Karlsborg Fortress was supposed to be built in 10 years, but it took 90 years to complete. When the fortress was finally completed in 1909, it was already outdated. Today, the fortress is used for military training - and you can also visit the fortress as a tourist.
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Karlsborg Fortress
Karlsborg Fortress can in one way be said to be extremely grand, with large outer walls and ramparts. On the other hand, when you enter the walls, it feels like you are in a city or a residential area. And that was also the original idea. Karlsborg was to serve as Sweden's reserve capital.
Karlsborg Fortress is located on the Vanäs headland in Lake Vättern, in the county of Västergötland.
Why a fortress in the centre of the country?
When Sweden lost Finland to Russia in the 1808-1809 war, it realised it needed to strengthen its defences. The idea of 'central defence' involves building fortresses in the middle of the country. They would allow the enemy to advance into the country, then tire them out, cut off their ability to obtain supplies and finally defeat them. If war broke out, the royal family, the government and the gold reserve would be moved to Karlsborg Fortress, Sweden's reserve capital.
The plan for the new central defence was pushed forward by Baltzar von Platen, the developer of the Göta Canal, and in 1819 Carl XIV Johan decided to build a fortress on the Vanäs headland on the western shore of Lake Vättern.
The idea of central defence was (perhaps) a good one, but as weapons and military strategies evolved, the original ideas became less and less effective. For example, as weapons became more powerful, it was realised that the walls would no longer withstand an attack. To compensate, higher ramparts were built.
Despite all attempts to improve it, the fortress was already obsolete when it was completed. In 1925, just 16 years after its completion, it was decided to decommission it as a defence facility. Since then, it has been used for military training.
Own tour of the site
Entering the grounds of Karlsborg Fortress is completely free, but what you are allowed to see is limited. After passing through the mighty gate, you will see the impressive Slutvärnet (Sweden's longest building at 678 metres) and the Garrison Church.
You can also walk up the embankment, from where you have some views. We didn't think we saw much from here anyway, so we mostly immersed ourselves in the flowers on the embankment. We don't know much about flowers, but maybe there is someone who can help? Do you know the names of the plants in the pictures?
The area is large because it is like a whole 'city'. There are buildings that would serve as homes, workshops and hospitals. When you walk around without a guide, it is mostly a walk among houses, but it is also possible to download the app "Karlsborg Fortress" or book a guided "city walk". You can also take the opportunity to have a coffee or an ice cream at one of the cafés in the area.
Garrison Church
The Garrison Church is located on the second floor of Slutvärnet, and features something as unusual as a Swedish flag at the top. The church was once intended to also serve as a plenary hall. It has room for 700 people, as the national leadership could meet here.
Karlsborg Fortress Museum
In the same building as the church, but on the first floor, you will find the Karlsborg Fortress Museum, which can be visited for a fee. The museum is large and contains a lot of information about life in the army, wars in different times, the hometown and everything else. Perhaps it was a bit for a lot of information, because it can be difficult to sift through all the text and images. But if you take your time, there are a few things of interest.
Guided tour of Karlsborg Fortress
We booked a guided tour, and that was the main benefit of the visit. We took the tour called "Historical Adventure Tour", and it was really good. The tour starts with a short film, which makes you follow the history. You can then follow the guide to areas of the fortress that are otherwise locked to the public, while hearing interesting historical stories.
It is not allowed to take photos during the tour (the fortress is still used by the military), and we therefore show press photos that we have been authorised to use by Karlsborg Fortress.
The tour takes you down into the underground passages, where smoke, sounds and moving puppets bring the whole thing to life. You also pass the "Bulta-Maja's pub", where in the past you could get a beer and a soup. Really interesting!
Vanäs lighthouse
To end the day, we went out to Vanäs lighthouse, which, like Karlsborg Fortress, is located on Vanäs cape. Really a nice environment out here!
More to see in the neighbourhood
When you are at Karlsborg Fortress, you are not far away from Forsvik, where you can see Göta Canal's oldest lock and Forsvik's mill. it is also not too far to Tiveden National Park, or to Töreboda and Hajstorp, cosy little destinations along the Göta Canal. If you are travelling by motorhome, you can continue to the nice campsite Wassbacken.
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We found it really interesting to go on a guided tour at Karlsborg Fortress, but more difficult to experience the fortress on our own. Have you been to Karlsborg Fortress? What did you think?
Facts about Karlsborg Fortress
- Municipality: Karlsborg municipality
- County: Västra Götaland County
- Location: Vanäs headland in Vättern
- Built: 1819-1909
- Material: Limestone and gravel
- In use: As a fortress 1831-1925, as a training garrison 1925 until further notice.
- Managed by: State Property Agency
- Read more: You can find more information about the fortress at West Sweden website.
