Drottningholm Palace shines as one of Stockholm’s most spectacular sights, but the magic doesn’t end at its gilded gates. Tucked along the shores of Lake Mälaren, this royal neighborhood overflows with scenery and surprises that don’t cost a krona. Whether you’re up for a dose of Swedish culture, a nature escape, or simply looking to stretch your legs in style, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to make your visit to Drottningholm Palace even more memorable—with a lineup of free things to do right nearby. All you need is your curiosity (and maybe your camera).
Our favorite free things to do near Drottningholm Palace include:
Drottningholm Palace Park
The Baroque Gardens
Chinese Pavilion surroundings
Kanton area
Lovön Church
Lake Mälaren promenade
Kärsön Nature Reserve
Judarskogen Nature Reserve
Drottningholm Bridge and Views
Ekerö Centrum Market stroll
Drottningholm Palace Park
Drottningholm Palace Park
Stroll under centuries-old linden trees, cross picturesque bridges, and watch stately swans patrol their turf—Drottningholm Palace Park is pure tranquillity just steps from regal grandeur. The grounds are open and free to explore year-round, unfurling elegant vistas at every turn. With sprawling meadows, shaded woodland paths, and manicured lawns, it’s easy to imagine you’ve stepped onto a fairy tale set.
What makes this park so delightful? The relaxed vibe, for starters—locals gather for sunny picnics, couples lounge on blankets, and joggers wind through alleys lined with statues and fountains. No need to rush. Pause by the reflective ponds, try a game of hide-and-seek among the marble sculptures, or simply settle onto a bench and soak in the panoramic palace view. If you’re lucky, you might even catch an impromptu outdoor concert or watch friendly dogs bounding across the open fields. Bring snacks, bring friends, and experience Stockholm’s royal gardens as the locals do—joyfully and for free.
The Baroque Gardens
Imagine swirling shrubbery, clipped hedges, and precisely arranged flowerbeds—all set out with geometric flair. Just past the palace, Drottningholm’s Baroque Gardens deliver an explosion of symmetry and style, completely free to wander. Designed in the 17th century, these gardens were crafted to impress and still do the job splendidly today.
Everything here feels purposeful and serene: sculptures stand watch, fountains burble, and neat pathways carry you between grand vistas. We love the elegant alleys and ornamental trees that create natural tunnels perfect for Instagram photos (or hide-and-seek with a royal twist). Take your time—follow every path, admire classical statues, and find your new favorite quiet nook for a moment of peace. The constant birdsong and distant palace backdrop create a soundtrack that feels straight out of a royal daydream.
Chinese Pavilion Surroundings
Though stepping inside requires a ticket, the exterior of Drottningholm’s Chinese Pavilion is a feast for the eyes and the soul, no admission required. Ringed by pretty glades, whimsical bridges, and tranquil lawns, the grounds around this pink-and-green 18th-century fantasy are open for everyone to enjoy.
Stroll up to the ornate entrance, admire the quirky roofline, and peek through windows at glimpses of gilded woodwork. The setting is unbeatable—it’s easy to see why Swedish royalty once used this place for midsummer picnics and secret tea parties. In spring and summer, the lawns out front fill with wildflowers and butterflies, making this one of the area’s prettiest and most peaceful picnic spots. Lay back and gaze at the mix of Swedish forests and East Asian architecture—it’s a postcard-perfect blend you won’t find anywhere else.
Kanton Area
Just beyond the Chinese Pavilion, Drottningholm’s Kanton area often flies under the radar, but we’re big fans of its laid-back energy and unique heritage. Once a working hamlet with Eastern-inspired garden cabins, Kanton today offers a glimpse of bygone experiments in royal landscaping.
Paths meander through old trees and rambling hedges, and weathered buildings offer up a whiff of fantasy with a side of history. The whole spot feels timeless and secluded. Artists often set up their easels here, families pause for quiet snacks, and birdwatchers love the wilder edges where woodpeckers and deer sometimes put on a show. It’s an excellent spot for anyone who likes their palace outings with a dash of quirky charm and a generous serving of peace.
Lovön Church
For a true local gem, walk a few scenic minutes south and you’ll stumble onto Lovön Church—a striking, whitewashed medieval church surrounded by mossy gravestones and forested silence. Founded in the 12th century, this churchyard whispers secrets of centuries past.
Feel free to wander the grounds. Admire the round, fortress-like stone tower and step through the old gate to stroll among ancient tombstones, all framed by towering trees. If the church itself is open (hours vary), peek inside for painted ceilings and rustic wooden benches. You don’t have to be a history aficionado to appreciate the calm here—it’s a peaceful spot to reflect or just to enjoy a slice of Sweden off the tourist path.
