Haga Park & Haga Palace: A Royal Guide

If you are looking for a place where royal history meets lush English landscape gardens, Haga Park (Hagaparken) in Solna is your absolute must-visit destination. Located just north of Stockholm’s city center, this sprawling park is not just a favorite for local joggers and picnickers; it is the home of the Swedish Crown Princess and a testament to King Gustav III’s vision of a perfect “picturesque” escape. Over the three decades I have spent exploring Sweden, few places in the capital have managed to preserve such a serene, regal atmosphere while remaining so accessible to everyone.

Haga Park is much more than just a collection of trees and paths. It is part of the Royal National City Park (Ekoparken) – the world’s first national city park, stretching over 20 kilometers through the region. Whether you want to catch a glimpse of a palace, admire exotic butterflies, or simply enjoy a fika in a giant copper tent, Haga has it all.

The visionary king and his English garden

The park’s unique character is thanks to King Gustav III, who in the late 18th century decided to transform the former royal hunting grounds into a landscape garden inspired by the English style. Unlike the strict, symmetrical French gardens you see at Drottningholm, Haga is all about winding paths, hidden bridges, and a harmonious blend of nature and architecture.

The pavilion of King Gustav III

Walking through the park today, you can still feel the King’s presence. He wanted to create a place for both reflection and grand celebrations. And the best part? Most of the architectural gems he commissioned are still standing today, waiting for you to discover them.

Haga Palace: Where royalty lives

The most famous building in the park is, of course, Haga Palace (Haga Slott). Built in 1802, it currently serves as the official residence of Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Daniel, and their children.

It is a beautiful, understated neo-classical building. However, there is a catch:

No entry: Because it is a private royal residence, the palace is not open to the public.
No photography: Security is tight. You will see signs everywhere prohibiting photography of the palace itself. Surveillance cameras and guards ensure the family’s privacy is respected.

Even if you can’t go inside, walking past the gates gives you a sense of the “open” nature of the Swedish monarchy – they live right here, in a park where commoners go for their Sunday strolls.

Stay near the royal park

Want to wake up right next to the greenery of Haga? There are some fantastic hotels in the Solna and Norrtull area that offer the perfect balance between city life and nature. I always recommend staying nearby if you want to enjoy early morning walks in the park before the crowds arrive.

Check availability in Solna for your dates

Insider tips from 30 years of Sweden travel. This guide contains affiliate links (marked with ➔) to help support my work at no extra cost to you.

Highlights you cannot miss

While you can’t enter the main palace, there is plenty more to see. Over the years, I’ve found that these three spots are the real soul of the park:

The Copper Tents (Koppartälten): These iconic blue and yellow structures look like tents from an army camp but are actually made of painted tin. Today, they house a cozy restaurant and café. It is the perfect spot for a traditional Swedish fika.
The Butterfly House (Fjärilshuset): A tropical oasis inside the park. It houses thousands of butterflies and even one of Scandinavia’s largest shark aquariums. It’s a lifesaver on a rainy day!
The Chinese Pavilion and Echo Temple: Beautiful examples of the 18th-century fascination with exoticism and acoustic play.

The pulse of Solna: Sports and shopping

Haga Park isn’t just a museum; it’s an active hub. In the late afternoons, you will see hundreds of Stockholmers flocking here for jogging, cycling, or even beach volleyball. It is often said that this is where you find the fittest people in the capital.

If you walk further north through the park, you enter the heart of Solna. This municipality has grown into a powerhouse of its own. Here you will find:

Strawberry Arena: Formerly known as Friends Arena, this is Sweden’s national stadium – the home ground of the Swedish men’s national football team. Whether it’s a massive concert or a national football match, the energy here is electric.
Mall of Scandinavia: Right next to the arena lies the largest shopping center in Sweden. It’s a shopper’s paradise with international brands and excellent dining options.

Two hotel recommendations for Solna

If you’re planning to attend an event at the Strawberry Arena or to visit the Mall of Scandinavia, there are two excellent Strawberry Group hotels (formerly Nordic Choice) located right next to them. I have stayed at both hotels and can highly recommend them for their convenience, nordic interior style, and excellent breakfast:

Quality Hotel Strawberry Arena

Comfort Hotel Solna Arenastaden

Practical tips for your visit

Getting to Haga Park is easy, and you have a few options depending on your mood:

The scenic walk: If you are in the city center (Sergels Torg), you can simply walk north along Sveavägen. It takes about 30 – 45 minutes and leads you directly to the southern entrance at Norrtull.
By bus: Several bus lines (like the 515 from Odenplan) stop right outside the park gates.
Kayaking: For a unique perspective, rent a kayak and paddle along the shores of Brunnsviken. Seeing the park from the water is a great experience.

A royal day out

Haga Park represents the very best of Stockholm: the seamless integration of history, royalty, and the great outdoors. Whether you are there to admire the architecture, visit the Butterfly House, or just enjoy a picnic on the grass, you will leave feeling refreshed. It’s a place where you can walk in the footsteps of kings and queens while enjoying the simple pleasures of a Swedish summer day. Don’t forget your walking shoes!