Opening hours and prices
- Enter the area: Free of charge
- Historical adventure tour (1 h 15 min): Adults (from 13 years) 140 SEK and children 7-12 years 115 SEK (2020).
- City walk (1 hour): Adults (from 13 years) 100 SEK and children 7-12 years 50 SEK (2020).
- Little gold hunt (for children): 85 kroner (2020)
- Fortress Museum: Adult (from 13 years) 70 SEK, children 7-13 years 30 SEK, family (2 adults + 2 children) 170 SEK (2020).
- Fortress Museum opening hours: See Fortress Museum website for current opening hours.
- Combined ticket: Check the ticket office for combination prices for guided tour + museum.
Find Karlsborg Fortress
- Car: You can get to Karlsborg Fortress via road 49, north from Askersund or south-west from Skövde.
- Collective: Train or bus to Skövde and then bus 400 or 401 towards Karlsborg, stop Karlsborg bus station.
You might also like:
Läckö Castle - De la Gardie's fairytale castle on Lake Vänern
Habo Church and Bottnaryd Church - fantastic wooden churches
Tjolöholm Castle - a visit to a fairytale world
Gunnebo Castle and Gardens outside Gothenburg, Sweden
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Kenneth Risberg says:
Again, a good job on facts and more.
Yes, I have visited Karlsborg and the fortress when I had assignments for Karlsborg municipality, so there have been a number of trips and overnight stays there.
24 July 2020 - 6:28
Helena says:
Thank you very much! And then we understand that you spent some time in the fortress!!! 🙂
25 July 2020 - 7:59
Maria/ Magnolia Magis says:
Yes, Karlsborg Fortress and the square inside are also well visited by us... Grandpa would always have ice cream inside the soldier's café. Markets, music evenings, national day celebrations etc. are organised here. The church is very nice inside and the chandelier made of bayonets is cool!
24 July 2020 - 7:53
Helena says:
Nice that they organise things! The crown with bayonets sounds cool! We missed it ...
25 July 2020 - 8:01
Rolle o Carina says:
Think of all the beautiful places you will see thanks to the campervan!
We have also been there a few years ago ........
Take care.....
24 July 2020 - 10:31
Helena says:
Really! The motorhome is absolutely fantastic! We could never have seen and experienced so much without it!!!
25 July 2020 - 8:02
Znogge says:
I have visited Karlsborg Fortress. An older and long-deceased relative of mine was a court photographer and had his studio in Karlsborg. Many of his pictures can be seen in the fortress museum. It has been a while since I was there and I would love to go again.
24 July 2020 - 15:27
Helena says:
Court photographer sounds exciting! Nice that the photos are hanging in the museum! We thought the fortress was interesting, especially when you got a guided tour.
25 July 2020 - 8:03
Marie says:
The rain was pouring down when we got to Karlsborg after paddling between Granvik and Djäknesundet. So it was not in its favour. We went on to Forsvik and it was a beautiful place! The mill environment, cosy café and of course the lock. Also paddled a bit along the canal in the direction of Lake Viken. Very cool environment along the water.
24 July 2020 - 18:02
Helena says:
Weather plays a huge role in the experience of a place ... Forsvik was nice and interesting, we thought so too!
25 July 2020 - 8:04
BP says:
Karlsborg Fortress - it is soooo big. Now that you've seen the fortress, you just have to read Lars Wilderäng's book "Höstsol", in which the fortress plays a crucial role.
24 July 2020 - 22:07
Helena says:
Fun with the book tip! Love when you read a book and suddenly end up in places where you recognise yourself! 🙂
25 July 2020 - 8:07
Elisabeth says:
I have been there with and without children a number of times. Sometimes for different events, they have been a little extra.
25 July 2020 - 9:54
Lena i Wales says:
Wow, what a lot of interesting places in Sweden you show.
I have visited some, but not all and some very, very long ago.
Shame to say, I have only visited Karlsborg once, but have read a lot about the fortress when I studied military history. Even then I found it fascinating that it was outdated when it was completed and remember why the fortress is located where it is.
Thank you so much for the great and exciting posts!
25 July 2020 - 12:33
Helena says:
What a fascinating story! Glad to hear you enjoy our posts!
25 July 2020 - 18:15
NS says:
Error regarding the stop! You get off at Karlsborg Bus Station, which is the stop closest to the fortress.
Karlsborg has fantastic beaches where it is child-friendly to swim.
At Fortress Square, the La Belle Epoque café is decorated in a late 19th century style, including staff wearing period clothing.
25 July 2020 - 18:01
Helena says:
Thank you very much! I must have misunderstood there, I will correct right away! Thanks also for more tips!
25 July 2020 - 18:16
Sten Sohlström says:
When you visit Karlsborg, download the "Karlsborg Fortress" app.
28 July 2020 - 14:18