Visit Tullgarn Palace in Södermanland—Sweden’s royal haven by the Baltic Sea. Explore neoclassical interiors, lush gardens, and guided rooms that reveal the legacy of monarchs in their summer sanctuary.
Tullgarn Palace: Swedish royal heritage by the Baltic
Located along Södermanland’s tranquil Baltic coastline, Tullgarn Palace is a blend of serene natural beauty and royal Swedish history. These opening views—capturing both the sea-facing and garden façades—introduce one of Sweden’s most picturesque royal estates.
Step into a grand entrance hall rich in royal symbolism—from a floor mosaic of a loyal guard dog to elegant Gustavian interiors. This was once the summer residence of Prince Fredrik Adolf, whose bust still graces the palace, bearing witness to his legacy.
The rooms of Tullgarn reflect a seamless transition from Gustavian grace to 19th-century refinement. The antechamber’s inlaid wood flooring, Queen Victoria’s sitting room, and Gustaf V’s billiard room offer an intimate glimpse into royal life and changing interior tastes.
Life at Tullgarn was not just ceremonial. The grand dining hall, a cozy German-style Weinstube installed by Queen Victoria, and a modernized kitchen with a Bolinders stove all reflect a palace adapted for daily royal use—complete with an ice-cooled food store in pre-electric days.
Queen Victoria of Sweden, an avid and prolific photographer, captured thousands of images during her time at Tullgarn. In her will, she made the unusual request that all her photographic negatives be sunk into the sea just outside the palace. The negatives were never retrieved and remain there to this day—an enduring, if submerged, royal archive.
The terrace and royal encounters
Overlooking the Baltic Sea, the palace terrace has long been a favored space for relaxation and diplomacy. Historic photographs capture King Gustav V hosting international guests like Grand Duke Michael Nikolaevich of Russia—moments that highlight the estate’s cultural significance.
Above the palace portals, you’ll find a carved wooden monogram—the initials of Queen Victoria and King Gustav V—marking their shared imprint on Tullgarn. Today, guests can enjoy a quiet break with coffee and pastries in the charming 1846 stable café.
Tullgarn is surrounded by lush gardens and a landscaped English park from the 1800s, featuring lime tree avenues, ornamental ponds, and walking bridges—perfect for leisurely strolls or picnics.
ℹ️ Visitor information
Tullgarn Palace is part of Sweden’s official royal properties, managed by King Carl XVI Gustaf. Portions of the palace are open to the public during the summer season via guided tours.
🕰️ Opening Hours: June–August: Daily tours at 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, and 15:00 (English at 15:00)
📍 Address: Tullgarns Slott, 611 98 Vagnhärad, Sweden
🚶♀️ Getting There: 60 km south of Stockholm. Take the train to Vagnhärad Station, followed by a local bus or taxi.
🔍 What to Expect: Guided tours, historic interiors, lush gardens, and Baltic views
🎟️ Admission: Entry fee applies. Children under 7 enter free. A guided tour is included.
🎧 Languages: Tours available in Swedish and English
☕ Café: Light refreshments and cakes served in the stable café
🚗The Royal Curve: A King’s Unintended Legacy
In September 1946, after a hunting trip at Tullgarn, King Gustaf V’s chauffeur accidentally drove the royal car into a ditch near Segeltorp. The mishap became local legend, and the site was soon known as Kungens kurva (“The King’s Curve”). Today, it remains the official name of the area—now home to one of the world’s largest IKEA stores, located in southern Stockholm.
"Car in the ditch in Segeltorp", view towards Stockholm. Photo: DN/Public domain
