• The Royal Swedish Opera - Begin your scenic journey with a brief introduction to Sweden and its capital, Stockholm. Officially known as the “Kingdom of Sweden,” many of the buildings you’ll encounter have royal ties. The grand Royal Palace before you was constructed in the early 18th century in the splendid Baroque style. The Opera House is featured in Giuseppe Verdi’s opera “The Masked Ball,” which is about the Swedish King Gustav III. The elegant building in the classic style across the square, now home to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was once the Heir Presumptive Palace.
• Parliament Building (Riksdagshuset) - Next, delve into the history of the Swedish government. The Parliament Building, designed in the Neo-Renaissance style with a Neo-Baroque facade, was built between 1897 and 1905.

The predecessor to the parliament (riksdagen) was the “Riksdag of the Estates” (Ståndsriksdagen), where Nobility, Clergy, Burghers, and Peasants met separately for discussions before convening with the King in the palace. Until its dissolution in 1866, this institution was the highest authority in Sweden next to the King. In 1866, a two-chamber parliament was introduced, though it did not grant equal voting rights to all citizens. The first elections with general suffrage were held in 1921, following a prolonged political struggle led by liberals and socialists. In 1975, the constitution was amended, merging the two chambers into one and confirming that the king holds only a ceremonial role with no real power.

• Riksbron - From the Riksbron bridge, you can admire Knights Island, the Prime Minister’s residence, the Government building, and the House of Nobility. You can also see the City Hall, where the annual Nobel Prize banquet is held.

• Lejonbacken - Located on the north side of the Royal Palace, Lejonbacken is one of Stockholm’s most popular photo spots.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Sweden was a major power in Northern Europe. Here, you will see the Royal Garden with a statue of Karl XII, the last of the Swedish warrior kings. To the right of the park is the Financial District, built at the turn of the 20th century, a period of flourishing architectural styles.

You will also see the Grand Hotel, Stockholm’s most prestigious hotel, where Nobel laureates stay during the Nobel Prize awarding ceremonies.

• Slottsbacken - You will pass through the inner courtyard of the Royal Palace and make a brief visit to the Palace Chapel, where the Royal family baptizes their children.

Outside the Royal Palace stands a statue of Carl XIV Johan, who had a distinguished career in Napoleon’s army before being adopted into the Swedish royal family. He was the first of the Bernadotte dynasty, the world’s longest-reigning royal dynasty, still in power today!

Carl XIV Johan was brought to Sweden from France to reclaim territories lost to the Russians during the Napoleonic wars. Instead, he focused on diplomacy, infrastructure development, and education. In 2014, Sweden celebrated 200 years of peace. The industrial revolution, natural resources, and significant Swedish inventions laid the foundation for a welfare state.

• Stortorget - Stortorget is the central square in Old Town and the most photographed spot in Stockholm. The square is surrounded by beautiful houses in 17th-century Scandinavian Renaissance and 18th-century Classicism styles.

In November 1530, “The Bloodbath of Stockholm” occurred at Stortorget, where around 100 noblemen and priests were executed by the Danish King Christian II, who is known in Sweden as Christian the Tyrant.

The Nobel Prize Museum is located at Stortorget. The Swedish Royal Academies and other committees select the winners of the most prestigious prizes in various fields of science and art.

• Stockholm Old Town - From Stortorget, walk along Köpmangatan, or Merchants Street, which has been mentioned in written records since 1350. You’ll be guided through narrow alleyways to experience the medieval atmosphere! Continue along Österlånggatan and down to Skeppsbron, where ships have been loading cargo since the 17th century.

• Expert local guide