Drottningholm Palace Guide: Sweden's Royal World Heritage Site

Drottningholm Palace is on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. It is the most well-preserved royal palace built in the 1600s in Sweden. At the same time it is representative of all European architecture for the period. The palace is the present Royal Family’s permanent residence. The rooms in the southern wing of the palace are reserved for this purpose. The rest of the palace and grounds are open to the public all year round.

Whether you are an architecture buff, a garden lover, or just someone who wants to feel like royalty for a day, this World Heritage site is an absolute must-see.

Drottningholm Palace is situated about 15 km west of central Stockholm. It takes about 30 minutes by car to get there from the city centre. For details see map on Google Maps.

Drottningholm boat trips

However, if you want to make the excursion to Drottningholm Palace a real experience, you should take a boat from central Stockholm to Drottningholm. Two historic ships sail the route on beautiful Lake Mälaren, the S/S Drottningholm and the M/S Prins Carl Philip. The tour takes 55 minutes one way.

A living piece of Swedish history

While the main building is breathtaking, don’t stop there. The grounds hold several hidden gems:

The Palace Theatre: A world-renowned venue still used for opera performances today.
The Chinese Pavilion: A charming retreat that feels like a world away from the main court.
The Palace Church: A beautiful example of the site’s enduring religious and cultural significance.

Drottningholm is not just a static monument; it’s a dynamic representation of Sweden’s rich cultural heritage. You can walk through the same halls that kings and queens once strolled, each room echoing with tales of grandeur and historical events.

Two gardens, two different worlds

One of my favorite things to do at Drottningholm is simply to wander through the gardens. It’s like stepping into two different centuries at once.

First, you have the Baroque garden, which is all about symmetry, precision, and order. It’s very “Versailles” and perfect for photos.

Then, you can transition into the English garden, which is more natural, winding, and romantic. Expert tip: If you’re visiting in the summer, bring a small picnic. Finding a quiet spot in the English garden is the ultimate way to soak in the atmosphere.

The Christmas Market

If you happen to be visiting in early December, you are in for a treat. The Drottningholm Palace Christmas Market is one of the most popular in the Stockholm area.

It usually takes place over two days in early December right in the palace courtyard. The atmosphere is incredibly festive. You’ll find: