Haga Park / Brunnsviken
Haga Park is perhaps Sweden's foremost example of an English landscape park and also known as the “Gustavian Park" as it was initiated by Gustav III.
Guided tour in haga park
'Royal Walks' can be downloaded free from App Store
External link, opens in new window. and Google Play External link, opens in new window.. The app offers complete walks following a theme or category. Texts are in Swedish and English and are illustrated with historical and more recent images.
Large grassed areas, semi-open pasture mixed with forested areas are typical of Haga Park.
Haga Park is closely associated with King Gustav III, who had grand visions for the park – many of which never made it beyond the drawing board. However, a number of the King’s ideas could be turned into reality..
An English park
Haga Park has major influences from the ‘English style’, and architect Fredrik Magnus Piper had a huge influence on the design of the park.
This style of park emerged in England during the mid 18th century, and takes its inspiration from the natural environment, with softly formed lawns, called pelouses, interplayed with dark areas of woodland and semi-open pasture.
The style was inspired by ancient times, Italy and China, and is characterised by winding paths, arbours and magnificent trees.
Park buildings
Gustav III organised the building of the Echo Temple, the Turkish Kiosk, the Chinese Temple and the Copper Tents. He also created a pleasure palace in Haga Park that is today a highlight in Swedish art history – Gustav III’s Pavilion (top image).
Top image: Gustav III’s Pavilion, photo: Gomer Swahn/Royalpalaces.se
The Temple of the Echo was built in 1790 as an outdoor summer dining hall for royalty. Today it is an outdoor museum that is a very popular location for marriages. Photo: Royalpalaces.se
This building were part of the magnificent park created by Gustav III. The Chinese Pagoda is an open octagonal building with a tent roof decorated with a dragon head. Photo: Royalpalaces.se
