Are you looking for a royal adventure on your next trip?
Set your compass to Stockholm, Sweden, but don’t stop there. Just a stone’s throw from the city’s buzz, on the serene island of Lovön, you’ll find the majestic Drottningholm Palace. This building is the very heart of Sweden’s royal heritage and a living museum.
To clarify, Drottningholm Palace is where the Swedish royal family lives, not the Swiss. The name ‘Drottningholm’ means “Queen’s Island” in Swedish. The palace’s royal history dates all the way back to the late 16th century. King Gustav I had it constructed for Queen Catherine Jagiellon. Later, after a fire destroyed the original castle, Queen Hedvig Eleonora had the present structure built in 1661.
As you plan your visit, note that the palace offers more than grand rooms and royal living spaces. The palace gardens display meticulous designs in both baroque and English styles. These gardens are ideal for leisurely walks or for enjoying peace away from the city.
The Palace’s design gained its baroque character from Nicodemus Tessin the Elder in the 17th century. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its cultural and historical importance.
Another building within the palace grounds is the Drottningholm Palace Theatre from the 18th century. During summer months, it hosts performances much like it did in the past. Next to the palace, the Chinese Pavilion showcases a European interest in Eastern culture during the 18th century. King Adolf Frederick gave it as a birthday gift to Queen Lovisa Ulrika.
While visitors can enjoy many parts of Drottningholm, the royal family’s private quarters are not accessible. This fact adds a sense of mystery and exclusivity to the palace. The Statens Fastighetsverk (National Property Board) ensures the site is well-maintained. The gardens also feature bronze statues, historical representations of war and triumph, retrieved by the Swedish army.
Drottningholm Palace offers an experience that connects visitors with Sweden’s heritage. Beyond the confines of Stockholm, the palace reveals its grandeur and secrets. The palace is a place where visitors can observe and appreciate living history.
