Riddarholmen Church Church

Address: Riddarholmen, 111 28 Stockholm, Sweden

Riddarholmen Church (Riddarholmskyrkan) is a medieval church on the islet of Riddarholmen in central Stockholm that functions primarily as the burial church for Swedish monarchs. It is one of the oldest preserved buildings in the city, with origins as a 13th-century Franciscan monastery.

The church’s main draws are its exterior medieval brick architecture and the interior collection of royal tombs and funerary monuments dating from the early modern period. The iron spire and visible tomb effigies make the church a focal point for those interested in Sweden’s royal history and funerary art.

Originally built by the Franciscan order, the structure has seen repairs and alterations over the centuries, and it ceased to operate as an ordinary parish church in the 19th century, remaining part historic monument and part ceremonial site for state occasions. Conservation work has focused on preserving the fabric and the tomb monuments.

Riddarholmen Church sits on the small island of Riddarholmen just west of Stockholm’s old town (Gamla Stan), directly adjacent to central Stockholm waterfront quays and easily reached on foot from the city centre.

• Age and origins: The church is one of Stockholm’s oldest buildings, with medieval origins as a 13th-century Greyfriars Franciscan monastery.
• Best viewpoints: Best exterior photographic views are from the western quays and bridges of Riddarholmen, where the church’s tall spire and brick walls contrast with the water and city skyline.

What to See#

• Royal tombs and monuments: The royal burial chapels and array of tombs inside the church contain funerary monuments to Swedish monarchs and nobles dating principally from the 17th century onward.

Riddarholmen Church stands on the islet of Riddarholmen in central Stockholm, adjacent to Gamla Stan. The easiest public-transit access is Gamla Stan metro station (short walk across the bridges to Riddarholmen, typically about 5-8 minutes on foot); Stockholm Central Station is also walkable in roughly 10-15 minutes.

• Visit just after opening or late afternoon to avoid the largest tour groups that concentrate on the main island and nearby Gamla Stan; the church is compact so crowds make it hard to appreciate the interior.
• Check published opening hours and service times before going-parts of Riddarholmen Church are used for ceremonies and may be closed to tourists during services.
• Step across to the waterfront (Riddarfjärden) for classic skyline photos of the church and Stockholm's old town; many visitors miss this quieter vantage that frames the spire against the city.