Castles in Sweden - 30 very beautiful Swedish castles

Castles in Sweden - there are plenty of them! In fact, there are around 220 Swedish castles, although the number depends on how you count. We've seen a large number of castles during our motorhome trips in the country, many of which are both stunningly beautiful and historically interesting.

Castles in Sweden

It's amazing that we have so many fantastic castles in Sweden that we can be proud of! Many Swedish castles are open to visitors and are shown during guided tours. Others serve as hotels and conference centres, while still others are private residences.

In this list we have gathered 30 very beautiful castles, most of which welcome visitors, while some have closed gates. Most, but a few exceptions, we have seen during our travels with the honeybee. Enjoy!

1. Norwegian castle - Sweden's smallest castle

Noor Castle is a wooden Carolingian castle in Uppland. While the castle is small and relatively unassuming, it makes the list for its charm and for the impressive baroque garden that seems to have once existed here.

In the 1680s, Noor Castle was taken by the crown during Charles XI's reduction, and a few years later the king sold the castle to his advisor Nils Gyldenstolpe. He had the castle rebuilt into a grand manor house in the Carolingian style.

However, the Baroque garden was the most magnificent, as the historical Suecia work testifies, even if the engravings in this work do not always fully correspond to reality.

Today, the castle serves as a party and conference facility, and you can also come here for a cosy castle weekend or to arrange a wedding.

2. Skokloster Castle - magnificent baroque castle on Lake Mälaren.

Skokloster Castle is the largest private palace ever built in Sweden. This castle is perhaps one of the country's most beautiful, even though it was never fully completed.

There was a monastery on the site as early as the 13th century, and the so-called 'Stone House' dates from this time. The castle that stands here today was built by Carl Gustaf Wrangel in 1654-1676. This was during the time of the Swedish Empire, and no expense was spared in the construction of the building.

After Wrangel's death, the castle passed to the Brahe family and was later inherited by the von Essen family. In 1967, the castle was purchased by the Swedish state, along with some 50,000 items of furniture.

Today Skokloster Castle serves as a state museum with a parade hall, large collections of artefacts, a castle park and a castle café.

3. Rosersberg Castle - home to the first Bernadotte family.

Roserberg Palace is one of the eleven royal palaces in Sweden and was home to Karl XIV Johan Bernadotte and his wife Desideria, the first Bernadottes.

Construction of Rosersberg Castle began in 1634 and was completed four years later. Since then, the castle has been expanded and modernised several times.

Charles XIV Johan and his wife Desideria were given the right of disposition and spent a lot of time at the castle. These were the last royals to live here, and after them it was as if time stood still. The rooms remain almost exactly as they were then.

The castle usually offers guided tours. Rosersberg Castle Hotel also runs hotels, conferences, parties, weddings and a castle café. In addition, there is both a castle park and a very nice English park.

4. Strömsholm Castle - The Queen's Castle near Västerås.

Strömsholm Palace is one of the eleven royal palaces in Sweden. Queens Hedvig Eleonora, Ulrika Eleonora the Younger and Sofia Magdalena played important roles here. For hundreds of years, it has also been a place for breeding, riding and competing with horses.

In the mid-16th century, Gustav Vasa built a castle where Strömsholm Castle stands today. In the 1660s, Hedvig Eleonora had the old building demolished to allow the architect Nicodemus Tessin the Elder to build a modern castle.

The interior was first decorated in the 1730s, under the direction of Ulrika Eleonora the Younger. When the Swedish heir to the throne Gustav (III) married Princess Sofia Magdalena of Denmark in 1766, the Riksdag gave her Strömsholm Castle as a wedding gift.

During the summer, guided tours of the castle's halls are usually organised. You can also stroll through the castle garden and enjoy a coffee at the castle café.

5. Bogesund Castle - with four castle towers

Bogesund Castle in Vaxholm is a beautiful 17th century castle in Roslagen. The castle is surrounded by the Bogesundslandet nature reserve and many different hiking trails.

