Erik XIV's royal regalia, which are exhibited at the Royal Treasury in the palace in Stockholm. Photo: Alexis Daflos © Kungl. Hovstaterna

The Royal Treasury
– Crown Jewels and Hidden Royal History Beneath the Palace

Erik XIV's royal regalia, which are exhibited at the Royal Treasury in the palace in Stockholm. Photo: Alexis Daflos © Kungl. Hovstaterna
💡 Summary
Dive into the rich and regal world of Sweden’s monarchy inside the Royal Treasury. Tucked beneath the Royal Palace, this hidden gem houses centuries of history, from the dazzling crown jewels to the dramatic tales of coups and coronations.

The Royal Treasury: Explore the Crown Jewels at Skattkammaren

Hidden beneath the grand Stockholm Royal Palace, Skattkammaren—the Royal Treasury—offers a glittering glimpse into Sweden’s royal legacy. This captivating museum preserves centuries of regal tradition through an extraordinary collection of royal regalia and priceless ceremonial artifacts.

The Crown Jewels

At the heart of the Treasury lies the breathtaking collection of Swedish Crown Jewels, including crowns, orbs, scepters, and coronation swords used by monarchs throughout history. One of the most legendary pieces is the Queen’s Crown, crafted in 1751 for Queen Lovisa Ulrika. Embellished with 44 dazzling diamonds, the crown became the centerpiece of a royal scandal when the queen secretly replaced the gems with rock crystal to fund a failed coup in 1756.

Queen Lovisa Ulrika's crown from the coronation of 1751. Photo: Karl Erik Granath © Kungl. Hovstaterna
Queen Lovisa Ulrika's crown from the coronation of 1751. Photo: Karl Erik Granath © Kungl. Hovstaterna
Erik XIV's crown from the coronation in Uppsala Cathedral on June 29, 1561. Photo: Alexis Daflos © Kungl. Hovstaterna
Erik XIV's crown from the coronation in Uppsala Cathedral on June 29, 1561. Photo: Alexis Daflos © Kungl. Hovstaterna

Historical Significance

Beyond their splendor, these artifacts tell the story of Sweden’s royal ambitions, political intrigues, and shifting power structures. Among the oldest treasures are the sword of Gustav Vasa, the founder of modern Sweden, and the richly adorned regalia of King Erik XIV, a monarch whose turbulent reign ended in imprisonment and poison.

👑 The Crown That Witnessed a Coup
In a bold bid to restore royal power, Queen Louisa Ulrika secretly removed 44 diamonds from her crown—crafted by Andreas Almgren and modeled after the French queen’s regalia—to finance a 1756 coup. Although her plan failed, the crown was later restored and now stands as a powerful symbol of ambition and resistance.

Visitor Experience

The museum’s subterranean setting enhances the experience, creating an atmosphere of solemn grandeur. Interactive exhibits and multilingual audio guides enrich each display with historical context. Visitors are encouraged to spend at least one hour exploring the Treasury to fully appreciate the stories behind each artifact.

Tips for Visitors

  • ⏰ Plan Ahead: Arrive early in the day to enjoy a quieter visit.
  • 🎧 Use the Audio Guide: Available in several languages for deeper insight.
  • 📸 Photography: Note that photos may not be allowed in certain areas.
  • 👑 Explore the Palace: Your visit includes access to other parts of the Royal Palace complex.
  • 🗺️ Guided Tours: Join a group for enriched commentary and behind-the-scenes details.

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🏛️ Did You Know?
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