The changing of the guard at the Royal Palace on Gamla Stan in Stockholm takes place each day from the middle of May until September. The participating soldiers are chosen from the ranks from all over Sweden, so the experience is fun for them, too.

The parade starts at Nybroplan at 11:45 am each day except for Sunday, (12:45 pm on Sunday). The guards and band march across the Norrbro Bridge and arrive at the Royal Palace in about 30 minutes (12:15 or 1:15). The ceremony is precise, and there's much marching and music.

One good thing about the changing of the guard in Stockholm and Oslo is that you will not have the massive crowds seen at Buckingham Palace in London.

…about.com/od/…gamla_stan_3.htm

Hi,

At the following dates the guards will be followed by the "beridna högvakten". I don't know the translaation, but the guards will be on horse on those dates.

JULI 19 (lör), 20, 21, 22, 24, 25

AUGUSTI 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 23

We went to the changing of the guards on 23 July 08 and unfortunately there was no one on horseback - unless they used invisible horses!

Regardless, get there early during the summer as most kids are out of school and families are on holiday.

Once in the courtyard there are really no bad places to stand, just arrive early to ensure you get a good view - we were there at least 30 minutes prior in 28 degree heat with little no shade. The actual ceremony is akin to most palaces nowadays; it is more ceremonial than anything else. But it was still nice to see, and it is free.

There is only a thin blue cord to keep hundreds, if not a thousand, spectators at bay. The military does provide some crowd control with vintage M1 rifles, complete with bayonets who will chase after anyone breaking ranks.

Pros: Free, traditional changing of the guards ceremony, and short

Cons: Little protection from elements, poor crowd control

Overall, a nice stop while in Stockholm's Old Town.

There was not any horses scheduled for the 23rd. But if your in the central areas (National theater, hamngatan, kungstradgarden) you can get a glimpse of them tomorrow. start 11.45.