Drottningholm Palace is the private residence of the royal family, and parts of the palace is open for public visits and tours. The palace was built in the late 16th century and has been the residence for several generations of the royal families and dynasties. The palace showcases Baroque and Rococo architectural styles and features richly decorated interiors.
Located on Lovön Island at Lake Mälaren, Drottningholm Palace is a place we recommend to visit at least once, to any visitor to Sweden. Originally built in the late 16th century by King Johan III for his queen, Katarina Jagellonica, the palace has a rich and fascinating history.
In 1661, a fire destroyed the original building. A year later, Queen Hedvig Eleonora commissioned the architect Nicodemus Tessin the Elder to rebuild it. When Nicodemus died in 1681, his son, Nicodemus Tessin the Younger, completed the work.
Surrounding the palace are expansive gardens, including a formal Baroque garden, a picturesque English park, and the unique Chinese Pavilion. In 1991, the palace was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical significance and well-preserved state.
While the southern part of the palace remains the private residence of the royal family and is not open to visitors, you can still explore many areas. Enjoy the gardens, visit the Drottningholm Theatre, and marvel at the Chinese Pavilion. The gardens and outdoor areas are free to visit, but separate tickets are required for the Theatre and Pavilion.
Guided tours in both English and Swedish are available, taking you through most of the palace rooms and highlighting their history and function. There is also a free audio guide you can use with your smartphone—just remember to bring your headphones.
A visit to Drottningholm Palace offers a unique glimpse into Swedish history and royal life, making it a popular tourist destination. If you have the chance, we recommend you to explore this beautiful and historic site during your stay in Sweden.
Getting here
Drottningholm Island is well-connected to central Stockholm by bridges, making it accessible by land all year round. During the summer months, you can also reach the island by boat.
For a scenic experience, consider taking a boat one way and a bus the other. This allows you to enjoy the beautiful archipelago without paying for a round-trip cruise. Boats provide a relaxing and picturesque journey, while buses offer a flexible return schedule.
If you choose to take the bus back, you’ll benefit from frequent departures operated by the local transport service, giving you the freedom to leave at any time that suits you. Alternatively, you can book a round-trip boat cruise to fully enjoy the water views in both directions.
No matter how you choose to travel, getting to Drottningholm Palace is easy and offers a chance to see more of Stockholm’s stunning surroundings.
Traveling with public transport
- Take the Metro (Tunnelbana) to Brommaplan:
- From T-Centralen, take the green line (line 19) towards Hässelby Strand.
- Get off at Brommaplan station (it’s about a 20-minute ride).
- Take the bus to Drottningholm:
- At Brommaplan, transfer to bus 176 or 177 towards Ekerö.
- Get off at the Drottningholm stop (it’s about a 15-minute ride).
- Walk to Drottningholm Castle:
- From the bus stop, it’s a short walk to the castle entrance.
- You will see the castle, down by the water, from the bus stop.
Traveling by boat (only during the summer)
During the summer season you can take the boat directly to Drottningholm from the harbor at Klara Mälarstrand (just outside the City Hall). The route is operated by the shipping company Strömma.
- Book a ticket at: https://www.stromma.com/en-se/stockholm/excursions/day-trips/drottningholm-palace/
- Depending on the type of cruise the boat ride should take you about 1-2 hours.
| Additional information | |
| Time needed | The guided tour is roughly 45 minutes.You can also explore the castle at your own pace, we recommend setting off 1-1.5 hours inside the castle.The parks together with the greenery are huge ,you can easily spend an additional 1-2 hours here. |
| Prices | Admission castle: 160 SEKAdmission castle and guided tour: 210 SEKCombination castle and Chinese Pavilion: 230 SEK(Subject to changes. Check the official website for the latest information about prices.) |
| Opening hours | During summer: Everyday 10-17.(Subject to changes. Check the official website for the latest information about opening times and tours.) |
| Photo spots | The royal castle park, west of the castle. |
| Tips | If you book a guided tour you can enter before the tour if you’d like to walk around and take some photos at your own pace. You’re also allowed to stay after the guided tour if you prefer to take some pictures afterwards. |
| Highlights | |
| Food nearby | Karamellan Café & Restaurang |
| Website | https://www.kungligaslotten.se/english/royal-palaces-and-sites/drottningholm-palace.html |