As a general rule I don’t pay for churches. Call it principle, but I have always thought that churches were there for the people. Whether those people are believers or not.

That’s why I struggle when a church asks me to pay for entrance. I let Riddarholmskyrkan get away with it though, because, while it looks like a church, it is no longer used as a church. Built on Riddarholmen, the Knights Islet, the black spire of the church rises up above the surrounding buildings. Stockholm’s City Hall can be seen in the distance. The tiny island is beautiful and the church itself has parts dating back to the 13th century.

Plus, for only 30 SEK, entrance doesn’t break the bank. Guided tours in English are included in the fee and the guides do a wonderful job of explaining not just the history of the church itself, but also the history of those buried there.

The church is the final resting place for a number of Sweden’s kings and members of the royal family. Gustav Adolf, the Lion of the North, is buried in the church, as is Karl XII, who’s body has been exhumed in order to determine whether the bullet that killed him in battle came from a Swede or a Norwegian (prevailing historical and scientific theories seem to point to theNorwegians).

The church is only open during the summer months, so while wandering through Stockholm, be sure to check out Riddarholmskyrkan.

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