The Royal Armoury in Stockholm: The Hidden Gem You Can’t Miss
Post Title • <itinerary/travel guide/travel review> post & photos by Jeanie A
In Stockholm and looking for a lesser-know attraction? Visit the Royal Armoury, a true Stockholm hidden gem.
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The Royal Armoury sits right under one of Stockholm’s biggest attractions but most visitors don’t even know it’s there. They’ll watch the guards outside the Royal Palace and then move on. Meanwhile, there’s a treasure trove of royal history right below their feet. The Royal Armoury (Livrustkammaren) is surprisingly underrated and deserves to be added to any Stockholm itinerary. This guide will go over this hidden gem museum and why it’s a must-visit.
Why the Royal Armoury is a Hidden Gem
Despite being in plain sight right under the Royal Palace, the Royal Armoury is often overlooked by visitors. Many tourists head straight for more famous museums and miss out on this amazing museum literally full of royal history.
The best part is that it’s free to enter which makes it one of Stockholm’s best-value attractions. It’s also much quieter than other popular sites so you can really just take your time and enjoy the exhibits without hoards of people.
What You’ll Find Inside
Before entering the main exhibit, there is an area where you can grab a portable chair with you. This will allow you to take a seat anywhere in the museum, and take the time to listen to the audio guide explaining each room and the items in them.
Portable Museum Chairs • photo by Jeanie A
Displays Through Time
As you walk through the museum, you will go through rooms that are in chronological order starting from 1500s to present day. So each room contains objects and items from a specific time period, significant era, or century.
Royal Fashion
This museum has actual coronation robes, royal wedding gowns, and elegant royal garments (I especially admired the women’s dresses). Seeing these garments gives you a personal look into Sweden’s regal past with what the past king, queens, princes, and princesses literally wore in their day. They’re all incredibly well-preserved and really just makes history feel tangible, and you can see how the styles changed through time.
Royal Fashion through time • photos by Jeanie A
Armour, Weapons & Battle Relics
The Armoury’s collection includes so many fascinating items from Sweden’s past. They hold incredible suits of armor that were worn by Swedish royal kings, even ones they wore in battle. You’ll also find ceremonial swords and weapons used both in battle and in royal ceremonies. Not to mention, they hauntingly have the garments that a Swedish king wore when he died in battle, so yes, it is blood-stained.. These haunting artifacts really bring history to life that you can’t get from any textbook.
Royal Armour • photos by Jeanie A
Royal Carriages & Sleighs
The Royal Carriage Hall contains several horse-drawn carriages and sleighs that the royal family would ride during processions and coronations. They were beautifully crafted with intricate and elaborate designs (definitely my favorite pieces) and it’s amazing to think they once carried Sweden’s kings and queens through Stockholm.
Royal Carriages and Sleighs • photos by Jeanie A
Why You Shouldn’t Skip it
1. It’s Quiet
The Royal Armoury is a hidden gem so don’t expect to find crowds of people here. But because of this, the museum is nice and quiet where you won’t battle with others getting through the museum, and you can just take your time.
2. It’s Unique
Here, you’ll find literal royal items and artifacts worn and used by Swedish royalty. All the tangible armour, weapons, horse saddles, and royal fashion make the Royal Armoury extra unique and a bit mind-blowing.
3. Easy to Get to
It’s literally located right under the Royal Palace, so it’s an easy attraction to add to your Stockholm itinerary, especially if you’re already planning to visit the Royal Palace and/or watch the Changing of the Guards.
Practical Information
Where
Right under the Royal Palace in Gamla Stan (Old Town), Stockholm
How Much
Admission for adults is 180 SEK. Children ages 0-18 are free.
Hours
Open daily at 11:00 AM but schedule does vary by season. Double-check before you go on the website here.
Time Needed
Around 1-2 hours to explore comfortably at your own pace. There are foldable seats you can grab for free before you enter, in case you want to take a seat at any time while you explore.
Audio Guide
An audio guide is available is you’d like to listen and learn about all the displays. You can either rent an audio guide device for SEK 20, or you can listen for free using your personal phone by scanning a QR code.
Where to Stay in Stockholm
I stayed at Elite Hotel Adlon in central Stockholm which was conveniently located near Stockholm central train station, as well as restaurants and bars, all within walking distance.
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The Royal Armoury (Livrustkammaren) is truly a Stockholm hidden gem. You’ll find royal history and fashion with tangible garb and items literally used by Swedish Royalty. It offers a fascinating glimpse into Sweden’s royal past and is a must-visit museum. I hope you add visiting the Royal Armoury to your Stockholm itinerary as it deserves a spot.
Have you visited the Royal Armoury in Stockholm? What was your favorite artifact – Let me know in the comments below!
Jeanie has traveled to over 50 countries and has a love for new experiences, visiting iconic attractions, and finding breathtaking views. Hoping to help plan unforgettable adventures, Jeanie aims to inspire others to visit new places through her travel stories and photography.
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