Tullgarn Palace: A Stroll Through Swedish Royal History

Step into the pages of Tullgarn Palace history, a regal treasure nestled in the scenic province of Södermanland, Sweden.

This exquisite Swedish royal residence Tullgarn, dating back to the 1720s, has played host to generations of Swedish monarchs, including the esteemed kings Oscar I and Gustav V, who sought solace in its elegant confines during the summer months.

The palace is a harmonious blend of historical architecture and natural beauty. Visitors are welcomed to explore its magnificent interiors and the meticulously landscaped Tullgarn Palace gardens during the summer season, a testament to its enduring allure.

Discover the royal legacy through a variety of attractions at Tullgarn Palace

• Palace tours: Immerse yourself in the opulent past with guided tours of the palace’s lavishly adorned rooms, offering a glimpse into the extravagant lifestyle of Swedish royalty.
• Palace gardens and park: Meander through the well-manicured gardens and the sprawling park that envelops the palace, providing an idyllic backdrop for leisurely strolls and picnics.
• Baltic Sea vistas: With its privileged location on the Baltic Sea coast, the palace affords breathtaking views of the shimmering waters and the nearby islands, inviting contemplative moments by the sea.
• Historical significance: Revel in the rich history that permeates every corner of the palace, as it stands as a testament to its role as a cherished summer residence for esteemed Swedish monarchs.

Embark on a captivating journey through time and nature at Tullgarn Palace, where historical architecture, serene gardens, and regal heritage unite in splendid harmony.

Tullgarn Palace: A Royal Legacy

With its origins dating back to the 1720s, Tullgarn Palace stands as a testament to centuries of royal heritage. Initially built as the summer retreat for Duke Fredrik Adolf in the 1770s, it later became the favored seasonal residence for various kings seeking tranquility during the late 1800s and early 1900s.

The Gustavian Era

In 1719, the older Renaissance castle dating from the late 16th century was razed, and the current palace was designed by Privy Councillor Magnus Julius De la Gardie, constructed between 1720 and 1727. In 1772, Tullgarn Palace was acquired by the state and transformed into a royal pleasure palace. Today, Tullgarn Palace is characterized by its neoclassical interiors, fashioned during the latter part of the 18th century when King Gustav III’s youngest brother, Duke Fredrik Adolf, obtained royal control over the estate. The interiors crafted during Fredrik Adolf’s tenure rank among Sweden’s finest Gustavian interiors. Notable contributors to its design include the Masreliez brothers, Louis and Jean Baptiste, who also worked on interior decorations for Gustav III’s pavilion in Hagaparken, Stockholm.

Oscar I’s Summer Residence

Following Duke Fredrik Adolf’s passing, the palace was bestowed upon his sister, Princess Sophia Albertina, who spent her summers here until her death in 1829. The following year, it passed to the Crown Prince, the future Oscar I of Sweden, who made it the summer residence of the Swedish royal court during his reign from 1830 to 1859. During his ownership, Oscar I oversaw a respectful renovation of the palace and undertook the construction and renovation of various buildings on the estate, including the stable near the inn, the Orangery, and the Gentleman’s House. Almost every summer during this period, the royal couple stayed at Tullgarn. On October 3, 1853, a fire damaged the palace, including its roof. A relic from Oscar I’s time is the intertwined monogram of the king and queen above the main entrance.

Gustav V’s Summer Residence

Under King Gustaf V and Queen Victoria, Tullgarn experienced a renaissance as their summer residence. As early as 1881, Oscar II granted the right of use to then Crown Prince Gustav, who traveled incognito as the Count of Tullgarn abroad. Significant changes occurred within the building, starting with a new oak outer portal featuring Gustav and Victoria’s intertwined monogram, installed around 1890. Much of today’s interior decoration dates from Gustaf V and Queen Victoria’s era.

The main building was furnished more like a modern functioning summer home than a royal pleasure palace. On June 28, 1909, Tullgarn was visited by the Russian Emperor Nicholas II and his family, the same family who would be murdered nine years later. Several rooms from Gustaf V’s time remain virtually untouched, while others were restored to their original appearance in the 1950s.

Queen Victoria was a skilled photographer and took thousands of pictures. In her will, she stipulated that all negatives should be sunk in the water outside Tullgarn palace, which also happened after her death in 1930. And there they lie at the bottom to this day.

Since 1975, Tullgarn Palace has been under the control of king Carl XVI Gustaf, with a floor set aside for his use.

The Ditch Incident and Kungens Kurva (King’s Curve)

As an amusing anecdote, it was during the return journey from a hunting trip at Tullgarn in September 1946 that Gustaf V’s chauffeur drove the entire hunting party into a water-filled ditch near Segeltorp in southern Stockholm. The site was thereafter humorously named King’s Curve, which subsequently became its official name.