Drottningholm Palace

Drottningholms slott

The current residence of the Swedish Royal Family and a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on an island near Stockholm. The 17th-century palace features stunning gardens, Chinese pavilions, and baroque architecture surrounded by beautiful woodland.

Things to do

• Baroque Garden Tour — Explore the formal 17th-century gardens with geometric patterns, fountains, and tree-lined avenues that showcase classical garden design principles.
• Chinese Pavilion Visit — Tour the ornate 18th-century Kina Slott, an exotic pavilion featuring rococo and Chinese-inspired architecture with original furnishings and artwork.
• Palace Interior Exhibition — Walk through the state rooms and royal apartments to see baroque interiors, royal portraits, and period furniture spanning centuries of Swedish royal history.
• Woodland Nature Walk — Stroll through the surrounding forests and parkland that frame the palace, offering peaceful paths and views of the surrounding Stockholm archipelago landscape.
• Palace Theatre Performance — Attend a classical concert or theatrical performance in the original 18th-century Drottningholm Court Theatre, still in use with its original stage machinery.
• Guided Palace Tour — Join an expert guide to learn the architectural evolution, royal family history, and artistic significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Food to try

• Swedish Smörgåsbord — Sample a traditional Swedish buffet featuring herring, gravlax, meatballs, and various cheeses typically served at nearby palace restaurants and cafés.
• Fika with Palace Pastries — Enjoy Sweden's iconic coffee and cake tradition with local bakery items like cardamom buns and princess cake at the palace café.
• Seasonal Game Dishes — Try traditional Swedish preparations of venison, wild boar, or duck sourced from the surrounding woodlands, often featured on palace dining menus.
• Fresh Berries and Cream — Taste locally foraged berries like lingonberries and blueberries served with whipped cream, reflecting Swedish forest traditions.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Royal Residence Status — Remember this is the active home of the Swedish Royal Family; certain areas remain private and off-limits, so follow all posted barriers and guide instructions carefully.
• Dress Code Consideration — Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing as the palace and gardens involve extensive outdoor exploration regardless of season.
• UNESCO Heritage Etiquette — Handle all artifacts and furnishings with care and remain aware you are in a protected world heritage site; photography restrictions apply in certain rooms.
• Swedish Politeness Custom — Swedes value quiet respect and orderliness; keep voices low in galleries, queue patiently, and avoid touching walls or artworks even if seemingly accessible.