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Drottningholm Palace

11 Drottningholms Slott Slottsstallet, Drottningholm, Stockholms län

Description

Drottningholm Palace was used as a regular summer residence for the Swedish Royal Court during the 18th century; nowadays it is the private residence of the Swedish royal family. It was designed by architect Nicodemus Tessin the Elder in the late 17th century with strong Classical and Baroque influences but the interior was updated to rococo style in the mid-18th century. Highlights include the large gardens inspired by those of Vaux-le Vicomte in France, the Hall of State, the Castle Library, Queen Hedvig Eleonora bedchamber, Karl XI's Gallery (reminiscent of the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles), and King Gustav III's theatre. There is also a Chinese Pavilion and the Drottningholm Palace Theatre for which separate admission fees apply.

Access & Transport

The castle complex is on Lovön, 11km west of Stockholm city centre. The most scenic way to reach is by boat, in summertime there are regular departures from Stadshuskajen (the City Hall Quay) to Drottningholm. It is also possible to get there by public transport: metro Brommaplan (Green 17/18/19), and then transfer to a bus (several services stop at the palace). By car, follow route 275 until Brommaplan and then turn left towards Drottningholm (4km). There are steps to enter the castle and to the second floor, no lift. Accessibility info: https://www.kungligaslotten.se/english/royal-palaces-and-sites/drottningholm-palace/visit-us/practical-information-access/drottningholm-palace.html

Instructions & Recommendations

It is possible to have a picnic in the park. There are combined tickets for the castle and Chinese Pavilion. The Palace Theatre however is managed separately and can be visited via guided tours (https://dtm.se/home).

Meta review

Regularly featured in travel guides and magazines as one of the best day-trips from the capital, Drottningholm Palace receives mostly positive reviews, if not excellent, on online review portals. The highlight according to visitors are the gardens so that weather is an important factor in terms of overall experience. As for the interiors, there are fewer rooms compared to some of the large European castles and many find those less impressive than the Royal Palace in Stockholm (though the opposite comment pops up occasionally). Expect to walk a fair bit so best to wear comfortable shoes.

Environmental & Social

Some electricity consumption but partially compensated by the use of solar panels and the green aspect of the park. Part of the country's architectural, historical and artistic heritages.

Conclusion

The palace and gardens make for a fantastic excursion on a sunny day but can feel somewhat more ordinary in drab weather. If your prime objective is to visit Stockholm attractions then the Royal Palace might be a more efficient choice but if the park, and perhaps the boat journey, appeal to you then the attraction nicely blends scenery and culture.

Key positive

Beautiful park & gardens

Some really impressive rooms

Key negative

A little time consuming to get there

Not as much wow factor as other palaces

Suitability

There are stairs to enter the castle and change floors + the gardens are pretty extensive so not suited for wheelchair users and generally only limited access for visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
The park has free access and is open all day, year-round

av. transport time:0h 50m

est. visit time:3h

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:May, 01

Season 1

MONDAY10:00 - 17:00

TUESDAY10:00 - 17:00

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 17:00

THURSDAY10:00 - 17:00

FRIDAY10:00 - 17:00

SATURDAY10:00 - 17:00

SUNDAY10:00 - 17:00

Start of Season 2:Oct, 01

Season 2

MONDAY -

TUESDAY -

WEDNESDAY -

THURSDAY -

FRIDAY -

SATURDAY10:00 - 16:00

SUNDAY10:00 - 16:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
SEK 160
Adult
18 - 64
SEK 160
Child
7 - 17
SEK 80
Infant
0 - 6
SEK 0
Price for students is SEK140

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