The most impregnable castle in Sweden was built by the Norwegians. For centuries, the border between the two kingdoms ran along the Nurdra Elv, a branch of the Iota Elv River. In 1308, the Norwegian king Haakon V Magnusson ordered the foundation of a fortress on his shore to protect himself from the treacherous southern neighbors. Over three centuries, the Swedes besieged Bohus thirteen times, but were never able to take it. They eventually received the castle along with the neighboring town of Kungälv and the rest of the province of Bohuslän. The fourteenth and most fierce assault took place in 1678, when the Danes and Norwegians already besieged the Swedish garrison. After a month and a half of continuous bombing, the fortress was practically wiped off the face of the earth, but this time it did not give up. In the 18th century, the restored castle mainly served as a prison. Now it is a grassy ruin with a single surviving tower and a view of a picturesque river valley. The road is half an hour from the center.

Vadstena

Severe towers and deep ditches leave no doubt - the Renaissance castle on Lake Vättern was built by the kings of the Vasa dynasty so that it could withstand a long siege and survive. Now Vadstena lies in the depths of Sweden, and in the middle of the 16th century Danish possessions began nearby - wars followed in succession. There was not always enough time and money for arrangement: when another fire destroyed the interiors, they did not restore part of the furnishings, but simply painted them on the walls - right down to the folds of the curtains. By the end of the 17th century, the defensive need for the fortress disappeared - Vadstena was even converted into a granary for some time. Only in our time, the interiors have been restored, the ramparts have been restored, baroque chamber operas are now staged in the castle theater, and concerts are held in the courtyard in the summer.

Gripsholm

The brick walls of Gripsholm are reflected in the waters of Lake Mälaren - the Royal Castle stands on an island near the town of Mariefred. The fortress was founded at the end of the 14th century by Chancellor Bu Jonsson Grip, completely rebuilt in the mid-16th century by Gustav Vasa, and two centuries later updated by Gustav III - it was he who added to the pot-bellied towers and state halls a court theater and a portrait gallery, which is still replenished with images of outstanding Swedes (the collection contains more than 4,000 paintings). ABBA filmed the cover for their album Waterloo in the castle. And in the last decade, a stuffed lion has attracted unexpected attention to Gripsholm. An unlucky 18th-century taxidermist had never seen the exotic predator and turned to his imagination - as it turned out centuries later, to the delight of the creators of numerous Internet memes. To see this funny, twisted face with your own eyes, in the summer season you can sail from the capital to Mariefred on an excursion ship.

Squid

Since the 12th century, the fortress opposite the island of Öland has been a strategically important fortification - in the endless Danish-Swedish wars, Kalmar Castle survived eleven sieges. In 1397, a union was concluded within these walls, uniting Denmark, Norway and Sweden under one crown. But by the middle of the 16th century, the rivalry between Copenhagen and Stockholm flared up again, so the Swedish king Gustav Vasa and his sons Eric XIV and Johan III spent a lot of time in Kalmar, constantly rebuilding, strengthening and decorating it - it turned out to be one of the best Renaissance castles in the kingdom. From Eric's richly furnished bedroom, a secret passage leads to the roof - the king was paranoidly afraid of an assassination attempt (and was eventually overthrown by his brother). Johan's bedroom is decorated with a bed taken from Denmark, with the noses of the carvings broken off so that the souls of the previous owners do not come for the stolen bed. By the end of the 17th century, the castle lost its military significance, was abandoned and was reconstructed only in the 19th century. But the figured spiers of squid towers, cutting the sky above the calm surface of the sea, are an iconic Swedish sight, replicated on covers, booklets and postcards.

Carlsten Fortress

A powerful fort above the city of Marstrand appeared in the second half of the 17th century. Sweden fought its way to the North Sea for a long time and, when it recaptured the province of Bohuslän from the Danes, it immediately began to dig in: a tower and ravelins embedded in the rocks protected the approaches to the strategically important ice-free harbor. Fortification work continued until the mid-19th century, although even then the fortress was mainly used as a prison. Here, for a quarter of a century, the thief and adventurer Lasse-Maia, who became famous for committing robberies while dressing in a woman's dress, served his sentence. The city at the foot of the fortress had by that time become popular seaside resort, and vacationers often went up to Karlsten to listen to the stories of criminals. Today the fortress is the main attraction of Marstrand: stunning views of the sea and harbor, battle reconstructions in the courtyard, for the hungry there is a cafe with signature waffles, and those who are especially enthusiastic can book a room in a hotel located in the former barracks.