Bogesund Castle was built in the 1640s on the initiative of Per Brahe the Younger and has since been remodelled several times. At that time, the building was a four-storey 'cube' without a tower. Between 1864 and 1867, the new owner, Nils Albrekt von Lantingshausen von Höpken, rebuilt the castle to its current appearance, with four towers in the medieval romantic style.

In 1954 the state redeemed the property due to neglect and the castle was renovated and became a listed building. Today, guided tours of the castle are organised, and you can also enjoy a coffee at the nearby Parkvillan café.

6. Stockholm Castle - Sweden's largest castle

The defence castle built on Stadsholmen in Stockholm in the mid-13th century (now Gamla Stan) is the site of the Royal Palace today. Birger Jarl, who founded Stockholm in 1252, recognised the potential of the location between Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea.

In 1521, Gustav Vasa expanded the defence castle and made it the country's most prestigious royal residence. In 1588, the castle began to be called "Three Crowns" when three gilded crowns were placed on the spire of the highest castle tower.

"Tre Kronor" burned down on 7 May 1697 when the then King Charles XII was regent. During this period there was the Great Northern War (1700-1721) which cost a lot of money. In 1718 Charles XII died in Fredikshald in Norway.

Nicodemus Tessin the Younger, who designed the new palace, based it on beautiful buildings in France, Italy and England. In 1754, Stockholm Palace was ready for occupation and King Adolf Fredrik and Queen Lovisa Fredrika moved in.

The Royal Palace used to be bright golden yellow but was repainted between 1898-1902. Stockholm Palace is one of the largest in Europe and receives around 900,000 visitors a year. The King of Sweden does not live in the palace but it is his workplace.

Stockholm Palace has 1,430 rooms, as well as banqueting and reception rooms such as the Hall of State, the Palace Church and the Treasury. The castle is 58,000 square metres, has 19,000 window panes, about 200 employees and has been guarded by the High Guard since 1523. The representation floor is open to the public as well as several museums.

7. Drottningholm Palace - a Unesco heritage site in Stockholm

Drottningholm Palace in Stockholm was built in the 17th century and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. The palace was built after French models by architect Nicodemus Tessin the Elder, on behalf of Queen Hedvig Eleonora.

The 17th century saw the creation of the beautiful Baroque garden, which is adorned with sculptures, avenues and fountains. In the mid-18th century, China Castle was built, and a little later in the same century the English Park was created.

Drottningholm Palace Theatre was built in 1766 for Queen Lovisa Ulrika, and is one of the world's best preserved theatres from this period. The theatre's heyday began shortly afterwards when Gustav III, the so-called Theatre King, took over the theatre.

The royal family moved into Drottningholm Palace in 1981, and the palace is now the permanent residence of the royal couple, but the palace and park are open to visitors all year round.

8. Tyresö Castle - with park and prince's villa

Tyresö Castle is beautifully situated by Kalvfjärden in Tyresö, just south of Stockholm. Here you will find the English park, Notholmen and also the prince's villa where Prince Eugen lived for eighteen summers and painted.

In the 1630s, Gabriel Oxenstierna inherited medieval Tyresö and built a castle and a church. In the 1770s, the owner at the time, Carl Fredrik Scheffer, had an English park laid out according to the European fashion of the time.

In 1892, the Tyresö estate was bought by Marquis Claes Lagergren, who, thanks to his wealthy wife, was able to restore the entire estate. The interior of the castle has changed a great deal over the years, but much remains from the 18th century onwards.

The castle has been owned and managed by the Nordic Museum since the 1930s. Today you can visit the interior of the castle, as well as parks and nature areas.

9. Örebro Castle - powerful castle in the centre of Örebro.

Örebro Castle is a magnificent castle with a history dating back to the Middle Ages. The castle rises mightily on an islet in the Svartån river, in the centre of the city.

Örebro Castle was built in the Middle Ages as a simple defence castle and prison, probably under the direction of King Magnus Eriksson. During the reign of Duke Karl (1599-1604), the castle was rebuilt into an impressive Renaissance castle with large towers.

