The Royal Guards Ceremony in Stockholm
The changing of the guard ceremony at the Royal Palace is a grand spectacle and a true classic when visiting the city
Cruise to StockholmChanging of the guard
Just a short walk from Stockholm’s main square stands the grand Royal Palace, guarded daily by royal soldiers — rain or shine. The changing of the guard takes place every day, all year round, and lasts about 40 minutes. However, it isn’t always accompanied by a full parade and ceremony.
Changing of the guard in summer
From 23 April to 31 August, the changing of the guard ceremony takes place daily and includes a parade and military band. The guard marches out from either the Army Museum or the Cavalry Barracks at 11:45 and 11:35 respectively, and on Sundays and public holidays at 12:45 and 12:35.
The foot parade follows a route through Artillerigatan, Strandvägen, Nybroplan, Hamngatan, Kungsträdgårdsgatan and Strömgatan, crossing Gustav Adolfs Square and continuing along Strömbron.
The mounted parade takes a different route, passing along Lidingövägen, Sturegatan, Stureplan, Birger Jarlsgatan, Nybroplan, Hamngatan, and Regeringsgatan, then across Gustav Adolfs Square and along Strömbron.
The military band usually consists of members from the Swedish Armed Forces Music Corps. On days without musical accompaniment, the royal guard marches from the obelisk on Slottsbacken to the south side of the Royal Palace at 12:14.
Key summer season events:
- 30 April – His Majesty the King’s birthday
- 6 June – The National day of Sweden
- 14 July – Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess’s birthday (celebrated with a gun salute from Skeppsholmen at 12:00 noon)
- 8 August – Her Royal Highness the Queen’s name day (celebrated with a gun salute from Skeppsholmen at 12:00 noon)
Changing of the guard in autumn
Starting from 1 September, the ceremonial changing of the guard with parade takes place on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, beginning from the Army Museum. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, the parade starts at 11:45, and on Sundays and public holidays at 12:45, accompanied by a military band. On days without musical accompaniment, the royal guard begins its march from the obelisk at 12:14 or 13:14, respectively.
Changing of the guard in winter
From 1 November, the ceremonial changing of the guard with parade usually takes place on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, starting from Mynttorget Square. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, the parade begins at 12:09, and on Sundays and public holidays at 13:09.
Key winter season events:
- 23 December – Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday is celebrated with a gun salute fired from Skeppsholmen Square at 12:00 noon
- 28 January – His Majesty the King’s name day is celebrated with a gun salute from Skeppsholmen Square at 12:00 noon
- 12 March – Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess’s name day is celebrated in the inner courtyard of the Royal Palace
The Royal Armoury
If you’re already visiting the Royal Palace, don’t miss the chance to explore the Sweden’s Oldest museum the Royal Armoury. Tucked away in the palace vaults, it’s filled with 500 years of royal treasures: shining suits of armour, ceremonial swords, gilded carriages, toys from royal childhoods, and stunning garments worn at weddings and coronations.
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