Royal Palace: An Exterior Walking Tour in Old Town Stockholm
Overview
During this 1,5-hour guided walk, with a local tour guide, you explore the Royal Palace in Gamla stan from the outside, moving at an easy pace all the way around the building. From the exterior, we explain how Stockholm was founded, why royal power was established right here, and how the Palace still functions today. As we walk, we place the rooms and functions in context – showing how they relate to what you see on the façade.
• The Palace’s four façades and what they symbolise: power, religion, nation, and monarchy
• Architectural details, symbols, and hidden elements in the stonework
• The story of the medieval castle Tre Kronor and the great fire of 1697
• Kings, queens, and how Sweden eventually ran out of kings and brought in a French general, creating the Bernadotte dynasty
• The historic buildings surrounding the Palace
When open, we also step into the Royal Chapel for added context.
A thoughtful exterior walk that turns stone, symbols, and stories into a clear picture of Sweden’s royal history.
This activity includes:
- The Royal Palace
- Storkyrkan
- Charles XIV John's statue
- Skattkammaren
- Gustav III Statue
- The Royal Armoury
- Karl XII Statue
- Tessin Palace
- Slottskyrkan
- Engaging local guide from Gamla Stan
Our Guides
On arrival
Kindly arrive at the meeting point at least 5 minutes before the tour begins.
Slottsbacken 2 is easy to reach in the heart of Stockholm’s Old Town (Gamla Stan). From Gamla Stan metro station, it’s just a 7-minute walk. Follow the signs towards the Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet), and you’ll find Slottsbacken Street in front of the palace. The guide will meet you at the big door/Slottsbacken 2 opposite the Gustav III:s obelisk five minutes before the tour starts.
If you are unable to locate your guide, kindly refer to photo number 2, which is clearly marked with “Meeting Point.”
How can the tour be free?
Our concept is simple — there is no set price. Instead, you tip your guide at the end of the tour whatever amount feels right to you. Typically, guests give between $10 to €50, depending on their satisfaction and budget.
Most guides accept cash or card payments, or you can do it via our app.
Cancellation policy
You are free to cancel a booking anytime. We kindly remind you to cancel bookings you cannot arrive for. Being reported as absent decreases your customer level points and the benefits you can enjoy.
