Changing of the guard
Just a short walk from Stockholm’s city center stands the grand Royal Palace, guarded throughout the year by soldiers of the Royal Guard. The changing of the guard takes place every day in the Outer Courtyard of the Royal Palace and is one of Stockholm’s most popular tourist attractions.
The ceremony usually begins at 12:15 on weekdays and Saturdays, and at 13:15 on Sundays and public holidays. It lasts about 40 minutes. On selected days, it is preceded by a guard parade through central Stockholm, either on foot or on horseback. Parade times, routes and locations may change, so check the latest official schedule below before your visit.
Changing of the guard in summer
From June to August, the changing of the guard is accompanied by a ceremonial guard parade through central Stockholm almost every day of the week. This is also the most likely period to see the Royal Guard arrive for the ceremony on horseback.
The foot parade usually departs from the Army Museum, and on some days from Sergels torg. It starts about 30 mins before the ceremony. Instead of following the full route street by street, check the latest schedule to find the best place to watch the parade on the day of your visit.
Check the latest Royal Guard parade scheduleThe mounted parade takes place about 40 times a year and usually on selected days from April through August. The mounted parade departs from the Cavalry Barracks 40-45 minutes before the ceremony. With horses, riders and ceremonial movement, it is one of the most impressive ways to see the Royal Guard arrive for the changing of the guard.
See the mounted parade schedule and route informationMilitary bands accompany changing of the guard on most days of the year. The mounted guard parade includes the Life Guards’ Dragoon Music Corps, while other ceremonies may feature different bands from the Swedish Armed Forces Music Corps.
Please note: both schedules are available in Swedish only and may change.
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 spring and autumn
In spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October), the guard parade schedule varies more by date. Parades usually take place on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, while on other days the Royal Guard enters the palace grounds without the parade.
Changing of the guard in winter
From November to March, the parade usually takes place on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, with a shorter route than in the main summer season. It starts from Mynttorget in Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town, and circles the Royal Palace before entering the Outer Courtyard.
Although calmer than in the summer season, the ceremony still offers a memorable glimpse of Sweden’s royal traditions.
Key winter season events
- 23 December – Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday, celebrated with a gun salute from Skeppsholmen at 12:00
- 28 January – His Majesty the King’s name day, celebrated with a gun salute from Skeppsholmen at 12:00
- 12 March – Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess’s name day is traditionally 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 Royal Armoury, Sweden’s oldest museum. Tucked away in the palace vaults, it brings 500 years of royal history to life with shining suits of armor, ceremonial swords, gilded carriages, toys from royal childhoods and stunning garments worn at weddings and coronations.