Drottningholm appears to be a preserved playground for 18th-century royalty, with its leafy gardens, regal theater and spectacular palace. Said to have been inspired by the Palace of Versailles, Drottningholm’s stately buildings adorn a quiet and picturesque islet town in the western suburbs of Stockholm. Read about Swedish royal history and visit the remarkable grounds on which much of it unfolded.
Among the highlights is Drottningholm Palace, where the Swedish Royal Family has lived since 1981. See the elegant façade of French design reflected in the pond in front of it. Wander through the baroque landscape gardens, between well-crafted hedges and floral displays. Explore the interior of this 17th-century behemoth for a labyrinth of salons and corridors filled with absorbing artworks.
Walk through the extensive parkland, appreciating the tranquility of this suburban island. Reach the Drottningholm Palace Theatre and notice its sophisticated Scandinavian design. Attend one of the summer spectacles that use the 18th-century opera house’s original machinery, props and traps.
For a completely different look, come to the Chinese Pavilion. Take a guided tour of the structure to appreciate its ornate Chinese décor and chat with a docent about the palace’s origin story. It was built by the king as a gift for Queen Lovisa.
As you make your way past the town’s preserved attractions, you’ll get a good idea of how a typical Swedish village would have looked in the 18th century. Admire the various quaint cottages initially set up for those working in the palace.
The charming town occupies the eastern part of Löven Island, a little west of the Gamla Stan district in the center of Stockholm. Drive west from the city center for about 6 miles (10 kilometers) to reach the island within 20 minutes. Along the way, check out the sights in Kärsön, Älsten and Kungsholmen.
Drottningholm combines a glimpse of Stockholm’s serene suburbs with a slice of Sweden’s royal history and architecture.
