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08 April 2021 / 17 Comments

Ericsberg Castle - and other private castles in Södermanland

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Writer: Helena Bergström

Ericsberg Castle is one of Sweden's most beautiful baroque castles, and the garden is occasionally open to visitors. However, our visit to the castle was not quite as planned, and then the day continued in the same way. Castle after castle was private and more or less closed to visitors. Join us on a (after all) very interesting castle trip!

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Ericsberg Castle - magnificent baroque castle

Located in the centre of Södermanland, Ericsbergs Slott is considered one of Sweden's most beautiful baroque castles. This was one of the castles at the top of our bucket list, and we had read up on the beautiful castle park, the orangery and the special labyrinth.

 In the castle garden there is a scale replica of the world-famous labyrinth from Hampton Court Castle outside London to be seen. Hopes were therefore high as we drove up the avenue, but our hopes were largely dashed.

Ericsbergs slott allé

The site where Ericsberg now stands was called 'Pintorp' or 'Pinnatorp' in the 16th century. The farmhouse belonged to the Gyllenstierna family, who had a castle built. When the family died out in 1733, Ericsberg was bought by the master horseman David Henrik Hildebrand, who made the estate a fideicommiss, to be inherited by his son. He in turn bequeathed the castle to his nephew Carl Carlsson Bonde, and the Bonde family still runs the castle today.

Ericsbergs slott

According to a ghost story, the so-called Pintorpa woman walks again at Ericsberg Castle. It is unclear who she actually was, but perhaps she was Eric Gyllenstierna's widow Anna Karlsdotter, Eric Gyllenstierna's wife Beata von Yxkull or Gabriel Oxenstierna's widow Anna Gustafsdotter Banér.

Ericsbergs slott

If we had read the castle's website more carefully, we would have realised that the park is only open to visitors on weekdays. We arrived at the weekend and quickly realised that the park was closed.. At the front, the castle is currently clad in scaffolding, but we could see that the photo opportunities from the (closed) garden were very limited. fantastic.

This was a bit of a disappointment and we found a part of the fence where we could get a photo of the castle from the side (the top picture). Because we were staring blindly at the castle itself, we missed the private sign a few metres before the fence. We took our photo over the fence and left, only to be caught by a mildly annoyed man who emphasised our transgression.

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We apologised, of course, but left with a slightly depressed feeling that characterised the whole day. It might be nice to visit the castle under other circumstances, but check the opening hours carefully! There is also Vrå Fornby where you can get an idea of how people lived there 6000 years ago, with houses with reed roofs and stamped earth floors. 

Ericsbergs slott

Hedenlunda Castle - waterfront spa hotel

There are a lot of castles in the area and we proceeded according to a list we made. Åkerö Castle we skipped it, as it seemed to be private, while being a bit remote on an island. Instead, we went to Hedenlunda Castle, located in Flens municipality in Södermanland.

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Hedenlunda Farm was owned in the 1570s by Duke Karl and was later owned by the Stuart family and by Helena Magdalena Wrangel of Adinal. The latter received Hedenlunda as a morning gift from her husband Carl Fredrik Hamilton of Hageby, who also owned Boo Castle and Bogesund Castle.

The current main building was built on the initiative of Helena Magdalena Wrangel, after she was widowed in 1753. In the 19th century, Maria and Fredrik von Rosen moved here. Today the castle is privately owned and serves as a conference centre, hotel, spa hotel and restaurant. It seemed completely closed when we were here, but very nice!

Stenhammar Castle - leased by H.M. the King

We then continued to Stenhammar Castle in the municipality of Flen. The main building was built in 1658, probably to the designs of Jean de la Vallée. The building got its current appearance in the mid-19th century, with the help of the architect Abraham Nyström.

The estate is owned by the state and leased by HM the King. Today, agriculture and forestry are carried out here, and there is a large stable with cows. The castle itself is not shown to the public, but they have apparently (in non-corona times) organised the event "Music and food of the world". The surrounding natural areas also seem to be popular for walking.

We looked at the castle and then stopped for a lunch break in the motorhome. Hot soup and sandwiches are good when it's cold outside!

Lunch vid Stenhammars slott

Yxtaholm Castle - owned by TV celebrity and former spy

Yxtaholm Castle is beautifully situated on a headland in the long, narrow Lake Yxta. The site was mentioned in the 14th century and has been owned by many different families. More recently, for example, it has been owned by von Platen, Hamilton, af Ugglas, Bielke and von Rosen before being bought by the Swedish Employers' Association/Swedish Industry.

