Karlberg Palace (Karlbergs Slott) was built in the 1630s and became a royal palace in 1688 when it was purchased by King Karl XI. The royal family often lived at Karlberg, especially during the summer. King Karl XI's wife, Queen Ulrika Eleonora the Elder, established an orphanage with an associated weaving workshop at Karlberg Castle, known as the "Tapestry School at Karlberg." Her own son, Karl XII, grew up to a large extent at the castle.
The castle remained a royal pleasure palace until 1792 when Gustav III founded the Royal Military Academy at Karlberg. Since then, Karlberg has been the Military Academy for officers, making it the world's oldest military academy in the same location and building. The two three-story wings were added in 1795 according to plans by Carl Christoffer Gjörwell. The bricks for these wings came from Gustav III's unfinished castle (Haga Castle ruins) in Hagaparken.
Currently, 300 professional officers and future professional officers are trained annually at the Karlberg Military Academy. Around 150 officers and civilian staff work here.
Notwithstanding that the palace remains a military institution, the palace park is accessible to the public and is a popular walking, running and picnicking spot in central Stockholm.
Karlberg 1662. Foto från Sueciaverket
