Sweden Guide
Stockholm
Riddarholmen holmskyrkan
Opening time: Mid-May to June & mid to end Aug daily 10am–4pm; July to mid-Aug daily 10am–5pm; first week of Sept Tues– Sun noon–3pm; mid to end Sept Sat & Sun noon–3pm
Price: 20kr
Riddarholmen (Island of the Knights) is home to the Riddar holmskyrkan, the burial place for Swedish royalty ever since Magnus Ladulås was sealed up here in 1290. Amongst others, you'll find the tombs of Gustav II Adolf (in the green marble sarcophagus), Karl XII, Gustav III and Karl Johan XIV, plus other innumerable and unmemorable descendants. There's a daily English-language tour at 1pm. Walk around the back of the church for stunning views of Stadshuset, the City Hall and Lake Mälaren. Incidentally, the island to the left of Västerbron (the bridge in the distance) is Långholmen; in winter people skate and even take their dogs for walks on the ice along here, as the water freezes solid right up to the bridge and beyond.