Göra i Solna - Ulriksdals slott
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07 March 2021 / 10 Comments

Ulriksdal Palace and Park - Royal Palace in Solna, Sweden

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Writer: Helena Bergström

Ulriksdal Palace is one of the eleven royal palaces in Sweden and offers a beautiful setting with a palace park, orangery and commercial garden. There are currently no tours of the interior of the castle, but the park and the commercial garden are open to visitors. We took a trip here with the electric bikes!

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Ulriksdal Castle in Solna

Ulriksdal Palace was built in the 17th century and has since been transformed over time, under the supervision of rulers such as Fredrik I, Karl XIV Johan, Karl XV and Gustaf VI Adolf. Today, everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful surroundings, even if you have to make do with the outdoor environments for the time being.

Ulriksdals slott och orangeri
Ulriksdals slott
Ulriksdal castle in Sueciaverket

Ulriksdal Palace is located in the Royal National City Park, near Bergshamra in the municipality of Solna, less than a mile north of the centre of Stockholm.

An electric bike ride to Ulriksdal Castle

Last Friday, we decided to go on an electric bike ride with Ulriksdal Castle as our destination. We made a few stops along the way, which we will write more about in the future. Then there was a picnic lunch, with sandwiches and hot soup, at Frösundavik before we cycled the last bit to the castle. The view was beautiful from the bench, but oh how we froze right there. But what not to do? We are really looking forward to experiences!

Ulriksdal Palace - royal history

It was one of the country's most powerful men, Grand Marshal Jacob De la Gardie, who built Ulriksdal Palace around 1640. The castle was built in the Renaissance style, and took on its current appearance in the 18th century. Many royals have stayed here, and today the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has an office in one of the wings.

Ulriksdals slott

From Jacobsdal to Ulriksdal Castle

Jacob de la Gardie named the castle Jacobsdal after himself. Queen Christina carried out a grand coronation procession here in 1650. In 1669, the castle was bought by Queen Hedvig Eleonora, and in 1684 she gave the castle to her newborn grandson Ulrik. Thus, the name of the castle was changed to Ulriksdal. Unfortunately, the prince died a year later and the grandmother got back the castle, which kept its new name.

Peter vid Ulriksdals slott

King Adolf Fredrik and Queen Lovisa Ulrika

In the mid-18th century, the castle was used by King Adolf Fredrik and Queen Lovisa Ulrika, who, among other things, collected the arts and crafts on display today. In 1821, a nursing home for war veterans was established in the castle, but 25 years later it became a royal home again. As we were unfortunately unable to visit the interior of the castle due to the pandemic, we are showing some press photos.

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Oxenstiernska salen på Ulriksdals slott
Oxenstiernska salen, photo: Håkan Lind, Copyright: Kungl. The Royal Household

Gustaf VI Adolf and Queen Louise

Gustaf VI Adolf and Queen Louise are also strongly linked to the palace. The famous living room from 1923 has been preserved from their time. The decor was a wedding gift from the people of Stockholm and the furniture was designed by Carl Malmsten.

Stora vardagsrummet på Ulriksdals slott
The large living room, photo: Alexis Daflos, Copyright: Kungl. Royal Household

The Orangery at Ulriksdal Palace

Right next to Ulriksdal Palace is an orangery built in the 17th century. Originally intended to be used to grow exotic fruits, the Orangery Museum is now home to the National Museum's large collection of Swedish sculpture. Here you can see sculptures by famous artists such as Carl Milles and Johan Tobias Sergel. Too bad we couldn't visit the interior!

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Oranageriet vid Ulriksdals slott

Ulriksdal Palace Chapel

Ulriksdal Palace Chapel was designed by the architect Fredrik Wilhelm Scholander, commissioned by Charles XV. The chapel was built between 1863 and 1865, on the site where the Chapel of St Trinity from the 1690s had previously stood. The style is Dutch Neo-Renaissance with some inspiration from Venice. Today the church is used by the Solna parish for religious services. A very nice little church!

Ulriksdals slottskapell

Confidencen Palace Theatre

The Confidencen Palace Theatre at Ulriksdal Palace is Sweden's oldest rococo theatre. The theatre, which dates from 1753, was a wedding gift from King Adolf Fredrik to his future wife Lovisa Ulrika. After the assassination of Gustav III (the theatre king), the theatre was left to decay for 200 years, but in 1976 Princess Christina showed the palace theatre to opera singer Kjerstin Dellert, who began a determined fight for the theatre. Today, the Confidencen has been restored and is once again a living theatre. Great job!