Lake Mälaren Promenade
Stockholm’s waterside walks are hard to top, and the Lake Mälaren promenade near Drottningholm is right up there with the best. Start from the palace and wander down to the shimmering lakeshore, where swans glide and boats sail by. Scenic footpaths line the water’s edge, offering grand views of both Drottningholm Palace and distant islands.
Breathe in the fresh air, watch for cranes or herons, and snap some envy-inducing photos if the sunset paints the sky. Many locals lace up their walking shoes for a jog or a leisurely dog walk along these paths, and there’s plenty of space to simply sit, watch the rippling water, and snack on fika treats from your backpack.
Kärsön Nature Reserve
Kärsön Nature Reserve
Craving some wild Swedish woods? Look no further than Kärsön, the island next door. Just a short stroll (or bus ride) from Drottningholm, Kärsön’s nature reserve bursts with hiking trails, secret coves, and lush meadows. The air here feels a bit fresher; the city melts away as chirping birds and leafy canopies take over.
These trails wind past rocky outcrops, tiny beaches, and lookouts with sweeping lake views. It’s a favorite weekend spot for Stockholmers—families grill sausages at public BBQ stations, while friends gather for impromptu swims or forest walks. During summer, wild blueberries tempt foragers along the paths. Bring sturdy shoes, a sense of adventure and have a true local-style escape, all for zero kronor.
Judarskogen Nature Reserve
Hop just east of Drottningholm for another slice of Swedish wild: Judarskogen Nature Reserve. This local treasure features untouched pine forests, hidden ponds and a boardwalk snaking through serene wetlands. Judarskogen feels like a secret garden with every season—golden autumn leaves, wild spring flowers, and peaceful snow-dusted scenes in winter.
Trails are well-marked, and the area is loved by hikers, bird-lovers and families with kids (who always seem to gravitate to the “troll stumps” and wooded playgrounds). Circle the tranquil Judarn Lake, enjoy a picnic, and keep an eye out for woodpeckers, foxes, and the occasional roe deer. It’s wild Stockholm at its most inviting, a world away from bustling city life.
Drottningholm Bridge and Views
Arriving at Drottningholm? Pause on the bridge connecting the mainland to Lovön island for one of Stockholm’s most photogenic perspectives. Early morning or late afternoon, the palace sparkles across the water, framed by towers and trees. Locals love to linger here—not only for the views, but also for the slow parade of boats drifting underneath and the lively wildlife along the banks.
It’s the perfect entry or exit point to the Drottningholm estate, so give yourself time to stand, admire and capture some quintessential Stockholm shots. In spring, look out for wildflowers and nesting swans; fall brings Instagram-worthy golden leaves reflecting off the lake.
Ekerö Centrum Market Stroll
When you’re ready to see how Stockholmers shop and snack, swing by Ekerö Centrum, just a short bus ride from the palace. This friendly hub is the perfect spot to get a taste of local life—no spending required. Ekerö Centrum’s lively pedestrian square buzzes with community energy and is often animated by seasonal markets and pop-up events. We love wandering these bustling avenues to soak up the everyday atmosphere. On market days, stalls overflow with everything from colorful bouquets to rustic knäckebröd and jams, alongside friendly banter from local vendors. There’s always something to see, whether it’s neighbors chatting over coffee outside a bakery or kids giggling around the fresh produce stands.
If you’re not here on a market day, don’t worry—you can still explore an array of indie shops and window displays, admire playful public art, or simply settle into a public bench for some excellent people-watching. The tree-lined plaza and modernist architecture mingles with old-school Swedish touches, creating a welcoming vibe that feels authentically local. Sometimes there’s free entertainment by way of musicians, youth performances, or nearby library events, adding extra sparkle to any visit.
So there you have it: ten wonderful, wallet-friendly experiences waiting for you just beyond Drottningholm Palace’s storied walls. From the symmetrical hedges of the Baroque Gardens to the wild serenity of Kärsön, every corner offers a new way to explore—no tickets required. Whether you love history, crave nature, or simply want to see how Stockholmers slow down and enjoy their city, there’s more than enough here to make your royal excursion absolutely unforgettable. Lace up your shoes, pack a snack, and let this side of Stockholm surprise you, all for free.
Enjoyed this? Check out our picks of the best day trips out of Stockholm, and browse our picks of the best day trips out of the city.
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