Today the castle serves as the residence of the governor. Parts of the castle are also open to tourists and one of the towers houses Lill-Anna's castle café.

10. Stora Sundby Castle - fairytale castle on the banks of Lake Hjälmaren

The history of Stora Sundby Castle dates back to the 13th century, but at that time it was a simple defence structure located just next to the current building. In the 16th century, a new castle was built, Sundby Hus, which is the foundation of the castle you can see today.

Long owned by the Sparre family, the castle was taken over in the 19th century by Count Carl De Geer and his wife Ulrika. Ulrika was not very impressed with the castle and wanted a "romantic knight's castle", a wish that Count De Geer made sure to fulfil.

In 1848, after 16 years, the new castle was completed. Stora Sundby Castle now had four large towers symbolising the seasons, 12 smaller towers symbolising the months, 52 rooms symbolising the weeks of the year and 365 windows symbolising the days of the year.

In 1888 the Klingspor family took over the castle and since 1937 the family itself has lived here. The castle is private, but you are welcome to walk around the large park. On rare occasions, guided tours are organised.

11. Gripsholm Castle - royal castle by Lake Mälaren

Gripsholm Castle is named after Bo Jonsson Grip, who built the first castle on the site in the latter half of the 14th century.

The castle you see today was built in 1537, on the initiative of Gustav Vasa. The castle was to be part of the new defence system and at the same time serve as a representative residence for Mr Vasa.

The castle experienced a shiny new era in the 18th century, when Gustav III renovated it, including an impressive theatre.

Today, the castle is usually open for guided tours, including the Hall of State and Duke Karl's Chamber. You can also stroll around Gripsholm Castle Park.

12. Rockelstad Castle - inspired by Gripsholm

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. In 1889, the owner Karl Sylvan had the castle renovated and rebuilt. The front of the building is modelled on Gripsholm, which is not hard to imagine.

The estate is currently used for agriculture, forestry, conferences, kick-offs, parties and weddings. When the gate is open, you are welcome to stroll around the park.

13. Tullgarn Castle - in the footsteps of kings and tsars

Tullgarn Castle has been a royal pleasure palace since the 1770s when the state handed it over to Duke Adolf. In the summers he lived here with his mistress, the young ballet dancer Sophie Hagman.

The last royals to spend summers at Tullgarn Castle were King Gustaf V and Queen Victoria, in the early 1900s. In 1909, the castle was visited by Russia's last Tsar, Nicholas II and his family - the same family that was brutally executed by the Bolsheviks nine years later.

The return journey from a hunt at Tullgarn in September 1946 ended with Gustaf V's driver driving the entire hunting party into a ditch at Segeltorp, which was subsequently named Kungens kurva.

If you visit the castle in the summer months, you can take a guided tour inside the castle. There is also an inn right next to the castle.

14. Ericsberg's baroque castle in Katrineholm

Ericsberg Castle is perhaps one of Sweden's most beautiful baroque castles. In addition to the castle building itself, there is a castle park, an orangery and a labyrinth that is a copy of a world-famous labyrinth at Hampton Court outside London.

The site where Ericsberg now stands was called 'Pintorp' or 'Pinnatorp' in the 16th century. The farmhouse came to the Gyllenstierna family, who had a castle built. The castle was bought in 1733 by David Henrik Hildebrand and later bequeathed to the Bonde family, who still own the castle today.

It is said that the so-called Pintorpafrun haunts Ericsberg Castle. We are not sure who she was, but perhaps she was Eric Gyllenstierna's widow or wife, or Gabriel Oxenstierna's widow.

Ericsberg Castle is completely private, but the garden is usually open to visitors on weekdays.

15. Boo Castle with obelisk

Boo Castle is a beautiful terracotta-coloured palace reminiscent of a fairytale castle. The estate is now owned by the Hamilton family and mainly organises hunting and fishing.