Lekko

Surrounded on three sides by the waters of Lake Vanern, the castle was founded at the end of the 13th century as an episcopal residence, but owes its current impressive appearance to the two Counts of Delagardie - representatives of the most influential and richest family in Sweden in the 17th century. Field Marshal Jacob Delagardie took possession of Lekko in 1617 in gratitude for having conquered the entire Izhora land from Ivangorod to Korela from the Moscow kings, and began to actively rebuild and decorate the new estate. His work was continued by his son Magnus Gabriel, the Ricks Chancellor of the kingdom, who added another floor to the castle. The chambers of his wife, Princess Maria Euphrosyne, turned out to be especially elegant. However, in 1681 Delagardie had to leave Lekko forever - Charles XI dismissed the Chancellor and returned the castle to the treasury. Much of the luxurious furnishings were sold off or moved to other crown properties, but the interiors themselves survived and were later restored. Now excursions are held here during the season, and opera performances are staged in the courtyard in the summer. A special pleasure is the views of the lake, the far shore of which is hidden behind the horizon.

Marsvinsholm

A small castle with two lace towers, surrounded by a pond, was built in southern province Skåne in the 1640s, when it was still part of Denmark. Christian IV had been sitting on the Danish throne for half a century, the builder king, who continuously founded cities, fortresses, palaces and temples throughout Scandinavia, and of all architectural styles preferred the openwork red-brick Renaissance of the Dutch masters. The noble Dane Otte Marsvin rebuilt his estate according to the highest taste - like royal Frederiksborg or Rosenborg, but only on a more modest scale. And even subsequent Swedish owners tried to preserve the character of the castle, hiring architects in Copenhagen for reconstruction. You cannot get inside the castle; it is only rented out entirely on special occasions, but walking around in the park and taking a hundred photographs from different angles is not forbidden.

Nyköping

A whitewashed tower on the river bank in the center of a provincial town an hour's drive away is almost all that remains of the once powerful castle that protected the southern approaches to the capital. In December 1317, King Birger Magnusson held a banquet in Nyköping, invited his brothers, Dukes Eric and Valdemar, to it, after the meal he arrested them, imprisoned them in a dungeon and, according to legend, threw the key to the dungeon into the river. The dukes died of hunger, the country began Civil War, the castle burned down in a fire in 1665, and a large rusty key was caught in the 19th century - the medieval piece of iron is now on display in the exhibition space occupying the halls of the castle. That rare case when beautiful legend centuries later it suddenly receives substantive confirmation.

Skarhult. Photo: Ralf Turander/Skarhult

Skarhult

A real aristocratic nest in Southern Sweden. The owners of the castle - Barons von Schwerin - still live in it and manage the estate: the Renaissance house is still inhabited, and landscape park around in exemplary order. Visitors began to be allowed inside only five years ago, and thematic exhibitions were prepared not only about the castle, but also about the role of women in the history of Sweden and the education of men. After a tour of the halls and park, you will be served soup and pastries by candlelight in the basement cafe. By prior arrangement, the tour is conducted by Baroness Alexandra herself, talks about herself, explains how she works on the estate, so that then each guest can independently answer the question “Being an aristocrat today - is it a privilege or hard work?”

Skukloster. Photo: Jens Mohr/Skokloster

Skukloster

The Baroque castle with a regular park on the shores of Lake Mälaren was built (1654–1676) for Field Marshal Carl Gustav Wrangel, who commanded the Swedish army at the end of the Thirty Years' War. The commander furnished his new residence on a grand scale - paintings, carpets, tapestries, furniture, dishes, the library and armory are especially impressive - but he did not really have time to live in it: past wounds and gluttony brought the old warrior to the grave. After his death, work stopped. The new owners, the Brahe family, preserved the 17th-century furnishings, and in 1967 they sold the castle to the government, which turned it into a museum of that glorious era when the Swedish crown owned almost the entire Baltic. The journey from Stockholm takes about an hour, and from nearby Uppsala in the summer you can get to the castle by ship - the most picturesque option.

