View towards Hagaparken, just north of central Stockholm. Photo: Slava Vishnyakov (CC BY 3.0)

Haga Park
– Royal Nature and Calm Greenery in Stockholm

View towards Hagaparken, just north of central Stockholm. Photo: Slava Vishnyakov (CC BY 3.0)
💡 Summary
Explore the enchanting Haga Park, filled with royal history and romantic landscapes. Uncover the intriguing tales behind every tree, discover the regal residences and appreciate the blend of English and Swedish garden designs. Delve into the romantic past of this beautiful royal park.

Haga Park: Nature, royalty, and cultural heritage

Haga Park (Hagaparken), a serene English-style landscape park initiated by King Gustav III in the late 18th century, blends royal history with natural splendor. Explore landmarks like Gustav III’s Pavilion, the Copper Tents, and the Butterfly House while strolling through lush meadows and lakeside paths.

Part of Stockholm’s Royal National City Park, it offers a tranquil escape with architectural gems and vibrant biodiversity, reflecting Sweden’s cultural and ecological heritage.

View from Hagaparken towards Brunnsviken and the Gustav III's Pavilion. Photo: Guillaume Baviere (CC BY-SA 2.0)
View from Hagaparken towards Brunnsviken and the Gustav III's Pavilion. Photo: Guillaume Baviere (CC BY-SA 2.0)
The Copper Tents at Haga park outside Stockholm. Photo: Bengt Nyman (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Copper Tents at Haga park outside Stockholm. Photo: Bengt Nyman (CC BY-SA 4.0)

🎶 Bellman and Haga Park: A cultural symbiosis

Gustav III’s contemporary, the well-known troubadour Carl Michael Bellman, contributes to the park’s diverse cultural fabric. Bellman’s writings, poetry, and compositions greatly add to its cultural significance.
One of his most famous works, “Fjäriln vingad syns på Haga” (The winged butterfly appears in Haga), pays special homage to this royal retreat.

🏞️ Royal Vision in a Natural Frame
Stretching along Brunnsviken’s shimmering shores, Haga Park is a masterpiece of English landscape design envisioned by King Gustav III in the late 1700s. Blending romantic ruins, lush meadows, and grand pavilions like the Copper Tents and Haga Palace, the park was designed as both a royal retreat and a theatrical backdrop. Today, it’s part of the Royal National City Park—a green refuge where joggers, picnickers, and history buffs all trace the footsteps of monarchs in a timeless landscape.

🌳 The Royal National City Park

In 1935, Hagaparken was declared a state architectural monument, recognizing its architectural and historical significance. Since 1994, it has been a vital part of Sweden’s first national urban park—the Royal National City Park.

🦋 Attractions and activities

This park has something for everyone—history buffs, nature lovers, or those seeking tranquility. Stroll the beautiful paths, enjoy a lakeside picnic, or simply relax in the peaceful atmosphere. Don’t miss the Butterfly House, where Bellman’s famous ode to butterflies comes alive.

View from Hagaparken and the Gustav III's Pavilion outside Stockholm. Photo: Guillaume Baviere (CC BY-SA 2.0)
View from Hagaparken and the Gustav III's Pavilion outside Stockholm. Photo: Guillaume Baviere (CC BY-SA 2.0)
The Northern Gates of Haga Park just outside Stockholm. Photo: Holger.Ellgaard (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The Northern Gates of Haga Park just outside Stockholm. Photo: Holger.Ellgaard (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Illustration by Louis Jean Desprez of Haga's planned and existing buildings, circa 1791. On the left is the Great Haga Castle, which was never completed. Photo: Nationalmuseum/Public domain
Illustration by Louis Jean Desprez of Haga's planned and existing buildings, circa 1791. On the left is the Great Haga Castle, which was never completed. Photo: Nationalmuseum/Public domain
The Haga Castle Grounds at the Haga park outside Stockholm. Photo: Holger.Ellgaard (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The Haga Castle Grounds at the Haga park outside Stockholm. Photo: Holger.Ellgaard (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The cave at Haga park. Photo: Jopparn (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The cave at Haga park. Photo: Jopparn (CC BY-SA 4.0)
National Day in Haga Park, 6th of June. Photo: Guillaume Baviere (CC BY-SA 2.0)
National Day in Haga Park, 6th of June. Photo: Guillaume Baviere (CC BY-SA 2.0)

🏰 Haga Park’s royal structures

  • 👑 Haga Palace: Built between 1802 and 1805 as a royal residence, today it is home to the Crown Prince Couple of Sweden.
  • 🏛️ Gustav III’s Pavilion: A stunning neoclassical residence and site of the king’s fateful departure for the opera in 1792.
  • ⛺ The Copper Tents: Designed by architect Louis Jean Desprez for the royal guard, these unique tent-shaped buildings add color and history to the park.
  • 🏚️ The Great Haga Castle Ruin: The unfinished remains of Gustav III’s dream of a grand castle, abandoned after his assassination.

✨ Haga Park: Discover more

Haga Park is more than just royal buildings—it is a living landscape of meadows, forests, and lakeside paths. Its varied scenery makes it one of Stockholm’s most beloved escapes for walking, picnics, and quiet reflection. Whether you come for history, nature, or leisure, the park offers a timeless and inspiring experience.

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🏛️ Did You Know?
Stockholm’s Old Town, Gamla Stan, is one of Europe’s best preserved medieval centers.