King's Garden in Stockholm (Kungsträdgården)

King's Garden (Kungsträdgården) is a centrally located park in the district of Norrmalm in Stockholm which, together with Humlegården Park, is one of the city's oldest public parks. This green oasis in the heart of Stockholm plays host to many events all throughout the year such as concerts, festivals, exhibitions and other happenings. The park's central location also makes it an important meeting place for the city's residents and visitors alike. Right next to the pond sits the glass-clad Pavilion building (Paviljongen), which offers a broad programme of workshops, children's activities, dances and exercise classes. The park even has its own Facebook page which it uses to livestream many of the events hosted here.

King's Garden makes for a great place to visit no matter the season. It is especially popular in spring when visitors flock to admire the blossoming cherry trees. In summer, the park's trees offer cool relief from the baking sun and this is also a time when the programme of events is particularly busy. The park then becomes home to a large ice skating rink in the winter, attracting children and adults alike to enjoy a spin on the ice under a magical display of Christmas lights.

King's Garden in Stockholm (Kungsträdgården) - one of the highlights of 10 Free Things to Do in Stockholm and 5 Best Underground Subway Art in Stockholm (Read all about Stockholm here)

What are the highlights of King's Garden?

King's Garden offers respite from the bustle of the city but it is also a place for socialising with friends and enjoying fun events. In order to accommodate both of these needs, the park has been divided into different sections. In the northern part, you'll find wooden benches and step seating around the Forum Pond (Forumdammen) and its alluring artworks which reflect in the water. The fountain section is another calm and quiet area where you can sit back in comfortable seating under the shining sun. This classical urban park is home to Tehuset, a café where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and a spot of lunch while you look out at the palace and the waterway which leads to the National Museum. The park also houses two statues of the Swedish kings Charles XII and Charles XIII, as well as Molin's Fountain which is surrounded by six swans and figures from Norse mythology. Be sure to also check out the elm trees which were the subject of a much publicised public protest back in 1971.

The interesting history of King's Garden

King's Garden has an interesting history which stretches all the way back to the 15th century. In 1430, the park was known as Eric of Pomerania's Cabbage Garden and in the 16th century, King Gustav Vasa moved the entire royal herb garden here in order to organise and expand what was being grown for the royal household. Around the year 1565, Gustav Vasa's son Eric XIV took over the facility and turned it into a pleasure garden and orangery. In the 17th century, Queen Christina established a palace in the park which came to occupy a prominent position in the city. In the years to come, the palace would be used as a granary, an arsenal and an armoury, but in 1825 the building unfortunately burned down in a fire. Immediately after the palace was built, the park was redesigned by a French garden designer and transformed into a Nordic baroque garden. It wasn't until the end of the 18th century that King's Park was opened to the public, at which point it was given a new English style comprised of simple lawns and natural shrubbery. The park was modernised in different stages throughout the 20th century.

Good to know about King's Garden

King's Garden enjoys a central location within Stockholm which makes it a pretty easy spot to reach. There are metro, bus and tram stops all nearby and it takes less than 15 minutes to reach the park by foot from Stockholm Central Station. Visiting the park is free but certain events may charge an admission fee. It is also possible to hire the park for private events. If you want to make use of the ice rink, simply strap on your skates and go for it – there's no charge. Just remember to check the opening times beforehand. The same area is also home to a number of well-known, old buildings which are well worth a visit. Two examples are Odd Fellow House, which is thought to date back to the 1590s, and the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce which was built in 1648.

Adresse: Kungsträdgården, 111 47 Stockholm, Sweden

Telefon: +46 8 50849030

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