The Royal Stables in Stockholm are a historic and cultural attraction that offer a glimpse into the transport and traditions of the Swedish monarchy. The stables date back to 1535, when they were first built on Helgeandsholmen, near the royal palace . Today, they are located at Väpnargatan 1 on Östermalm, behind Strandvägen . The head of the stables is the Crown Equerry.
The stables house around 20 horses, all bay in colour and around 170 cm tall. They are trained to lead carriages and cortèges on occasions such as state visits, ambassador receptions, and the opening of parliament. The stables also have a collection of around 50 carriages and sleighs, some dating back to the 17th century. In addition, the stables have a fleet of cars for the royal family’s everyday use.
The stables are open to the public for guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:30 to 15:00. The tours last about an hour and cost 100 SEK for adults and 50 SEK for children. The tours include a visit to the harness room, the carriage houses, and the riding hall. Visitors can also enjoy a café and a gift shop at the stables.
To get to the stables, visitors can take the subway to Östermalmstorg or Karlaplan stations, or take buses 69 or 76 to Nybroplan station. The stables are about a 10-minute walk from these stations.
Some tips for visiting the stables are:
- Book your tickets in advance online or by phone, as the tours have limited capacity.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, as the tour involves walking and climbing stairs.
- Respect the rules and prohibitions of the stables, such as not touching or feeding the horses, not taking photos or videos inside the buildings, and not bringing large bags or backpacks.
- Check the calendar on the website for special events and activities at the stables, such as horse shows, carriage rides, and exhibitions.
The Royal Stables in Stockholm are a unique opportunity to see how the Swedish monarchy has preserved its heritage and adapted to modern times. Visitors can learn about the history, art, and craftsmanship of the stables, as well as admire the beauty and elegance of the horses and carriages. The stables are a must-see for anyone interested in Swedish culture and royalty.