Sofiera

The most idyllic castle in Sweden, which has absorbed the love and care of several generations of Swedish kings. In 1864, Crown Prince Oscar bought a farm on the seashore in Skåne near Helsingborg and built himself a romantic cottage with towers and spiers, where he began to spend every summer with his wife Sophia and children. In 1905, the king gave his beloved residence as a wedding gift to his grandson Gustav Adolf and his Danish bride Margaret. The Crown Princess laid out beautiful gardens around the palace, in which five hundred species of rhododendrons now bloom. Tourists come to Skåne specially for their flowering in late May - early June. According to the will of Gustav Adolf in 1973, the castle was transferred to the ownership of the city, but the royal family continues to finance the work of gardeners - for example, for the 150th anniversary of Sofier, the current king Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia ordered the construction of a new geometric Jubilee Garden.

Chuleholm

Build a neo-Tudor style mansion on the beach sea ​​bay in western Sweden was conceived by James Fredrik Dixon, a wealthy entrepreneur and passionate Anglophile. In 1898, he entrusted the project to the young architect Lars Israel Wallman, who carried out all the work according to the precepts of the then fashionable British Arts and Crafts movement - as a single ensemble, where every detail of the facade, every object in the interior and even every tree in the park obeys the general plan . James Fredrick died shortly after construction began; the project was carried out by his widow Blanche in memory of his late husband. Most of the materials for the construction of the castle were brought from England. Half a century ago, the mayor's office - the estate is located half an hour from the city - bought Chuloholm and turned it into a museum. Costume tours are conducted around the preserved rooms. They became especially popular after the release of the film “Melancholia” by Danish director Lars von Trier - it was here, in the castle park overlooking the Kattegat Strait, that Kirsten Dunst and Charlotte Gainsbourg spend time waiting for the approaching end of the world.

Örebro

Sweden's most impressive city castle stands on an island in the middle of the Svarton River in the center of Örebro. The first mention of it dates back to the 13th century, and the castle acquired its current appearance - with four massive towers in the corners - under the kings of the Vasa dynasty at the beginning of the 17th century. Important events in Swedish history took place within these walls more than once: Gustav Vasa announced the creation of a hereditary monarchy here in 1540 (he himself was elected king), and Charles XIII in 1810 announced that he would transfer the throne to Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte, Napoleonic marshal , the founder of the current ruling dynasty. However, Örebro lost its strategic importance three and a half centuries ago, and since then it has been used either as a prison, or as a warehouse, or as the residence of the governor. The historical interiors inside have not been preserved, and the guides mainly entertain tourists with legends about ghosts roaming the castle. The former prison cells on the top floor contain graffiti that was scraped onto the plaster by Russian prisoners three centuries ago. Whoever figures it out is a great guy.

Yularod

Don't believe your eyes! The most medieval looking, the most postcard, the most fairytale castle in the south of Sweden - with a round keep, with battlements, with pointed arches, with high chimneys and even a protective moat - was actually built completely from scratch a little over a century ago, in the 1890s. Such was the whim of the owner of the estate, chamberlain of the royal court Hans Gustav Tull - so that it would be like in the Loire Valley, but only made of red brick and the size of a small mansion. This is still a private property, so they won’t let you in, but everyone who drives past is free to stop, walk along the path among the mowed lawns, admire the toy stronghold and quietly indignant: “What a scam!”

Sweden as a kingdom began to emerge only in the 12th century when the era of the warlike Vikings ended. The monarch gradually concentrated power in his own hands.

Fornborgs - simple fortification towers with moats- no longer seemed to be a reliable defense against external enemies, so more powerful buildings began to be erected - fortresses and castles.

When the wars turned Sweden into a strong power, significantly expanding its borders, build stone palaces the nobles also started. At first, the architecture of these palaces was copied from European ones, but over time, their own Swedish architecture appeared.

There are now more than 200 castles and palaces in Sweden, which have preserved their architecture in its original form.

Royal Palace - Tre Kronor

In the 13th century, a defensive tower was erected on the island of Stadholmen, from which Lake Mälaren was constantly monitored so that the population would not miss an enemy attack.

For two and a half centuries the tower was used only for military purposes. But immediately after Gustav I Vasa came to power, the small fortress was destroyed by fire.

After the fire, the fortress was rebuilt, now it has acquired the appearance of a palace worthy of the ruler of Sweden. Three crowns shone on the main tower, which is why the palace received its name - Tre Krunur.

In the 17th century, the Renaissance style became outdated, and a new style, Baroque, came into fashion. But Charles 11, who by that time had become a monarch, refused to rebuild the palace because the money was spent on military expenses. In 1697, Charles died, and a month later a severe fire destroyed the royal residence.

His grandson Charles the 12th believed that the royal castle should be the envy of all European monarchs. Work began, but the monarch’s irrepressible thirst for war left Sweden almost ruined - there was no money.