Slottsteatern Confidencen vid Ulriksdals slott

Ulriksdal Castle Park

Ulriksdal Palace Park was laid out in the 17th century and soon became one of Sweden's most beautiful Baroque gardens. The park, which extends over a large area, has changed many times throughout history and bears traces of many different styles.

Ulriksdals slottspark

Early on, a so-called cave, a bosque (a leafy theatre, i.e. a formal layout with hedges) and a labyrinth were created. Later, ponds were dug, fountains created and sculptures placed.

In 1724, the so-called Queen's Avenue north of Igelbäcken, and around the turn of the century 1800 an English park was created in the romantic style. Among other things, 2,000 trees were planted and the Turkish Pavilion as you can see in the picture below.

Engelska parken vid Ulriksdals slott

Another memory from this time is the so-called Andromeda Rock. Once upon a time, a statue of Perseus from Greek mythology stood on the rock with his winged horse. He was to free his beloved Andromeda, who was chained to the rock and guarded by a dragon. In 1704, the dragon was deemed 'old and decrepit' and cleaned up.

Andromedaklippan

In 1863, the sculpture group "The Net-Drawing Morians" from Haga to Igelbäcken. You can still see these where they stand and pull their nets. Fascinating statue!

When the park was being prepared for Gustaf Adolf and Crown Princess Louise in 1935, the garden architect Gösta Reuterswärd was hired. Among other things, they placed two wild boar sculptures by Carl Milles at the fountain. Why lions when you can choose wild boar?

Vildsvin vid Ulriksdals slott

Ulriksdal Palace Garden

Slottsträdgården Ulriksdal is a large commercial garden with flowers, plants, self-picked tulips, pots and furnishings. We looked around for a while here. Really a nice and inspiring environment! There is also a café and we took the opportunity to warm ourselves with some coffee and tea. Cosy, and nice to get the heat up properly (you get cold when you ride an electric bike)!

Rabbit island

We then walked down towards the water. Here is a beautiful environment with old houses, footpaths, sandy beach and nice views.

Stranden vid Ulriksdals slott

From the beach you can also look out towards Kaninholmen. The name "Canyneholmen" was already used in the 17th century, but it is apparently not known where the name comes from. However, it is known that the royals used the island as an excursion destination, travelling there in small pleasure boats shaped like gondolas. For example, Charles XV and his family sometimes celebrated midsummer on Kaninholmen.

Kusten vid Ulriksdals slott
Kaninholmen

Ulriksdal Nature Reserve

South of Ulriksdal Palace Park you will also find Ulriksdal Nature Reserve. The nature reserve is located between Brunnsviken and Edsviken, and is managed by the Ulriksdal Palace Administration.

Träd

The nature consists of mixed forest with beech and pine, and there are four ridges: Nordkullen, Sydkullen, Järvakullen and Kvarnkullen. A windmill once stood on the 43 metre high Kvarnkullen, which is depicted from the 17th century. The nature reserve also includes the "Mellanjärvagrav field" with 175 visible graves from the Iron Age.

Vårblommor

More castles in the Stockholm area

Do you like castles and castle gardens? In addition to Ulriksdal Castle and Stockholm Castle, here are some other castles in the Stockholm area:

Göra i Uppland
Want more tips on things to do in Uppland? Click here!

Have you visited Ulriksdal Castle?

Have you been to Ulriksdal Castle? Have you even had the opportunity to see the interior of the castle? Or do you have another favourite castle you want to tell us about?

Facts about Ulriksdal Castle

  • Address: Slottsallén, Ulriksdal, Solna
  • Location: Ulriksdal is located near Bergshamra in Solna.
  • More info: You can find more information at the castle's website.

Services and practical information

Please note that the following information applies to activities that may be closed in some areas during the pandemic. Please visit the castle's website for updated information.

