Princess Sofia of Sweden’s ‘romantic and unique’ summer holidays at affordable destination
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Princess Sofia, her husband Prince Carl Philip and their children Prince Alexander, Gabriel and Julian, spend their holidays in Solliden Palace, the summer residence of the Swedish Royal Family, every year.
Located in Borgholm, on the island of Öland, Solliden Palace has been the home of the Swedish Royal Family’s most memorable summers.
The Palace was first built by Sweden’s Queen Victoria in 1906 and has been passed down through the generations.
Queen Victoria, who had many health problems, had the hope that the warmer climate of the island of Öland would help her fragile health.
The building was inspired by Villa San Michele in Capri with statues and decoration directly imported from Italy.
When the entire family stays in the massive Palace, King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia stay in the main building while Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia stay in Kavaliershuset which they share with Princess Madeleine, Sofia’s sister-in-law, and her family.
Kavaliershuset, also dubbed the “secret house” in Solliden, has three floors and is the largest residential building in the area after the Palace.
The Palace gardens are open to the public and can be visited from May to September.
This is a very affordable holiday option for Princess Sofia and their family as it only takes one hour to get to the summer residence by plane or five hours by car.
The island of Öland, just off the southeast coast of Sweden, is the second-largest Swedish island and a beautiful spot to visit in the warm summer months.
On the island, one of the main attractions is the Borgholms Slott, a medieval and “beautiful and very big castle” with “fantastic views”, according to Tripadvisor reviews.
There is also a national park, the Blå Jungfrun, which is “a nice and special place that is worth a visit”, explained a visitor.
Solliden Castle has “well-kept and beautiful gardens,” according to another traveller.
Visitor Annete explained: “My husband and I visited Öland this July. One afternoon we went to Solliden mainly to see the gardens. We managed to catch a guided tour and we were taken around the whole garden which was open to the public.
“Apart from actual flowers, you’ll also see cool statues, fountains, garden inspirations, handsome guards, etc. We walked and took lots of photos and what a romantic spot! One can just get lost in those gardens.”
In a statement on Solliden’s official website, King Carl XVI Gustaf explained: “Welcome to enjoy Solliden’s beautiful parks with their showy flowers, trees and shrubs.
“Solliden is a piece of cultural heritage that I feel very warm about. It was built by my grandfather’s mother, Queen Victoria, and was completed in 1906.
“When my grandfather’s father, Gustav V, passed away in 1950, I inherited the castle. My ambition is to manage Solliden so that future generations can also experience this unique environment.”
Princess Sofia and Prince Carl Philip of Sweden have also been spotted in the south of France enjoying their holiday in the past.
The couple spent a relaxing summer break in Sainte Maxime, France, with their children and visited St Tropez with her sister-in-law Princess Madeleine, her husband Chris O’Neill and their children a few years ago.
In fact, France has been a favourite of the Swedish Royal Family for generations and Prince Bertil, grandfather of Prince Carl Philip, and his wife, Princess Lilian of Sweden used to spend their summers in the Cote d’Azur.
Source: Read Full Article