Work resumed only in the 18th century. Construction dragged on until 1754, and work on the interior was completed only in 1770.

The Royal Palace boasts luxurious museums: the Armory and the Royal Treasury, the Bernadotte Library, the Antique Museum of Gustav III and the Tre Krunur Museum.

The museum is open:

• February 1-May 14: daily (except Mondays), 12.00 - 15.00;
• May 15-May 31: daily, 10.00 - 16.00;
• June 1-August 31: daily, 10.00 - 17.00;
• September 1-14: daily, 10.00 - 16.00;
• September 15-December 30: Tuesday-Sunday, 12.00 - 15.00.

Ticket price:

• children: under 7 years old - no ticket, from 7 to 18 years old - 35 CZK;
• adults: 90 CZK.

These tickets allow you to visit the Tru Krunar Museum, the Museum of Antiquity and the Royal Treasury.

Gripsholms slott

If we drive from Stockholm to the southwest, then 60 kilometers away we will see Lake Malaren. On the island of this lake is located Gripsholm Castle, a fortress with 3 round towers in the corners.

Construction was completed in 1383, the castle was named after the owner - Grip, a very influential man, the king's chancellor and his creditor.

After the death of the owner, the castle fell into disrepair and was handed over to the monks who founded the monastery. Later Gustav I returned the castle to the crown and began to rebuild it, planning to make it a defensive structure against Denmark.

But the rebuilt castle was not destined to become a fortress; it became a place of imprisonment for monarchs. The fact is that both sons of Gustav 1 wanted to rule, so as a result of several palace coups, both one and the other had to become guests of Gripsholm.

Swedish widow queens also enjoyed the patronage of these walls. who due to circumstances could not return to the capital.

Gripsholm experienced its heyday in the 18th century, when Gustav III turned it into a brilliant palace, the castle even acquired its own theater and portrait gallery.

Currently Gripsholm– royal residence with open access.

The museum is open:

• May-August: daily, 10-00 - 16.00;
• September: daily (except Mondays), 10.00 - 15.00;
• October-April: Saturday and Sunday, 12.00 - 15.00;
• Closed on holidays: December 24, 25, 31 and January 1.

Ticket price:

• for an adult – 120 CZK;
• for a child – 60 CZK.

Squid (Kalmar slott)

415 kilometers from Stockholm to the southwest, on the Baltic coast, is the small town of Kalmar, in its vicinity there is a castle of the same name. It is located on an island separated from the shore by a canal.

Kalmar Castle traces its history from the only tower that was built here in the 12th century to protect the city from pirates. Another hundred years later, King Magnus ordered the construction of a full-fledged castle on this site, which could become an outpost on the border with Denmark.

In the 16th century, Kalmar was rebuilt according to the latest military science and still looks like a powerful fortification quadrangular in shape with towers at the corners.

Kalmar survived 22 sieges, but was never taken by the enemy. At the end of the 17th century, Sweden moved its borders to the south, and the castle was no longer used for military purposes.

In the years of oblivion Kalmar was either a food warehouse, a brewery, or a prison.. Only at the end of the 19th century it underwent restoration and was turned into a museum.

The King's Tower with the chambers of Eric the 14th has been restored, many carved wooden panels, ceiling frescoes with hunting scenes, carved ceilings.

17th-century chapel with white vaulted ceiling and benches for the king and queen they returned it to its original appearance.

Excursions are held on English language.

The museum is open:

• October-April: Saturday and Sunday, 10.00 - 16.00;
• May, June, September: all week 10.00 - 16.00 (Thursday 10.00 - 20.00);
• July and August: all week 10.00 - 18.00.

Ticket price:

• November-March:
• children under 17 years old – 25 CZK;
• students – 60 CZK;
• adults – 100 CZK.
• March-June, August-October:
• children under 17 years old – 25 CZK;
• students – 60 CZK;
• adults – 120 CZK.
• June August:
• children under 17 years old – 100 CZK;
• adults – 120 CZK.

Örebro slott

196 kilometers west of Stockholm, on the shores of Lake Jelmaren, is the seventh largest city in Sweden, Örebro. Downtown, on the island of Svarten, there is a castle of the same name.

The castle is a powerful fortress with round corner towers, tiled roof and narrow loopholes. The courtyard is paved with paving stones, which have remained virtually undamaged over the centuries-old history of the castle. There is only one way to the fortress - over a bridge over the river.

