Stop by these sprawling central gardens to see monuments to formerSwedish kings, listen to local musicians, admire contemporary art or samplelocal cuisine at one of the many restaurants within the park. The King’s Gardenwas once a burial ground and a royal vegetable patch but has been a public parksince the 18th century. Today it’s a busy meeting spot for the people ofStockholm.
If you’re fascinated by art and architecture, the park’s many sculpturesand bold statues will be of interest. Make your way to the centre of the parkto see the statue of King Charles XIII and the four lions that surround him,the work of local sculptor Bengt Erland Fogelberg. The beautiful Fountain ofMolin is a highlight of the park, adorned by Nordic mythological figures. Thestatue is named after its creator, Johan Peter Molin, who also designed astatue of King Charles II in the south of the King’s Garden. Surrounded bygreen lawns the area around the statues is a popular sunbathing location insummer.
Stroll through the park to reach the cafés and restaurants that line itseastern side. Traditional Swedish fare is available along with Italian orinternational options. After a quick bite, head to the Wetterling Gallery tocheck out the best contemporary artists from around Europe, including thefamous British pop artist Richard Hamilton.
Throughout the year the garden hosts a number of cultural events andfestivals. Watch a free magic show with the family or be blown away by thedeath-defying feats of the acrobatic performances of the Stockholm StreetFestival. In August, the popular We Are Stockholm festival presents a programof free music and sporting events aimed at teenagers. Visit at Christmas toexperience the charm of the Stockholm Christmas market, a great place to pickup handmade gifts.
The King’s Garden is located in central Stockholm and can be easilyreached on foot or bicycle from most central locations. Buses and train stopclose to the entrance to the garden, and there is some metered street parkingin the area. The park is open daily and is free of charge.
