Drottningholm Palace Stockholm
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Drottningholm Palace is the private residence of Sweden's royal family, featuring stunning gardens and a unique 18th-cen...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Drottningholm Palace Stockholm
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Drottningholm Palace is the private residence of Sweden's royal family, featuring stunning gardens and a unique 18th-century theatre.
"The gardens are freaking amazing. So Yes its worth it."
Boat Ride is Worth It
The boat trip from Stockholm is a highlight! Enjoy scenic views and a relaxing journey to the palace. :ferry:
Gardens Steal the Show
While the palace is nice, the extensive gardens are truly spectacular and a must-see. :park:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Baroque Gardens
Palace Grounds
Expansive, meticulously maintained gardens with statues and symmetry, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Chinese Pavilion (Kina Slott)
Palace Grounds
A unique and charming 18th-century pleasure palace, offering a glimpse into royal leisure.
Drottningholm Court Theatre
Palace Grounds
A remarkably preserved 18th-century theatre where performances are still held using original stage machinery.
Palace Interior
Main Palace Building
Explore opulent rooms showcasing centuries of royal life and changing architectural styles.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Tranquility
Getting There: A Scenic Journey
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Boat Ride is Worth It
The boat trip from Stockholm is a highlight! Enjoy scenic views and a relaxing journey to the palace. :ferry:
Gardens Steal the Show
While the palace is nice, the extensive gardens are truly spectacular and a must-see. :park:
Plan for Travel Time
It takes time to reach Drottningholm from Stockholm. Allow ample travel time for a relaxed visit. :bus:
Check Opening Hours
Parts of the palace are a private residence. Always check official opening times before your visit. :clock1:
Tips
from all over the internet
Boat Ride is Worth It
The boat trip from Stockholm is a highlight! Enjoy scenic views and a relaxing journey to the palace. :ferry:
Gardens Steal the Show
While the palace is nice, the extensive gardens are truly spectacular and a must-see. :park:
Plan for Travel Time
It takes time to reach Drottningholm from Stockholm. Allow ample travel time for a relaxed visit. :bus:
Check Opening Hours
Parts of the palace are a private residence. Always check official opening times before your visit. :clock1:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially in the vast gardens. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Drottningholm Palace is widely praised for its stunning Baroque gardens and the unique charm of the Chinese Pavilion. Visitors appreciate the historical significance and the opportunity to see a well-preserved royal residence. While the palace interiors are interesting, the gardens and the journey there are often cited as the main highlights. Some visitors note that the palace can get crowded and that navigating services on-site could be smoother.
"Beautiful large castle from the 17th century. The castle serves as the private residence of the Swedish royal couple, but parts of the castle are open to the public. The castle is surrounded by a large park, which is also accessible to the public, but at the same time there are large parts of the park where you are not allowed to go."
Jesper Rasmussen
"Beautiful view. Much like a smaller less ornate Versailles. Garden is green and extensive in the summer. Interior is well maintained with good signs explaining the rooms if you don't go with a guided tour."
Ryan Dow
"Coming by boat, we had a guided visit even if there is an APP for it, but the man who read our QRs simply ignored us and didn't give us the blue pin to wear on the clothes or even tell us where to wait. We were left confused as he called the next person in line. We had to go back, ask the nice lady next to him, who solved it... and turned out to be the guide herself! She was very nice and gave a lot of details about the castle and life inside it. It was a beautiful visit, with available chairs, yet we didn't know that there were several shops and not just the one by the entrance (we found them by chance, walking around). In that one, I checked an item, the price didn't coincide, and never looked back.
Go there for the guide, for the beauty, for the walk in the gardens. That is what I recommend.
PS: Do not freak out because of the insane amount of feathers on the grass wherever you go. The birds are fine."
Carla Asensio
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Drottningholm Palace from Stockholm via public transport (bus) or a scenic boat trip. The boat ride, often operated by Stromma, offers beautiful views of the archipelago and takes about an hour. Buses are also available and can be quicker.