Presumably the castle was founded at the beginning of the 13th century, and in the middle of the 14th it was completed and fortified by King Magnus Eriksson. The River Swarton was an important trade route, so the castle served as a defensive fortification.

During the fighting, the castle was heavily damaged. It was restored by Duke Charles (future King Charles 9). Örebro acquired its current appearance in 1625.

After ascending the throne, Charles 9 called Örebro his residence and lived there for a long time.

Over time, the castle ceased to be used for military purposes, but was not completely abandoned. At different times, a prison, grain and weapons warehouses were built there.

Now Örebro is a national monument and is open to the public. The castle houses a local history museum, cafes and restaurants, offices and conference rooms, classrooms for schoolchildren, and a hotel.

Tours are held at 15:00 in English and only in summer.

Operating mode:

• June-August: daily 10.00 - 17.00;
• other months: only on Saturday and Sunday.

Ticket prices:

• children – 30 CZK;
• adults – 60 CZK.

Vadstena Palace (Vadstena slott)

In 1545, construction of a castle began on the shores of Lake Vättern.

The decision to build the castle was made by Gustav I Vasa. The king saw it as the center of a defensive system against the Danes, and therefore ordered the structure to be made impregnable.

To do this, the castle was surrounded by a deep moat with water, and towers were erected that could withstand cannon strikes. In addition, three residential buildings and outbuildings were built.

But after 5 years, Gustav 1 decided to turn the fortress into a palace for his son, Duke Magnus. The first thing they did was demolish the fortifications, and soon the castle began to resemble a magnificent palace.

At the beginning of the 18th century. The royal family changed residences, and the once magnificent palace became a warehouse for grain and weapons. Then alcohol was produced in the castle premises, and later a weaving factory was located within its walls.

In the 19th century the castle began to collapse. Only in the 20th century did people remember the fortress and begin its restoration: the towers that had once been demolished were erected, the embankments were restored, and a fortress wall was built.

Now Vadstena Castle is one of the main attractions and a wonderful museum. The first floor is given over to an art gallery; the upper floors house antique furniture, sculptures, and hunting trophies.

Visiting the castle has been free since 1988.

Uppsala Castle (Uppsala Slott)

70 kilometers north of Stockholm is located old town Uppsala, on the hill of which stands an ancient castle.

Construction began in 1547, and the bastions had been erected since 1545. King Gustav 1 conceived the palace as a symbol of the supremacy of royal power after the break with the Vatican.

In 1572, the building was heavily damaged by fire.. The restoration was carried out by the sons of Gustav I. Construction was completed only after a hundred years.

In 1702 the castle burned again. Reconstruction was considered impossible, and the palace lay in ruins for a long time. Restoration work began and then stopped due to lack of money throughout the mid-18th century.

And only in 1820 the restoration was completed. At the beginning of this century, the facades were put in order, the huge building was returned to its original color.

The history of the palace contains many important events: coronations and abdications took place here, it was in the halls of this palace that the transition from Catholicism to Lutheranism was announced, here Sweden announced its entry into the Thirty Years' War.

Uppsala Castle is now open to tourists: The former State Hall became a conference venue; Museum exhibitions are open wax figures, Museum of Art, House of Peace, there is a functioning church.

Museums are open:

• Museum of Art: daily, 12.00-16.00 (except Mondays), Wednesdays 12.00-20.00;
• House of Peace: daily 15.00-18.00 (except Mondays); Saturday and Sunday 12.00-16.00;
• Wax Museum: daily June 30-August 11, 10.00-16.00.

Entrance to the museums is free.

Läckö slott

Lekö Castle was built on an island in Lake Vänern. In 1298 it was founded by the bishop of Skara. It was a fort consisting of several houses surrounded by a wall.

After the fire, the new bishop began to rebuild the destroyed fort, but as a fortress. But as a result of the Reformation (after Gustav I’s break with the Vatican), the king took the castle.

For more than half a century, the fortress passed from one hand to another, until Field Marshal Delagardie received it. As a result of the reconstruction he started, the fortress acquired a third floor and a courtyard.

After Delagardie's death, his son rebuilt the castle in the Baroque style. Final version alterations can still be observed today.

Leke now belongs to the state. The castle is open to tourists. Within its walls there is an exhibition of paintings and medieval weapons. In summer, excursions, exhibitions and even opera performances are held in the castle courtyard.

Tours are conducted in different languages.

Drottningholm

In the 16th century, near Stockholm, on an island in the middle of Lake Mälaren, King Johan 3 built a palace for his wife. It stood for 80 years and died in a fire. A year later, the queen regent under the young Charles 11 began construction of a new palace.