  • For families with children: Prams are not allowed inside the castle. Stroller parking is available and baby carriers can be borrowed.
  • Storage: Larger bags, backpacks and umbrellas must be left in the designated area at the entrance when visiting the castle.
  • Rules: The sound on mobile phones must be turned off during visits to the castle. Photography and filming in the castle is allowed for private individuals for private use, but without flash, tripod and selfie stick. It is not allowed to eat or smoke inside the castle. Dogs are not allowed inside the castle, with the exception of assistance dogs.
  • Toilets: Available at the stables outside the gates to the castle park and at the back of the Orangery.
  • Food service: Ulriksdal Palace Café and the Garden Café at Ulriksdal Palace Garden. The Ulriksdal Inn is also nearby.
  • Shop: Slottsboden in the Orangery sells products related to the royal collections. Ulriksdal Palace Garden sells flowers, plants and accessories.

Tours and activities

Please note that the following information on tours and activities does not apply when the castle is closed due to the pandemic. Please visit the castle's website for updated information.

  • Views: Ulriksdal Palace and the Orangery Museum are shown in conjunction with guided tours. The tours are 45 minutes long and free for children under 7 years old.
  • Larger groups: Viewings should be pre-booked.
  • App for park walks: The "Royal walks" app can be downloaded free of charge. The app contains several park walks with different themes.

Accessibility

  • Accessibility in the castle: The castle is wheelchair accessible. Lifts and ramps are available.
  • Accessibility in the Orangery: Most of the exhibition is at ground level. Smaller sculptures are located half a storey up with about six steps. There is no ramp.
  • Companion/assistant: Companions and assistants of visitors with disabilities have free entry to the castle and the Orangery.
  • Assistance dog: Assistance dogs are allowed in the castle.
  • Toilets: Accessible toilets are located at the stables outside the gates to the castle park and at the back of the Orangery.
  • Parking: There is a car park for people with disabilities at the stables outside the gates to the park and at the back of the Orangery.

Getting to Ulriksdal Castle

  • Municipal: Take the subway to Bergshamra or commuter train to Ulriksdal station and bus from there. You need to walk 500-1500 metres.
  • Car: Take E4 and exit 169 towards Norrtälje. Follow signs for Ulriksdal Castle. Parking spaces are available for a fee.
  • Bicycle: Fine cycle paths are available. Set Google Maps to cycle paths or get a cycle map from Solna Stad.
All our top tips about Sweden! Click on the image

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FREEDOMtravel Avslut
07 March 2021 6:00
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  1. Ama de casa says:

    Ulriksdal Castle is really familiar to me. My dad lived in the castle area (my little brother lives there now), so we often went for a stroll around the area.
    Both my father and both my brothers were married in the castle chapel (we chose the more grandiose courthouse in Sollentuna for our wedding 😉 ). My first nephew was also baptised in the chapel.
    When my father passed away, the memorial service was held in the orangery.
    So yes, these are really familiar areas for me - thanks for a lovely and nostalgic post! Long time since we were there now, have not been to Sweden for almost 7 years....

    Have a nice Sunday!

    07 March 2021 - 9:23

    Reply

    • Comment by post author

      Helena says:

      Wow you really have a relationship with Ulriksdal Castle!!! What fun to hear about! It must be special to live in the castle area, so fantastically beautiful there! 🙂 The chapel is really nice, and the orangery too! Interesting to hear about your relationship with the place!

      07 March 2021 - 18:15

      Reply

  2. BP says:

    Yep, I am also familiar with that area, not least for Ulriksdal's garden as well. But in all honesty, I must say that the area is slightly sharper during the summer;-)

    07 March 2021 - 16:55

    Reply

  3. Ann-Louise Paulsson says:

    We were there last summer and thought it was very nice. Unfortunately, we did not have time to see everything because it started to thunder heavily, but we had time to look at the castle outside (and the wild boar statues!) as well as coffee and buy a lot of flowers in the commercial garden.

    07 March 2021 - 17:22

    Reply

  4. Lena+i+Wales+och+Spanien says:

    I have not visited the castle, unfortunately, but would like to do so.
    Love old castles with rich history.
    Wondering which of all the Ulrika queens the castle was named after, it turned out instead that it was named after an Ulrik. There you go.
    Interesting report, thank you.

    09 March 2021 - 17:15

    Reply

  5. Lena - gott för själen says:

    Another fine castle in a beautiful location. Have never been to the castle, but to the castle garden a few times. So nice and cosy there. Their lunches are fantastic!

    Hug Lena

    10 March 2021 - 6:04

    Reply

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