Parliament of Sweden

The Parliament of Sweden sits on Helgeandsholmen island in central Stockholm, combining neo-Baroque architecture from the early 20th century with modern glass extensions. The building features a semicircular main chamber with 349 seats, historic rooms decorated with frescoes from the 1950s, and underground passages that link different sections while passing through medieval archaeological remains.

The Swedish Parliament has existed since 1435 as the first assembly in Arboga, evolving from a feudal structure over centuries into a modern parliamentary democracy. The shift from a two-chamber system to today's single-chamber parliament in 1971 marked a major turning point in Swedish democratic governance.

The Riksdag, meaning 'council of the realm,' reflects Sweden's long tradition of shared governance through multiple political parties rather than a two-party system. This name choice shows how the country understands itself as a collection of different voices working together.

Visitors can book free guided tours available in Swedish and English, lasting 45 to 60 minutes, but require valid ID and should be planned one to two weeks in advance. The building offers step-free access, hearing loops, and sign language interpreter tours to accommodate different visitor needs.

The Grand Gallery is lined with portraits of former parliamentary speakers and stretches 45 meters with a domed skylight and gilded decorations. This passage once served as a meeting spot for members and is now used for state banquets, showing how historic spaces shift their purpose over time.