After the Thirty Years' War, Sweden became a powerful state; the monarch needed a residence appropriate to his position. Versailles served as a model. Was first erected palace ensemble, having no ditches, towers or ramparts.

Drottningholm Palace experienced a rebirth in the 18th century, when belonged to the Prussian princess Lovisa Ulrike, who became the wife of the Swedish heir to the throne. The halls are being redecorated and the theater is opening.

Throughout the 19th century, the palace was abandoned, global restoration was carried out only at the beginning of the 20th century.

The palace is now open to the public and can amaze anyone with its newly recreated interiors and beautiful park.

Operating mode:

• in summer: daily, 10.00 - 16.30;
• other months: Saturday and Sunday, 12.00 - 15.30.

The park is accessible 24 hours a day.

Ticket price:

• children under 17 years old: no tickets;
• adults: palace – 120 CZK;
• palace and Chinese pavilion – 180 CZK;
• theater is paid separately.

Tjolöholms slott

Manor house, stylized in the Tudor era, located in Halland.

Chuleholm was built in 1904. This is the last large structure of this type in Sweden. Curious as a wonderful example of decorative and applied art. In 1991 it became an architectural monument.

Broborg

Castle ruins located on the shore of Broviken Bay.

The castle was built by order of Queen Gunilla Belke, where she wanted to live after the death of her husband. Her son, Duke Johan, also lived here before his death.

The basements, ramparts and partly palace park. In 1669 Broborg was almost destroyed by fire, and in 1719, during the Northern War, it was finally destroyed by Russian troops.

Palaces and castles of Sweden, which once personified the power and greatness of the state, today have become protected monuments. All of them are open to the public, although they belong to private individuals.

- full of peculiar charm. One of her business cards are castles and fortresses, of which there are countless in Sweden. Most of them belong to the state, but some are leased from private and public organizations on the condition that their original appearance and intended use are preserved. The country treats these ancient monuments with care and reverence and annually allocates large funds to maintain them in perfect condition.

Castles and fortresses of Sweden

Below is a list of Swedish medieval castles, varied in structure, but equally majestic: let's get acquainted with their names and photos, which will certainly interest lovers of antiquity:

1. This majestic structure was erected over a hundred years under the leadership of five architects, replacing one another. Work began in 1549 by order of King Gustav I Vasa. The building was supposed to surpass the archbishop's castle in its size and wealth in order to show the greatness of the state and the Swedish king in particular over the church. Now there are three located here.
2. in Sweden in ancient times it protected the city from the invasion of neighbors from. Negotiations were held here and historical documents important for the country were signed. IN given time The beautiful fortress-fort is open to tourists.


3. in Sweden, built and owned by the Bo Jonson Grip family, was radically rebuilt by the king, who confiscated it from its rightful owner and left only the façade unchanged. Located 60 km from, this castle was classified as a defensive structure. Nowadays there is a famous portrait gallery here.


4. in Sweden it is one of the brightest monuments of the Renaissance. It consists of four cannon towers and three stone structures in the middle. Until 1716, the castle was the residence of kings, but after that it was forgotten and served for technical purposes. At the end of the century before last they began to bring him back to life. Now here is historical Museum, which neighbors the Vadstena International Academy, travel agency and archive.


5. Tide Castle in Sweden - a massive medieval structure, erected by order of Alexei Oxenstierna, a famous Swedish politician under King Gustav II. At the height of his reign, he built majestic castle, which to this day has retained its pristine beauty and grandeur.
6. , located in the city of the same name in Sweden on the banks of the Svarton River, was built to protect against attacks by unfriendly neighbors back in 1240. Subsequently, its appearance changed due to numerous destructions and restorations, so that only the watchtower remained in its original form. Nowadays it is a majestic building, towering above the surface of the river, with the peaks of its watchtowers pointing into the endless blue sky of Sweden.


7. (Svanholm) in Sweden is located 30 km from. Once it was the territory of Denmark, and the castle passed from hand to hand of Danish nobles, and later became the property of the royal crown of Sweden. Visitors can stroll through the extensive estate with a beautiful park and admire the life of the nobility in the local museum.


8. It was built a little later than other royal castles and palaces in Sweden, and therefore it was much better preserved. After it lost its defense purpose, there was a prison here. Now tourists, having passed through a moat with water, find themselves in the middle of a historical structure and can admire the weapons of medieval Vikings, samples of plants and fauna of the region, as well as others historical finds, preserved to this day.