In spring 2010, the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise decided to sell Yxtaholm. The castle was then bought by Wonna I de Jong, who grew up in Poland, lived in poverty in Rinkeby, claims to have been a spy and is now one of Sweden's largest private property owners. She has apparently appeared in TV programmes such as 'The Secret Millionaire', 'The Pursuit of Happiness' and 'My Truth'.

We understood that the castle operates as a hotel and conference centre and therefore thought you could get close, but on the other hand, the website states that the castle is undergoing "restructuring and inspection/renovation" and that customers are welcomed when the castle opens. When we drove through the long avenue, a private sign appeared and we had to turn on a dime (not super easy with a large motorhome, but what's not to like?).

Rockelstad Castle - inspired by Gripsholm

We skipped visiting Vibyholm Castlebecause it looked too private and was on an island. We then arrived at Rockelstad Castle, which is beautifully situated by Lake Båven, less than 10 kilometres from Stockholm. On the way there, as with most castles, you are welcomed by an avenue. The difference here is that the avenue consists of spruce trees - we haven't seen that before!

Allé till Rockelstad slott

The visit to Rockelsta Castle was perhaps the best of the day, which was due to the fact that we were actually welcome here. At the entrance there was a sign saying that when the gate is open - then you are welcome to stroll around the park. Yes, finally!

Rockelstad slott

Rockelstad has been mentioned since the end of the 14th century, and since the 16th century the castle has been owned by the Bååt and Stuart families, among others. The building, which was rather worn in the 17th century, was renovated and rebuilt in 1889, when the court administrator Karl Sylvan was the owner. The front of the castle (the courtyard side) has Gripsholm as a model, which may not be difficult to recognise.

Today, everything from agriculture and forestry to conferences, kickoffs, parties and weddings are organised here. We were happy to finally, during this day, get to walk around in a castle garden!

Helena vid Rockelstad slott

Sparreholm Castle - with four museums

Sparreholm Castle is located on a narrow isthmus in the municipality of Flen. After Sparreholm church, an avenue leads up to the castle. When we arrived here, it said that motorised traffic was prohibited, so we didn't dare to do anything but walk up to the castle. It became a long walk.

Sparreholms slott allé

Sparreholm was already an estate under the name of Hyltingenäs, but was named in 1643 after its owner, Governor Göran Bengtsson Sparre. The estate was later bought by widowed countess Ulrika Charlotta De Geer and her husband Baron Johan Vilhelm Sprengtporten. He built a magnificent main building and initiated the creation of large parks.

Sparreholms slott

Sparreholm was sold in 1886 to Count Gustaf Fredrik Bonde, and has since had several different owners. Since 1996, the castle has been owned by the Karinen family from Skellefteå. When we arrived here, the castle was completely closed, but according to the castle's website you can book accommodation in the castle or take riding lessons. In the summer they have a café and four different museums (car museum, technical museum, bicycle museum and carriage museum).

Sparreholms slott privat

Even more private castles ...

We had even more castles on our list, but one seemed more private than the other. We passed Ekensholm Castle, but then skipped driving past Elghammar Castle and Heby Castle. The castles (or in some cases mansions, the definitions are sometimes fluid) simply seemed to be very private. But, there are also many castles that you can visit closer to home. Here are some favourite castles from earlier in the trip that we liked very much, and which we have written about. Sundbyholm Castle, sago castle Stora Sundby Castle and Boo castle with charming Brevens bruk.

Overnight stay at Sparreholmsbadet

The day ended with an overnight stay in the motorhome at Sparreholmsbadet. This place is marked as a parking spot in the app CamperContact. There was no mention of a car park when we arrived, but this turned out to be an ordinary car park at a bathing place. On the other hand, you can sleep in your car in a parking lot as long as you do not "practice camping behaviour". And it was always a nice place!

Sparreholmsbadet

By the way, it was perfect for us to stand by the water. Fishing is forbidden at the bathing area, so it is perhaps appropriate to explain that the Mediterranean fish that Peter cleans is "fished" in the shop ... But it was good, and the view was nice!

Have you visited Ericsberg Castle - or any of the other castles?

Have you visited Ericsberg Castle, and if so, have you been there when the park was open? Have you visited any of the other castles?

Alla våra bästa tips om Södermanland
All our best tips about Södermanland. Click on the image!

