Askersund - and Stjernsund Castle

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated June 2026 | LAskersund is a charming and idyllic small town with low wooden houses, cafes, boats and promenades along the water. Just outside the town, in northern Vättern, there is an archipelago with 250 islands, islets and skerries. Here is also Stjernsund Castle, surrounded by water on several sides.

Askersund

On 6 June 1776, Askersund suffered a terrible fire that destroyed the entire town, with the exception of a few houses. The town was rebuilt as a harbour town on Lake Vättern, including a zinc mine. When you arrive as a tourist on a warm July day, you are struck above all by the pleasant holiday atmosphere with cafés, holidaymakers, pleasure boats and ... countless mobile homes.

Askersund is located in Örebro County, at the northern end of Lake Vättern.

Cosy neighbourhood in Askersund

When we saw the huge amount of motorhomes crowding the streets, we gave up hope of finding a pitch. We parked in a regular car park, took out the electric bikes and went for a bike ride. What cosy alleys and nice wooden houses!

On one of the streets we also had the chance to cycle on a long "rag rug". Isn't it nice?

Sager's cottage - Askersund's oldest house

As we cycled along the seafront, we passed a small house called Sagers stuga, which is Askersund's very oldest house. This is one of the houses that managed to escape the catastrophic fire of 1776.

The very first owner, glassmaker Nils Bergström, does not appear in the rolls, but from 1752 onwards there is a list of all the owners and residents of the farm. The list is on a sign next to the house. The house is still privately owned, but the current owner has a new residence on the site.

Coffee at the harbour in Askersund

As soon as we arrived in Askersund, we contacted our friend Kenneth who lives nearby. Just as we cycled around town, he showed up and we could have a coffee together in the harbour. Super fun to meet again and chat away for a few hours!

Harbour and parking area for motorhomes

So, where did we go with the motorhome then? There is a nice parking space in the harbour called "Askersund Citycamp & Gästhamn". It was packed when we arrived, but when we read a little more carefully, we realised that the site also has a site a little further away, called "Ställplatsen Sundsängen".

There is no service at the Sundsängen site, but you can use the toilets at the guest harbour. The price is 150 SEK/day for these places, and here we managed to grab one of the last places.

Stjernsund Castle

Just south of Askersund, on a headland in the northern part of Lake Vättern, lies Stjernsund Castle, which we also took the opportunity to visit. The history of the estate goes back to the 17th century, when Johan Oxenstierna built a manor house here. In 1785 the estate was bought by Olof Burenstam, who built the neoclassical castle you can see today with plastered facades and four magnificent columns at the entrance.

Between 1823 and 1860, Stjernsund was owned by the Bernadotte family. King Karl XIV Johan used the castle as an "overnight shelter" during his travels to Norway. His grandson, the 'singer prince' Gustaf (who died young and has a monument to his memory in Hagaparken in Solna), enjoyed the castle and took an interest in its interior design. When he died, his brother August took over, but he wasn't so keen on spending time in the country, and his contribution to the castle is a giant pool table in one of the wings.

In 1869, the estate was purchased by the Cassel family, who were known for their cattle breeding and development of the Swedish red-brown cattle breed. The castle's last private owner, Mrs Augusta Cassel, lived alone in the castle for a long time after she was widowed. When she died, she bequeathed the castle and its furnishings to the Royal Academy of Sciences. In 1965, Stjernsund Castle and its park was declared a listed building under the Cultural Heritage Act. 

Guided tour of Stjernsund Castle

You cannot visit the castle on your own, but you can join the guided tours that are organised. Seeing the inside of the castle was by far the most interesting part of the visit. Our guide Annika told us with great enthusiasm about the history of the castle, and about the people who lived here, both the nobility and the servants.

What's fascinating is that the last owner left the castle exactly as it was, with all the furnishings intact. In fact, her toothbrush is still in the bathroom. If you visit the castle, we recommend booking a guided tour! The castle also has a café and a castle shop which, like the castle, is open during the summer months.

More to see in the neighbourhood

Starting from Askersund, there is much to see and do nearby. Here you will find tips and guides to both nature and cities:

• Tiveden National Park
• Things to do in Örebro
• Things to do in Motala
• Things to do in Arboga
• Karlsborg Fortress
• Vadstena Abbey

Have you been to Askersund?

Have you been to Askersund or visited Stjernsund Castle? How was your experience? Please tell us!

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about Askersund

What is Askersund known for?

Askersund is known for its charming small town center on the northern shore of Lake Vättern, its wooden houses, cozy harbor and proximity to nature. The city is often called “the secret pearl of Lake Vättern”.

Is Askersund worth a visit?

Yes, especially if you like small-town charm, lake life and excursions. There is a nice mix of culture, swimming, cafes and nature experiences here.

What can you do in Askersund?

Popular activities include walking in the harbor, visiting Askersund Town Hall, taking boat trips on Lake Vättern, swimming at Hargebaden and making excursions to Stjernsund Castle or Tiveden National Park.

How much time do you need in Askersund?

One day is enough for the city center and the castle, but 2–3 days is perfect if you also want to discover the surrounding nature.

When is the best time to visit Askersund?

Summer is best if you want to enjoy harbor life, archipelago tours and castle visits. Spring and early autumn are also very nice.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about Stjernsund Castle

Where is Stjernsund Castle located?

The castle is located about 7 kilometers south of Askersund, beautifully situated on a promontory by Lake Alsen.

Is Stjernsund Castle worth visiting?

Yes, absolutely. The castle is one of Sweden's best preserved 19th-century castles and has unusually well-preserved interiors from the Bernadotte era.

Can you go inside the castle?

Yes, but only via guided tours during the summer season. The park is open all year round.

How old is Stjernsund Castle?

The current castle was built around 1808, although the estate's history dates back to the 17th century.

Have royals lived at Stjernsund Castle?

Yes. The castle was owned by the Bernadotte family during the 19th century and was used by King Karl XIV Johan as an overnight stop on trips to Norway.

Is there a café at Stjernsund Castle?

Yes, there is a castle café down by the water with coffee, light lunches and a nice view of Alsen and Askersund.

How long does a visit to Stjernsund Castle take?

Expect about 1–2 hours if you take a tour, take a walk in the castle park and maybe have a coffee.

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