9. , standing on an island, is not like other Swedish castles. It was built in 1550 and looks more like a rich nobleman's manor, although in fact it has always belonged to the royal family. The castle houses a rich collection of paintings, as well as an equestrian club, which annually holds noisy and crowded competitions.


10. - This is the Swedish Versailles. It has its own theater, church, a huge park of snow-white sculptures and ringing fountains, and of course, a rich interior.

Sweden's two most famous castles

Sweden's two most famous castles

Swedish nature has been famous for its beauty since ancient times, Scandinavian skaldic poets sang of its magical landscapes, and Swedish castles still seem like unique pearls of architecture and history. They are located in incredible places, where scattered emerald hills and wooded cliffs create an aura of medieval courage. These castles today are crowned with impregnable walls that remind of their military past, in turn, rich and luxurious palaces attract travelers from all over the world interesting legends and charming interiors.

The incredible beauty of Scandinavian architecture

Most Swedish castles have long been in private ownership, but there is also a small proportion of those that belong not only to the country, but also to public organizations. Oddly enough, both private and state castles are open to visitors. Only near Lake Mälaren there are about 20 castles. In turn, Drottningholm Castle is considered a “Versailles in miniature”, it is located very close to Stockholm, and was recognized as an object world heritage UNESCO.

Today we will talk about two castles. The first one is Swedish Fortress Bohus, which is located on the border with Norway. This fortress was built in the 14th century. It was she who played far from the last violin in the difficult times of the war between Norway, Sweden and the Kingdom of Denmark. This fortress was considered one of the most powerful fortifications of those times throughout Scandinavia. Time passed slowly, and this fortress was improved in accordance with the development of weapons. For example, during the advent of firearms, bastions were added to the fortress walls. Unfortunately, after the end of the Northern Wars, this castle fell into disrepair. Today these are just colorful ruins, against their backdrop local residents They organize colorful fairs and “medieval tournaments.”

Bohus Castle

The construction of the Bohus fortress began in 1308, it was led by King Haakon V Magnuson, who was the king of Norway at that time. This fortress was to become one of many parts of the plan to strengthen the country's territory from attacks by the Swedes. In those distant times, the fortress was the property of Norway, as well as an important point in protecting the country’s borders. These walls were besieged many times, but the enemies were never able to take it. Since the Swedes constantly attacked the castle, it was completed and improved throughout the war period. Already in May 1658, the castle came into the official possession of King Charles X of Sweden, this happened in connection with the signing of the Peace Treaty in Roskilde.

Medieval traditions in modern world

One of the last known attempts to besiege the castle is associated with the name of the Norwegian Ulrik Frederik Gildenlev, who in 1676 tried to storm the castle, of course, to no avail. But he did not retreat, and just 2 years later he returned. This time his army consisted of 15,000 people. For two whole months he shelled the castle, but it led to nothing. At that time, the castle garrison consisted of only 400 people, all of them survived, stood their ground and did not give up the keys to the fortress.

Ancient castles and ancient legends hovering around them

After these unfortunate events, the border with Sweden moved far enough away from the castle, as a result of which it lost its strategic importance. They began to use it as a prison. Decline came to this castle in the 18th century; the remnants of the garrison left its walls. And just six years later, the remaining buildings that were located next to the fortress were also abandoned. As a result, the local population stole parts of the once majestic structure for economic needs. Today, the castle has been turned into a museum, and the state budget allocates a large share of the money for its reconstruction.

Kalmar Castle

Another equally famous castle in Sweden is Kalmar Castle, which is located on the southern coast of the country. This castle is located in a beautiful small town that bears the same name. Oddly enough, this small village, like the fortress itself, managed to become one of the “hot spots” in the history of medieval Scandinavia. The thing is that this castle took part in almost all important battles, moreover, it managed to shine as one of the most significant centers of political events in the country. It's all about its convenient location, because it is located on the shore, which made it one of the tax collection sites for the crown of Sweden, as well as actually the “storeroom” of the royal court. The territory of Kalmar Castle has been inhabited since ancient times. Not long ago, excavations were carried out here, which proved that there are very ancient burials here. But, despite the words of archaeologists, the first mentions of this place should be dated back to the 11th century. If you believe the medieval legend, then the patron saint of Norway - Saint Olaf - brought his ships into the strait directly next to the lands of Kalmar in 1027. And although there is practically no written information about this event, archaeologists found a stone on which this information was carved. Even today, disputes and discussions continue around this castle, and it remains an unknown fact whether Kalmar was a city or just a small settlement near the Kalmar Strait.