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FREEDOMtravel Avslut
08 April 2021 6:00
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17 Comments

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  1. 4000mil says:

    Oh what does camping behaviour mean, I wonder now curiously? Must learn now that Christofer is building a motorhome. 😊

    08 April 2021 - 7:56

    Reply

    • Comment by post author

      Helena says:

      Well, that's a great question! There may not be an exact definition, but it usually involves unfolding the step, unfolding the awning or removing the camping chairs. This is usually not ok in regular car parks. However, sleeping in your car is not forbidden.

      08 April 2021 - 8:01

      Reply

      • Monica says:

        There is really a lot to see and experience and Södermanland is such a beautiful landscape. Too bad you were not invited to eat at Stenhammar:-), the king cooks good food there said Silvia in the Christmas interview. Visited some of these castles and at Sparrehoöm we have eaten well. Some others we have eaten Christmas tables and spent the night in, it has been special and worth the price with breakfasts that have been fabulous with locally grown and all homemade from the crispbread and on to your own fruit in the juice you press yourself and your own cheese, yes everything.
        It's a pity you were scolded, but crime is so widespread nowadays in our country that this is what happens. Where we live, cars drive around daily taking pictures of houses and gardens and then the burglaries happen. Sad and the suspicion affects everyone.
        But you looked very nice and nice you had your own house with you when everything is almost closed. Hope for a more open life to take part in next year, but who knows? You have made a nice castle collection to look back on. Have a nice and good time now for the rest of the week.
        .

        08 April 2021 - 11:30

        Reply

        • Comment by post author

          Helena says:

          Monica, haha, the king certainly cooks good food, but he probably had something else to do 😉 Very lovely food you tell us about! No, you do not know how it will be in the future, but it works well to travel around with a motorhome, and fun to broaden the views a little!!!

          08 April 2021 - 18:02

          Reply

  2. Nils-Åke+Hansson says:

    We were in Övedskloster talking to someone, then our friends said who wants to live in a building like this. Well, he said, we talked to a Ramel, so we talked to him. But he took it well.

    Nice castle tour you have done.

    08 April 2021 - 13:32

    Reply

  3. Ditte says:

    What a nice castle tour you have done and you have seen and experienced a lot. Fun! Most of the castles you have included here in Sörmland I have visited over the years and on some we have stayed overnight or stopped. But some we have also seen more from the outside.have visited some of the castles also in the travel job and then we have often seen a lot through guided tours.
    Thank you for a great trip.

    08 April 2021 - 15:42

    Reply

  4. Anette says:

    So many nice castles you have found. Fun with a castle tour.

    08 April 2021 - 18:39

    Reply

  5. TravelAnna says:

    How exciting with all your castle tours! What a solid job you have done.

    Yes, I have been to Ericsberg Castle many times, as we had a croft nearby for 18 years. I have actually had a blog post lying in draft about this castle since last summer. Now I finished it and of course link to you! Hope you can make a return visit some day. The park is really amazing. Here is the post: https://www.newyorkmybite.com/ericsbergs-slott-ett-utflyktsmal-for-bade-stora-och-sma/

    At Yxtaholm I was at one of my sister's wedding party and at Rockelstad some guests slept over after my own wedding. (I got married in Helgesta church in the neighbourhood).

    08 April 2021 - 20:19

    Reply

  6. BP says:

    Many thanks for the castle tour. You must have rushed around a lot to get to so many castles in one day. Well done and fantastic pictures.

    Pretty funny with the old man who attacked you there. Very lucky that he didn't ask you to delete the pictures you took, but he was probably too old to "understand" I guess;-)

    08 April 2021 - 23:30

    Reply

    • Comment by post author

      Helena says:

      It may seem stressful, but it was quite calm actually. There are short distances, and at many castles we could just get out of the car and take pictures, and then it was to continue. So yes, this day there were many castles!

      09 April 2021 - 6:35

      Reply

  7. Lena+i+Wales+och+Spanien says:

    Great to see even more exciting castles.
    Many unknown to me.
    I have heard about Sparreholm, but I don't know why.
    However, Rockelsta is very familiar to me. I have mainly studied it during von Rosen's time in connection with the visit of his brother-in-law, the terrible Hermann Göring. It was through von Rosen and the visit to Rockelsta that he found his love Karin von Kantzow, who became his wife No. 1. I have also read a lot about Nazi-friendly nobility before and during the Second World War. Then this place is very current. Have not visited the castle itself, but the park.
    Thank you for interesting castle visits!

    09 April 2021 - 13:53

    Reply

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