1. The Royal Armoury
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  3. How to make the most of your visit

How to make the most of your visit

How much time do you have for your museum visit? Whether you’ve got an hour or a whole day, the Royal Armoury has something for everyone. Discover our top tips to help you plan a visit that suits your schedule and makes the most of your visit.

Plan your visit

30 minutes

The stone vaults of the Royal Armoury in the Royal Palace offer a unique atmosphere steeped in Sweden’s royal history. Discover famous objects from the The Exhibition of Sweden’s royal history, which is the Royal Armoury’s permanent exhibition.

Famous not-to-miss objects:

  • Charles XII of Sweden's coat and hat: featuring the famous bullet hole from his final battle. This is the only surviving garment from Charles XII of Sweden, a memory from the Swedish Empire era and one of the most talked-about artefacts in Swedish history.
  • The war horse Streiff: Gustavus Adolphus’ horse, which carried the king during the Battle of Lützen. The horse is one of the few preserved royal war horses in the world and was present during the war and the king’s final moments.
  • Queen Christina’s coronation mantle: The mantle was originally commissioned in Paris for Queen Christina’s coronation. Since then, several monarchs have been crowned wearing it, including Charles X Gustav and Ulrika Eleonora of Sweden.

One hour

  • Explore The Exhibition of Sweden’s royal history: An exhibition in the stone vaults of the Royal Armoury featuring highlights such as Gustavus Adolphus’ horse Streiff, Queen Christina’s coronation mantle, and Karl XII’s coat and hat. Take your time to admire the magnificent royal wedding garments. Visit the exhibition
  • Continue to The Royal Coaches and Horses: On the museum’s lower level, you can see the splendid royal carriages and sleds used at weddings, coronations, and other grand ceremonies throughout history. Visit The Royal Coaches and Horses
  • If time allows: Check out the museum’s temporary exhibitions, which highlight fascinating themes related to royalty, historical events, culture, and art. See current exhibitions

Full day

Spend a whole day at the museum and truly immerse yourself in The Royal Armoury’s fascinating collections and exhibitions.

  1. Explore The Exhibition of Sweden’s royal history: An exhibition in the stone vaults of the Royal Armoury featuring highlights such as Gustavus Adolphus’ horse Streiff, Queen Christina’s coronation mantle, and Karl XII’s coat and hat. Take your time to admire the magnificent royal wedding garments. Visit the exhibition
  2. Current exhibitions: Check out the museum’s temporary exhibitions, which highlight fascinating themes related to royalty, historical events, culture, and art. See current exhibitions
  3. Continue to The Royal Coaches and Horses: On the museum’s lower level, you can see the splendid royal carriages and sleds used at weddings, coronations, and other grand ceremonies throughout history. See the exhibition
  4. Take a break for a cup of coffee nearby, then return to dive even deeper or join a guided tour to make the most of your visit.
  5. End your visit in the museum shop: where you’ll find books on Swedish history and beautiful items. Entrance to the shop is free. Visit the museum shop

It will be a day filled with history, drama, and royal splendor.

For children and families

Whether toddlers, school-aged children, or teenagers, this guide offers tailored suggestions for every age group.

For the youngest (ages 3–6):

  • Royal clothes to try on: In The Children's Armoury, children can dress up in replicas of royal costumes and feel like princes, princesses, or knights. Visit The Children's Armoury
  • Child-height objects: The museum features selected objects and stories adapted for the very young, making it easy for them to understand and be fascinated by royal history.
  • Meet Streiff: Children can take a closer look at Gustavus Adolphus’ horse Streiff and hear the story of this royal companion.
  • The Palace Mouse: A fun and educational treasure hunt that leads children through the museum with exciting stories about kings, queens, and their adventures. About the Palace Mouse

For children 7 years and older:

  • Castle tour for kids: A fun and educational treasure hunt that takes children through the museum and tells exciting stories about kings, queens, and their adventures.
  • Play and learn in The Children's Armoury: An exhibition where children can go on a treasure hunt, do crafts, or dress up as royal characters. About the exhibition
  • The Royal Coaches and Horses: The royal coaches and sleds provide a fantastic insight into what it was like to travel as royalty — sparking curiosity and questions. See the exhibition
  • The Palace Mouse: A fun and educational treasure hunt that leads children through the museum with exciting stories about kings, queens, and their adventures. About the Palace Mouse

For teenagers (13+):

  • Dramatic stories: Tales about Karl XII’s death and Queen Christina’s life spark interest in politics, power, and history. Discover the royal history
  • Selfie-friendly exhibitions: Streiff, Karl XII’s hat, or royal armors make perfect backdrops for memorable photos.
Children dressed as princes, princesses, and knights.
Photo: Helena Bonnevier, the Royal Armoury/SHM.

Practical information for your visit

  • Prams/strollers: Unfortunately, it is not possible to bring prams into the museum's exhibitions. In the museum entrance, there is a limited number of spots for prams. For safety reasons, you may not park strollers outside the entrance. This applies to the entire Royal Palace.
  • Wardrobe: There is a cloakroom next to the museum’s shop. There are hangers for clothes as well as hat shelves. You will also find some lockable cabinets in the cloakroom.
  • Packed meal: We do not have any room for eating packed meals. The sensitive environment means that it is not permitted to eat or drink in the museum’s exhibitions, entrance or shop. 
  • Restrooms: Half a staircase down, towards the royal carriages. 

Plan visit