The Royal Treasury: Explore the Crown Jewels at Skattkammaren
Hidden deep within the vaulted stone cellars of the Royal Palace, the Royal Treasury (Skattkammaren) safeguards Sweden’s Crown Jewels and centuries of ceremonial power. Here, crowns, scepters, orbs, and royal swords shimmer in the dim light — tangible symbols of coronations, coups, and monarchy.
- Founded: 1970 (museum opened to public)
- Location: Beneath the Royal Palace, Gamla Stan
- Highlights: Crown Jewels, coronation regalia, royal swords
- Oldest Objects: Regalia from the 16th century
- Atmosphere: Vaulted stone chambers
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 brilliant diamonds, the crown became central to a dramatic episode in 1756, when the queen secretly replaced the gems with rock crystal to finance a failed coup attempt.
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.
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.
- Are the Swedish Crown Jewels still used? Yes. They are used for royal ceremonies, weddings, and state occasions, though not for coronations.
- Where is the Royal Treasury located? It is housed in the cellar vaults beneath the Royal Palace in Gamla Stan.
- How long does a visit take? Most visitors spend around one hour exploring the collection.
- Is photography allowed? Photography policies may vary — check on arrival.
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.
🧭 Nearby Attractions
- 👑 The Royal Palace: Tour the Royal Apartments, Hall of State, and the Royal Chapel.
- 🛡️ Swedish Royal Armoury: Sweden’s oldest museum, displaying royal armor and battle relics.
- 🏅 Nobel Prize Museum: Celebrate scientific and humanitarian achievements from Nobel laureates.
- ⛪ Storkyrkan Cathedral: Stockholm’s oldest church, rich in medieval art and royal history.
- 📏 Mårten Trotzigs Gränd: Experience the charm of Stockholm’s narrowest alley—just 90 cm wide.