Kalmar Castle grounds

A fairly common theory is that Kalmar means “stone shores” in Old Swedish. Throughout the 12th century, most Swedes converted to the ranks of Christians, and around this time the main borders of the state were outlined. On the territory of Kalmar, the first fortifications were built at the end of the 12th century, and it was then that a round watchtower was erected, which had defensive functions. At this time, raids by “pagans” - pirates who did not agree to accept Christianity - were especially common. After the Swedish border was moved to the Öresund Strait, Kalmar Castle began to fall into disrepair. In the XVII-XVIII centuries. royalty visited this fortress less and less. The last king to live here was Charles XI, until about 1692. Then, for decades, a prison and grain warehouses were located within the castle walls. Gustav III established a small distillery here. But all this turned out to be unprofitable and soon everyone left this castle. Today the castle has been completely restored and is open to the public.

Gavneo Castle

Gavne Castle is one of the most famous buildings in Denmark, located on a small island (the area is approximately five and a half square meters) in the south of the city of Naestved, not far from the coast of Zealand. Despite the harsh name, Gavne Castle is a great cultural treasure for the Danes.

Gavne is a castle from the Rococo era. This castle was first mentioned during the reign of King Valdemar. It was a large, fairly fortified structure that protected against pirates South coast Denmark.

The chapel, which is located in the southern wing, has survived to this day. In this chapel there is a chapel on which you can see the family tree of the castle's owners.

Count Otto Tott bought the castle in 1737. Thanks to his efforts and financial investments, the castle was renovated, expanded, and also built a huge library, which contains a collection of one hundred and twenty thousand books. In addition, Count Otto Tott founded a park in which a variety of trees and flowers grow, including rare species.

Dear owners of the castle, descendants of Count Otto, a very hospitable and positive couple

Helle Zøfting and Baron Otto Reedtz-Thott

Baroness Reeds-Tott

The current castle was built in 1755-1758...

A stone bridge across the Suso River for access to the castle was built after the flood of 1872, which destroyed the old wooden bridge Built in 1766.

The people of Gavno also struggled with piracy, which was profitable at the time.

Queen Margaret 1

From the early 1400s to 1536, Queen Margaret I founded the monastery of St. Agnes at the castle. There is still a chapel in the southern wing of the castle, although it has since been significantly expanded.

Gavne Castle has three wings that are open to tourists. The walls are painted bright yellow. Gavne Castle is famous for its park, built in the mid-18th century. This park is planted with numerous trees and lawns. Thanks to these features, the park looks harmonious and free.

Particularly striking is the tulip garden, which was created by the owners a hundred years ago...

And here is the Danish Princess Marie attending the presentation of a new rare variety of tulips named in her honor in the castle park..
Named after the Danish princess, tulips are white in color and have graceful green leaves.

Beautiful girl Marie, isn't she... worthy of the most beautiful tulips...

And now lawns, alleys and tulips delight the eyes of many visitors to the park. Entrance to the park is paid.

The interiors amaze with their exquisite luxury and abundance of paintings, rare furniture, cute little things from the times...

In 1755, a separate street was laid out in Gavne Park called Linden Avenue. This place is famous for its trees, which were given to Otto Tott by the Danish King Frederick the Fifth. An alley of Japanese cherry trees was also created on the road to the castle. The Otto-Ritz family, in tribute to the memory of their Japanese friend Mr. Takkeki, planted 200 Japanese cherries.

Gavne Castle, in addition to the park and alleys, is famous for the Danish firemen's museum. It contains the entire history of Danish firefighters.
Today, Baron and Baroness Reedz-Tott live in the palace, but some rooms of the castle are open to public inspection.

The castle was one of the only two Dominican convents in Denmark. The North Wing was built around 1650. The construction of the eastern and southern wings has recently been shown to have been completed around 1750. Public access is allowed to some parts of the palace and palace chapel between April and September.

The castle park was built in the 1750s. Initially, it was a garden with French charm with quaint alleys and flower beds in the Baroque style. Around 1850, the garden style was converted to the English landscape style, with more grass in the park, making the park look more harmonious and feel more open and free. It was this style with free-standing landscaped trees and large lawns that, 100 years later, turned out to be ideal for creating a tulip park.

The park is open to the public for a fee.

To be continued...

Some photos from offsites of castles and Wikimedia.