The Royal Summer Palace Gardens

Solliden Palace is the Swedish royal family’s summer residence, set on a hillside overlooking the Kalmar Strait — just a pleasant walk from the house, about 2-3 km along the road past Borgholms slottsruin. While the palace itself is private, the stunning gardens are open to visitors from May through September.

The palace was built between 1903 and 1906 for Queen Victoria of Sweden (not to be confused with the British queen). Architect Torben Grut designed it in an Italian-inspired villa style to suit the queen’s health needs. Today it is best known as the venue for Crown Princess Victoria’s birthday celebrations each July.

The Gardens

The grounds feature several distinct garden rooms. The Italian garden has formal Mediterranean planting, the English garden is more natural and free-flowing, and the Dutch garden (Holländska trädgården) offers geometric beds. Together they create a remarkably varied landscape for such a compact area.

A pavilion in the garden hosts a yearly art or design exhibition that changes each season. The on-site café Kaffetorpet serves fika and light meals with views over the gardens — a lovely spot to linger.

Practical Details

• Distance from the house: ~2-3 km (walkable via Borgholm castle road)
• Address: Sollidenvägen, 387 94 Borgholm (adjacent to the castle ruin)
• Season: May through September

Prices (2026)

Good to Know

• Plan for 1-1.5 hours to enjoy the gardens and café at a relaxed pace.
• The gardens are well-maintained and peaceful — a nice contrast to the dramatic castle ruin next door.
• Crown Princess Victoria’s birthday is celebrated here around 14 July each year, which can affect access.
• Photography is welcome in the gardens.

Walk from the house past Borgholms slottsruin and continue to Solliden — a perfect half-day outing combining both sites.

Website: sollidensslott.se