its Royal Apartments, Treasury and museums are open to the public, with the daily Changing of the Guard drawing crowds around midday. As of 2026 it is open as usual, though sections can close at short notice for official events, so check the official site the week you visit.
The Royal Apartments — lavish Rococo and Baroque state rooms, including the ceremonial Hall of State (Rikssalen)
The Treasury (Skattkammaren) — Sweden's crown jewels and regalia (crowns, sceptres, orbs) in the vaulted cellars
Tre Kronor Museum — surviving walls and story of the medieval castle destroyed in the 1697 fire
Gustav III's Museum of Antiquities — 18th-century collection of ancient Greek and Roman sculpture
Changing of the Guard (Högvakten) — a roughly 40-minute ceremony with parade and military band in summer
Good to know
CautionGamla Stan and the crowd at the guard change are hotspots for pickpockets. Wear bags in front, keep your wallet and passport in an inside pocket, and never leave a phone in a back pocket.
SeasonFrom November to April the palace keeps shorter hours (often closing at 16:00) and the guard ceremony is reduced and not held every day; the full daily parade runs roughly late April to August. Stockholm's high latitude means near-white nights in summer, but the northern lights are not visible here in the summer season.
RulesDuring state visits, award ceremonies and other official functions, the Royal Apartments and other areas may close on the day without notice. Always confirm opening status on the official website the week of your visit, and note that flash and tripod photography is restricted in some rooms.
MannersThe Royal Chapel is still an active place of worship — dress modestly and stay quiet during services. The guards are on duty, so do not touch them or block their path.
SafetyThe cobblestones of Gamla Stan and the Slottsbacken slope get slippery in rain and snow; wear comfortable flat shoes and take extra care with ice in winter.
RulesStockholm public transport (SL) takes no cash on board — pay with a contactless card or the SL app. Guided tours have limited seats, so book online in advance.
Practical info
It is about a 5-minute walk from T-Gamla Stan metro (red/green lines), or roughly 8-10 minutes from T-Kungsträdgården (blue line) across the Strömbron bridge. The palace opens daily at 10:00 (closing around 16:00 in the off-season and 17:00 in summer), and one ticket covers the Royal Apartments, Treasury and Tre Kronor Museum. Prices, hours, closed days and guard-ceremony times change, so verify the latest details on the official website before you go.
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