The Versailles of the North
Drottningholm Palace (Drottningholms slott) is the private residence of the Swedish Royal Family. Located on the island of Lovön in Lake Mälaren, just outside Stockholm, it is one of Sweden's best-preserved royal palaces from the 1600s. It was the first Swedish site to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1991, recognized for its exceptional preservation of the palace, the theatre, and the Chinese Pavilion. With its elegant French Baroque architecture and extensive gardens, it is often called the 'Versailles of the North.' It represents the height of Sweden's power in Europe during the 17th century, a time when the Swedish Empire stretched across the Baltic.
A Royal Residence
Built in the French Baroque style by architect Nicodemus Tessin the Elder on behalf of Queen Hedvig Eleonora, the palace has been the permanent home of the King and Queen of Sweden since 1981. They occupy the southern wing, while the rest of the palace and the grounds are open to the public year-round. Walking through the state apartments is a journey through Swedish royal history, from the heavy baroque of the 17th century to the lighter rococo of the 18th century. The Staircase Hall, with its trompe l'œil paintings and statues, is a grand introduction to the palace's splendor. The Library of Queen Lovisa Ulrika is another highlight, filled with gold-leaf decoration and thousands of volumes, reflecting the Enlightenment ideals of its owner.
The Palace Theatre
The Drottningholm Palace Theatre (Slottsteater) is a unique cultural treasure. It is one of the few 18th-century theatres in Europe that is still used as a theatre with its original stage machinery. Built in 1766 for Queen Lovisa Ulrika, it fell into disuse after the death of King Gustav III in 1792 and was forgotten for over a century. This neglect was its salvation, as it was never 'modernized' with electric lights or new machinery. It was rediscovered in the 1920s, perfectly preserved like a time capsule.
Today, it hosts opera performances in the summer, using the original hand-operated wooden machinery to change scenes. The waves of the sea are created by painted corkscrews, thunder is made by rolling stones in a wooden box, and a cloud machine allows gods to descend from the heavens. The auditorium still has its original painted benches, where the court sat according to rank. Even the original wallpapers remain. It offers a rare chance to experience opera exactly as Mozart or Gluck would have intended.
The Chinese Pavilion
Hidden in the far corner of the park stands the Chinese Pavilion (Kina Slott), a pleasure palace built in 1753 as a birthday surprise for Queen Lovisa Ulrika from King Adolf Fredrik. It was built in secret in Stockholm and shipped in pieces to Drottningholm to be assembled overnight. It is a stunning example of the Chinoiserie style that was fashionable in European courts at the time. The pavilion is filled with Chinese lacquer screens, porcelain, and silk, representing a European fantasy of the exotic East. The 'Confidence' dining room features a table that could be lowered through the floor to the kitchen, set, and then raised again, allowing the royals to dine without servants present, ensuring total privacy for their conversations and political intrigues.
The Gardens
The palace is surrounded by two distinct garden styles, reflecting the changing tastes of the centuries:
- The Baroque Garden: Laid out in the 17th century directly in front of the palace. It features strict symmetry, intricate box hedges, and bronze sculptures by Adrian de Vries. These sculptures were taken as war booty from Prague and Denmark, a reminder of Sweden's era as a Great Power. The fountains have recently been restored to their original glory.
- The English Park: Created later by Gustav III to the north of the Baroque garden. It is more naturalistic, with winding paths, ponds, canals, and expansive lawns, designed to look like an idealized landscape painting. It invites leisurely strolls rather than formal promenades.
Visitor Information
Drottningholm is a popular day trip from Stockholm. The most scenic way to arrive is by historic steamboat from Stockholm City Hall (in summer), a journey that takes about an hour through the beautiful Lake Mälaren. Alternatively, you can take the subway to Brommaplan and then a bus to Drottningholm. Guided tours are available for the palace, the theatre, and the Chinese Pavilion. The theatre can only be visited on a guided tour to preserve its delicate interiors. The palace gift shop offers high-quality replicas of royal porcelain and jewelry.
The Guards
As a royal residence, Drottningholm is guarded by the Royal Guards (Högvakten). The changing of the guard ceremony is a popular attraction, though smaller than the one at the Royal Palace in Stockholm. Seeing the soldiers in their blue uniforms and spiked helmets adds a sense of regal tradition to the visit.