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Uncover Sweden’s forgotten Caribbean past on a walking tour of Stockholm’s palaces, parliament, and naval sites, where royal ambition, trade, and maritime power shaped a global legacy.

Highlights

• Explore Sweden’s unique colonial past, rarely told in Stockholm tours
• Visit iconic landmarks tied to royal power, trade, and naval history
• Discover how Sweden joined and left the transatlantic slave trade
• Walk scenic waterfront routes linking past empire to modern culture
• Enjoy an immersive story blending politics, culture and maritime heritage

Description

Your tour begins at the Gustav III statue on Skeppsbron. Here you meet the bronze monument of King Gustav III, the ruler who launched Sweden into colonial ambitions by acquiring the Caribbean island of Saint Barthélemy in 1784. This waterfront was once the staging ground for royal plans and maritime expeditions that linked Stockholm to a tropical colony. Gustav’s passion for culture and empire-building intertwined, sparking debates that shaped Sweden’s global identity. A short walk takes you to the Royal Palace, where Gustav III formalized Sweden’s Caribbean venture. In the palace courtyard, you imagine the royal court managing Saint Barthélemy, a free port that attracted international merchants unlike its heavily regulated neighbors. Across the water lies the Swedish Parliament (Riksdag), symbol of the semi-constitutional monarchy of the time. Here, colonial laws were debated, including the progressive abolition of slavery in 1847. Wealth from sugar, coffee, and tobacco flowed into Stockholm, fueling politics and cultural landmarks like the Royal Opera, founded by Gustav III himself. From there, continue to Skeppsholmen, an island steeped in naval history. At the Admiralty House, seat of naval command, you picture the bustle of officers, sailors, and shipbuilders safeguarding fleets bound for Saint Barthélemy. Around the island, historic shipyards and harbor views bring to life the movement of Caribbean cargo and the strategies of naval defense against rivals and pirates. Skeppsholmen captures Sweden’s maritime reach and its role as a colonial power despite its modest size. The tour concludes at Strömkajen ferry terminal, home to Waxholmsbolaget ferries that carry passengers into Stockholm’s scenic archipelago. Here, you reflect on the transformation of these waters, from channels of colonial commerce and imperial navigation to today’s routes for recreation and community. The waterways remain vital, but their purpose has shifted from empire to a vibrant, sustainable coastal culture. This immersive journey reveals Sweden’s surprising Caribbean colonial history, woven through royal ambition, maritime power, and the enduring ties between Stockholm and the sea.

Includes

2-hour walking tour Live tour guide View of Stockholm Palace View of Swedish Parliament Walk on Skeppsholmen Island View of Admiralty House View of statue of King Gustav III Discussion of Sweden’s Caribbean legacy Discussion of Swedish trade, slavery, and eventual abolition Discussion of Swedish royal ambition and naval power

Important Information

• The tour covers a distance of approximately 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) Wear comfortable shoes for walking The tour is suitable for history enthusiasts and curious travelers, although certain sensitive subject matter will be discussed.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund