Hessenstein Palace, Stockholm
Hessenstein Palace, an architectural gem in Old Town Stockholm, was originally designed by the renowned architect Nicodemus Tessin the Elder in 1630 for State Councilor Bengt Bengtsson Oxenstierna. The palace, a fine example of Dutch Renaissance architecture, was built to reflect the grandeur of its noble inhabitants. Over the centuries, the palace has been home to several prominent figures, including Bengt Gabrielsson Oxenstierna, a Swedish nobleman and diplomat, who purchased the palace from a relative in 1670. With a large family of 18 children, Bengt Gabrielsson had the palace restored in 1680, maintaining its original style under the direction of Nicodemus Tessin the Younger, the son of the original architect.
The Hessenstein Palace has a rich history intertwined with Swedish royalty. Following a devastating fire that destroyed the Royal Palace in 1697, the Royal Family temporarily resided in Hessenstein Palace until the Wrangel Palace, also damaged by fire, could be restored. In 1740, King Fredrik I gifted the palace to his mistress, Hedvig Taube. After her death, their eldest son, Fredrik Hessenstein, inherited the palace, and it was after him that the palace was named.
Today, Hessenstein Palace continues to serve a significant role in the Swedish government as the home of the Environmental Court of Sweden. Situated in the historic and picturesque Old Town of Stockholm, the palace is surrounded by cobblestone streets, well-preserved historical buildings, parks, and vibrant shops. The area is a popular destination for tourists looking to immerse themselves in Sweden's rich history and cultural heritage.
The Hessenstein Palace has a rich history intertwined with Swedish royalty. Following a devastating fire that destroyed the Royal Palace in 1697, the Royal Family temporarily resided in Hessenstein Palace until the Wrangel Palace, also damaged by fire, could be restored. In 1740, King Fredrik I gifted the palace to his mistress, Hedvig Taube. After her death, their eldest son, Fredrik Hessenstein, inherited the palace, and it was after him that the palace was named.
Today, Hessenstein Palace continues to serve a significant role in the Swedish government as the home of the Environmental Court of Sweden. Situated in the historic and picturesque Old Town of Stockholm, the palace is surrounded by cobblestone streets, well-preserved historical buildings, parks, and vibrant shops. The area is a popular destination for tourists looking to immerse themselves in Sweden's rich history and cultural heritage.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Stockholm. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Hessenstein Palace on Map
Sight Name: Hessenstein Palace
Sight Location: Stockholm, Sweden (See walking tours in Stockholm)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Stockholm, Sweden (See walking tours in Stockholm)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Stockholm, Sweden
Create Your Own Walk in Stockholm
Creating your own self-guided walk in Stockholm is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Sodermalm District Walking Tour
Södermalm, or "Söder" for short, is a borough in central Stockholm, incorporating a large island of the same name (formerly known as "Åsön"). Although considered an island, the water surrounding Södermalm to the north and south does not flow freely but passes through a series of locks. Visitors are charmed by the borough's narrow, cobbled streets and neat squares, as... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
City Center (Norrmalm) Walk
Once an independent town, Norrmalm has been integral to Stockholm since 1635. As one of the city's central neighborhoods, it saw many old buildings torn down during the 1950s and 60s to clear space for new construction. Still, the most notable pieces of local architecture – featuring a wide range of styles, from Late Gothic to Renaissance and Baroque – are still in place and make Norrmalm... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
The Museums Island Walk
With almost 70 museums in operation, Stockholm is one of the richest (in terms of museums) cities on the planet. The island of Djurgården, a cultural hotspot inside the capital, also known as the Museums Island, is home to an array of museums and other cultural attractions suitable for visitors of all ages.
One of the most renowned venues on the island is Scandinavia’s most popular museum,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
One of the most renowned venues on the island is Scandinavia’s most popular museum,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Old Town (Gamla Stan) Walking Tour
Stockholm, established around 1000 AD on an archipelago on the eastern coast of Sweden, flourished due to Viking-established trade routes. Originally a Viking site, it became a key iron trade hub by 1252. The city's name, derived from the Old Norse words for "log islet," reflects its historical significance, as a fortified island used for defense against sea invasions, and its... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Souvenir Shopping Guide: 15 Distinctly Swedish Products to Buy in Stockholm
If you come to Stockholm on the trail of Karlsson-on-the-Roof character (Swedish: Karlsson på taket), created by Astrid Lindgren, you're bound to enjoy yourself big time! Just don't forget to spare some time for gift shopping, so as to please your loved ones back home. In doing so, you...