Tullgarn Palace
Södermanlands län
Tullgarn Palace, located near Trosa in Södermanland County, Sweden, is one of the country's eleven royal palaces. Originally mentioned in records dating back to the 13th century, the current palace was built between 1720 and 1727 under the initiative of Count Magnus Julius De la Gardie. It replaced an earlier Renaissance-style fortress known as Stureborgen from the late 16th century. The palace served as a royal summer residence from the 1770s onward, notably used by King Gustaf V and Queen Victoria in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Architecturally, Tullgarn is characterized by its neoclassical Gustavian interiors, designed by prominent artists including the Masreliez brothers and Pehr Ljung. The palace is set on the shores of Tullgarn Bay, with an open courtyard facing the sea and surrounded by an extensive park featuring linden trees and avenues, ideal for leisurely strolls and picnics. Today, it is owned by the Swedish state and managed by the National Property Board, with public access available through guided tours. The palace's blend of historical significance, royal heritage, and picturesque setting makes it a treasured cultural landmark in Sweden.
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Tip: The best time to visit Tullgarn Palace is during the warmer months when the palace and its extensive park are open for guided tours and outdoor activities. Booking guided tours in advance is recommended, especially for larger groups, to ensure availability. Visitors can enjoy the palace café and the park's apple orchard for picnics. The palace is easily reachable within an hour's drive from Stockholm, making it a perfect day trip destination. Check the official website for current opening hours and special events.
Interesting facts
- •Tullgarn Palace survived the Russian raids of 1719 largely intact due to a clever ruse by the local priest P. Scharff.
- •The palace's Gustavian interiors were designed by renowned artists such as Louis and Jean Baptiste Masreliez, Pehr Ljung, and Anders Hultgren.
- •Tullgarn was the summer residence of King Gustaf V and Queen Victoria in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
- •The palace is one of eleven royal palaces owned by the Swedish state but is under the disposition of King Carl XVI Gustaf.
- •The name 'Tullgarn' does not relate to customs ('tull') but originates from words meaning 'pine grove' and 'narrow bay.'
History
Tullgarn is first mentioned in a 1262 document, with its name derived from words meaning 'pine grove' and 'narrow bay.' The original estate was a village with six farms in the 15th century.
The first castle-like structure, Stureborgen, was built around 1600 by Carl Sture in a Renaissance style and featured towers and a courtyard.
In the 17th century, the castle was renovated but remained structurally intact through the Russian raids of 1719 due to clever protection measures.
Between 1720 and 1727, Count Magnus Julius De la Gardie commissioned the construction of the current palace, incorporating parts of the earlier building.
The palace was acquired by the Swedish state in 1772 and became a royal pleasure palace, with Gustav III's brother, Duke Fredrik Adolf, overseeing its neoclassical interior decoration in the late 18th century.
Place Guide
The Main Palace Building1720-1727
The central structure, built between 1720 and 1727, features three floors and an attic, with neoclassical Gustavian interiors. It houses the grand halls and royal apartments that showcase exquisite 18th-century Swedish design.
The Wings and Courtyard1720-1727
Two wings extend from the main building forming an open courtyard facing the Tullgarn Bay. The wings have two floors due to the sloping terrain and originally had mansard or hipped roofs.
The Palace Park17th to 19th centuries
The extensive park surrounding the palace features linden trees, tree-lined avenues, and an apple orchard. It reflects landscaping styles from the 17th to the 19th centuries and is ideal for walks and picnics.
Contact
Phone: 08-402 61 00
