14.01.2019.
When being asked which archipelago island in Stockholm should be visited, there are hundreds of questions poping up. Ekerö peninsula could be a worthly supstitude, it’s so close to the city yet nature bursts out like a firework.
Ekerö is actually a common name of about 140 island spreading on the lake Malaren. Main island is named Ekerön which means „Oak island“ and thus the common name. The principal point of the Ekerö island is the town Ekerö.
Rosenhill is a farm with a restaurant and shop where you can buy fresh vegetables and taking a short grasp of it is an excellent idea. Seing the mini houses in scandinavian style all over the Ekerö is a chance not to be missed.
The Drottingholm palace is a place that can overshadow the beauty of Schönbrun or Versaille palace. A great alternative to Versaille is a fantastic Chantilly Castle near Paris.
See also: The fairy-tale palaces of Sintra
Drottingholm Palace- the royal residence in Stockholm archipelago
Drottingholm palace is the private residence of the swedish royal family, built in 16th century. Who didn’t know already, Sweden is a kingdom. In the sweet cohesion with the lake surrounding it, swans saying hello and the shining statues, the palace leaves the welcoming first impression. It constitues of the Palace Theatre (an opera house), the Palace Church, the Chinese Pavillon, the Palace itself and the gardens.
Drottingholm palace is a part of UNESCO heritage together with Birka, an old village dating from Viking age. The palace is situated at the Lovö island and is easily visible from the main street and the bus. Just after the park, the mystic lake will proudly expose just as it did in the dusk when I came. It was still majestic. Except being the permanent residence of swedish royal family, the palace itself is a significant touristic attraction. It’s something I didn’t expect when coming in Sweden and underlining the swedish natural beauty, it’s even more worth of visit. It is even possible to come by boat from Stockholm City Hall.
Importance of Drottingholm Palace
The sweet harmony of theatre, church and chinese pavillion around the great palace makes you wonder what should be included into perfect ambience. All these sequels of the Drottingholm palace are very active in society so this is great example of little town, of what brings people together. Celebrating the life and history, bringing nature and art together is the part of the community, even if it’s not the residence of kingdom.
What do you think is the most important part of our public ambience? Is it garden or theatre, political courtyards, religious courtyards?
The gardens of the Drottingholm Palace in Stockholm
The gardens are particularly attractive place, consisting of the Baroque garden (which is mostly french influence) and the English gardens. The Baroque garden stands just in front of the main palace and was built in the 17. century. The English garden continues the line to the north with two ponds and canals, bridges, meadow, marble statues hidden behind the bushes. Sculptures are work of Adrien de Vries with the imposant collection.
Attractivness of Drottingholm palace lies in different influences gathered together. Behind the official garden, the deep nature takes a view. Bridges, lake, meadow, planted chest-nut trees- all give fabulous atmosphere for a perfect chill-out day.
Rosenhill farm- amazing eco community at Ekero island near Stockholm
Though it wasn’t open during my visit, it’s still a great place to get an insight into a swedish countryside on the marvelous Ekero island. There’s a possibility of woofing, many gatherings and workshops throughout the year, nice caffe with meals and sweets, Buying the local products in the shop is a fantastic opportunity in Stockholm.
Seeing a kindergarden in the winter where children are playing and jumping all around was a best chance to see a swedish lifestyle. I already heard about that, the scandinavian countries use to have very active winter outside in the kindergardens. The area around looks like a perfect place to live because of pure nature along the lake, kindergarden nearby and even a small shop.
How to reach
It’s easy to come here: from last metro station Brommaplan there are buses to Nyckelby. Once you’re there, in front of a kindergarden lies the bus station. From the kindergarten, it’s the first street on the right. On the left, one nice walk will take you to the lake Maaleren.
The more info about Rosenhill can be found on their website.
Final thoughts
Ekerö island is one of the most beautiful places I experienced in Stockholm. To be mentioned are also the archeological site Hovgården with engraved stones, another one in Birka on the island of Björko but also in Ekerö municipality. Interesting fact is also to know that Agneta Fältskog from once very popular ABBA lives on Ekerö island.
There’s a panorama that cannot be missed and can be reached only if we get out of our small courtyard and chase our inner adventure. On Ekerö island I felt the complete freedom that gives the sense of gratitude. I was touched by the beauty of the royal palace and the peace felt within through the entire Ekerö island.
[…] Ekero island is the perfect place if you’re looking the relaxed atmosphere enpowered with elegant, royal feeling of Palace. […]