Haga Palace

Hidden amongst the lush greenery of Haga Park stands Haga Palace. It’s a place brimming with secrets and stories. Originally called “Barnens Palais,” or Children’s Palace, Haga Palace was designed by architect Carl Christoffer Gjörwell. It was a gift from King Gustav IV Adolf to his children. The palace, completed in 1805, wasn’t intended for official functions, but as a family home. Haga Palace stands as a testament to Gjörwell’s talent, modeled after an Italian villa at Drottningholm Palace. Its simple, classical exterior features a balcony supported by Doric columns made of Finnish marble. Inside, Haga Palace boasts fixed mirrors, carved door frames, and cornices. The palace later became the summer home of Crown Prince Oscar and Crown Princess Josefina in the 1820s. It has housed various royals, including Prince August and his widow, and even served as a shelter for homeless orphans after World War I. In 1932, Haga Palace welcomed Prince Gustaf Adolf and Princess Sibylla. The palace witnessed the births of their five children, including the current King Carl XVI Gustaf. A playhouse gifted by King Gustav V still stands on the grounds, a charming reminder of royal childhoods. Following a period of government use for foreign guests, Haga Palace was returned to the royal family in 2009. It became the home of Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel after their wedding in 2010. Renovations added modern security measures while preserving the palace’s historical charm. Today, Haga Palace serves as both a private residence and a venue for official functions. The Crown Princess Couple utilize the main apartment’s five-room suite, including a central main room, a living room, a library, and a dining room, for these events. Though not open to the public, Haga Palace remains an iconic landmark. It is a symbol of royal heritage and family life, nestled within the tranquility of Haga Park.