Kungliga Slottet (The Royal Palace)

One of the places I went on Wed. morning was the Royal Palace. It is part of Gamla Stan, but I figured it deserved its own post.

This was the courtyard in the morning, before the tourists arrived.

The palace was built in the 18th century on top of the original royal castle, Tre Kronor.

The place is guarded by the Royal Guards, Högvakten, part of the Swedish Armed Forces. The changing of the guard is a big deal in the summer months, and a bit smaller during the winter.

This is the side of the place.

The guards waiting for the relief to enter.

This fellow was guarding the tourists so we did not get too close to the action. There was a small chain indicating where we were to stand. The new guards are marching in from the back in this photo.

And yes, that is a serious weapon he has.

There were a few women in the guards. And plenty of short men, and men in glasses. So I guess height and perfect eyesight are not requirements.

These two guys provided the music. In the summer there is a full military band.

After the changing of the guard I was so cold I headed for the first indoor attraction I could find, which turned out to be the Skattkammaren, or Royal Treasury. Also included on our Stockholm Cards, this is a small exhibit of crowns, swards, and other royal treasures. And it was heated. But I couldn't take photos once I was in the exhibit. This is part of the entry way.

And here is the poster for the exhibit. There were plenty of amazing crowns like this one.

Comments

[Christy Story]

Can't imagine how much fun it must be to BE the guards!!! Crazy cold, certainly.
You are really getting up at going!!
It surprises me how similar the Danish Palace in Copenhagen and the Swedish are in my mind ... I guess royalty really are different.

[Heather Allen Pang]

The next day when we were there they were marching back and forth in the snow, which did not look like much fun. We were talking about the sort of "royal style" and how some of these things really are like other palaces, rather than really national. There is a room here designed like the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles, and there are French, Italian, and German paintings and decorations too.