Many visitors find the boat trip to be a highlight, offering stunning views and a relaxing start to the visit. It's considered part of the overall experience and makes the journey enjoyable.
Travel time by public transport (bus) from Stockholm to Drottningholm Palace is typically around 30-40 minutes, depending on your starting point and traffic.
Yes, driving is an option, and there is parking available. However, public transport and the boat are often recommended for a more immersive experience.
Absolutely! Drottningholm Palace is well-connected by public transport, making it an easy day trip from Stockholm.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours vary seasonally, and parts of the palace are a private residence. It's essential to check the official Drottningholm Palace website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Ticket prices for Drottningholm Palace vary depending on the season and what you wish to see (palace, theatre, Chinese Pavilion). Check the official website for current pricing.
Yes, the gardens and the Chinese Pavilion are often accessible even when the main palace is closed for private events or during off-season. The grounds are beautiful year-round.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially during peak season, is recommended to avoid queues and ensure entry.
Guided tours are available and highly recommended by visitors for a deeper understanding of the palace's history and the royal family's life.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in most areas of the palace, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the historical artifacts. Always check for specific signage.
The Baroque Gardens, the Chinese Pavilion, and the palace exterior offer stunning photographic opportunities. The waterfront views are also picturesque. 
Yes, Drottningholm Palace is a photographer's delight with its grand architecture, beautiful gardens, and charming pavilions.
Drone usage is typically restricted in and around royal residences and historical sites. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for exterior shots. Midday can be harsh, but the gardens provide shade.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
You can explore the palace interiors, the Baroque and English gardens, the Drottningholm Court Theatre, and the unique Chinese Pavilion.
A visit of 2-3 hours is usually sufficient to see the main palace and gardens. If you plan to explore the theatre and Chinese Pavilion thoroughly, allow for 4-5 hours.
Absolutely! The gardens are frequently praised as a highlight, offering vast, beautiful landscapes perfect for walking and relaxation. +1
The palace can get crowded, especially during peak tourist season. Visiting on a weekday or earlier in the day can help avoid the largest crowds.
The Chinese Pavilion (Kina Slott) is a charming 18th-century pleasure palace commissioned by Queen Lovisa Ulrika, offering a unique architectural style and interior decor.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Chinese Pavilion is particularly enchanting for younger visitors with its whimsical design. Consider taking the boat from Stockholm, as the journey itself can be an exciting part of the day for kids. 🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The Chinese Pavilion is a unique subject with its vibrant colors and intricate details. The palace exterior itself, especially with the waterfront backdrop, is also highly photogenic. Aim for the 'golden hours' for the best light. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Royal Residence and Its History
Built on the island of Lovön, it showcases a blend of architectural styles reflecting the tastes of its royal inhabitants over centuries. The palace is remarkably well-preserved, offering visitors a genuine glimpse into royal life. Its historical significance is recognized by its UNESCO World Heritage status, highlighting its outstanding universal value. Originally a pleasure palace, Drottningholm evolved into a grand royal residence. Each generation of royalty left its mark, from the Baroque grandeur of the main palace to the more intimate and exotic designs of its surrounding pavilions. The palace complex is a testament to Swedish architectural history and the enduring legacy of its monarchy.
Exploring its halls feels like stepping back in time, with opulent furnishings and intricate details that tell stories of past eras. Exploring the Enchanting Gardens
Adjacent to the Baroque Garden is the more relaxed English Park, which offers a naturalistic and picturesque landscape. This area is ideal for leisurely walks, with winding paths, serene water features, and a more informal charm.
Visitors often rave about the beauty and tranquility of these gardens, finding them to be a significant draw. +1The Historic Drottningholm Court Theatre
Visiting the theatre offers a unique opportunity to step back into the era of courtly entertainment. Guided tours provide insights into its history, architecture, and the innovative stage technology of the time.
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