Drottningholm – Palace, Park and World Heritage

The Royal Domain of Drottningholm is located on the island of Lovön, near Stockholm. The palace is in the municipality of Ekerö, about 10 km outside Stockholm. The exceptionally well-preserved ensemble includes gardens and buildings with original interior fittings and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For your trip planning, Drottningholm brings together cultural heritage, architecture and parkland.

Palace, Theatre and World Heritage

Drottningholm Palace Theatre dates from the 18th century and, together with the palace, forms part of the World Heritage Site. The palace features architectural elements inspired by the palaces of France and Italy. The theatre and palace therefore offer different ways to experience the ensemble: one as an 18th-century building, the other through its architectural influences.

Kina Slott is located in Drottningholm Palace Park. The pleasure palace was built in the 18th century as a gift to Queen Lovisa Ulrika and is now a museum. Since 1991, Kina Slott and its surrounding grounds have been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The UNESCO designation therefore covers not only the building but also its surroundings.

Chapel, Studio and Palace Park

Drottningholm Palace Chapel opened in 1730 and has been in continuous use ever since. Services are held there on the last weekend of each month and are open to everyone. If attending a service is important to your travel plans, check the date in advance, as the schedule may change.

Evert Lundquist’s studio was located in the old engine house by the Chinese Pavilion and is now an atmospheric museum. It includes oil paintings, charcoal drawings and drypoint etchings. The different techniques give the studio a distinctive focus alongside the palace architecture.

The palace park includes avenues, a French-inspired pleasure garden, an English park and a Baroque garden. There are also two ponds with canals, islands and bridges, large lawns and walking paths. The park’s design can thus be explored through its different garden styles, as well as its bodies of water, open spaces and paths. The Royal Walks app offers themed walks in the palace park. As its availability may change, check before your trip if you plan to use the app for planning.

Getting There and Practical Planning

A cycle path leads from central Stockholm to Drottningholm. The palace is easiest to reach by an SL bus from Brommaplan. In summer, you can travel from the city to Drottningholm by a turn-of-the-century boat. The journey across Lake Mälaren takes one hour. If you plan to take the seasonal boat service, check the timetable in advance.

Visitor parking is available in Drottningholm and at Drottningholm Palace Theatre; bus parking and wheelchair-accessible parking are also available. Operational details may change, so it is advisable to check the information before travelling—especially if bus or wheelchair-accessible parking is important to your plans.

For the broader travel overview: Drottningholm.