In the 19th century, Carl Diedrik Hamilton built a park in honour of his first wife Anna Katarina Hamilton. The castle was built in 1874-1882 in the Gothic Revival style.

The park can be visited for a small fee which is paid by swish. There is also a restaurant next to the castle.

16. Finnspång castle - castle garden and mill environments

Finspång's mill was Sweden's largest cannon foundry for more than three centuries, and over time a magnificent castle was built here.

The mill was first operated in the 16th century on behalf of the Crown, then leased to the Dutchman Wellam De Wijk, and returned to the Crown in 1599. The castle building was built by Louis De Geer the younger and was completed in 1685. The wings were added in the 18th century.

In the palace garden there is an orangery from the 1830s, decorated with Italian-style paintings. The English park also features a temple from 1791, a gazebo from 1821 and a series of royal tablets commemorating various royal visits.

Visitors are welcome to stroll through the castle garden and the English Park. There is also a mill museum nearby.

17. Vadstena Castle - history on the shores of Lake Vättern

Vadstena Castle is a magnificent building in the historic town of Vadstena, beautifully situated on the banks of Lake Vättern.

The castle was built as a defence facility by King Gustav Vasa in the 16th century. During the reign of Johan III, the castle was transformed from a defensive fortress into a beautiful Renaissance palace.

For a fee, you can visit the interior of the castle, which is recommended. Here you can check out the wedding hall, the bedchamber and the castle church. Children can try to solve "Gustav Vasa's riddle".

18. Läckö Castle - De la Gardie's fairytale castle by Lake Vänern

Läckö Castle looks like something out of a storybook, reflected in Lake Vänern with its spires and towers. This 17th century castle, signed by Magnus Gabriel De la Gardie, is one of the country's most beautiful.

The bishop's castle of Läckö was built in 1298. At the Reformation in 1527, Läckö ceased to be a bishop's castle and became the property of the De la Gardie family. It was in the 17th century that the castle got its current appearance.

The castle also has a castle church and a castle garden, which was created both for spiritual purposes and for cultivation.

Läckö Castle is open to visitors and, under normal circumstances, guided tours are organised of the parade hall, the treasury and the dungeons.

19. Ekenäs Castle in Linköping - ghost castle with 7 ghosts

Ekenäs Castle is a beautiful fairytale castle located just outside Linköping. This castle offers interesting history, and here you can also meet no less than seven ghosts.

In the 16th century, a stone house, known as a kastal, was built on the site where the castle stands today. This was the home of the Stureätten, among others, before the castle became the property of the Banér family. In the 17th century, Peder Banér built the castle we see today.

Several of the owners died unnaturally. Svante Sture the younger was killed by the king in 1567 during the so-called 'Sture murders'. Gustav Banér lost his life in the Linköping bloodbath in 1600.

According to some stories, there are no less than seven ghosts in the castle: The Elf in the Hole, the Henchman, the Snufkin, the White Lady, Countess Klingspor, the Weeping Lady and the little girl Hedda. If you visit the castle during the summer season, you can see it during a guided tour.

20. Tjolöholms Slott in Kungsbacka - powerful fairytale castle

Tjolöholm Castle is a magnificent and impressive building, with sumptuous architecture and exciting technical amenities from the early 20th century.

In 1892, the Tjolöholm estate was bought by the Swedish-British couple James Fredrik and Blanche Dickson. They built a grand fairytale castle with the help of architect Lars Israel Wahlman, who drew inspiration from Britain and the Arts & Crafts movement.

Tjolöholm Castle is open to the public, and in addition to the castle buildings themselves, you can see the beautiful gardens and the fine vernacular village.

21. Stävlö Castle - a private baroque castle

Stävlö Castle is one of the most special buildings of the 19th century, designed and built by the developer Carl Otto Posse, with the Posse family's coat of arms as a pattern. The castle is four storeys high in the centre and slopes downwards on the sides. There is a romantic park next to the castle.

The castle, owned by the Johansson family, is completely private and cannot be visited. It is not even possible to walk in the vicinity, as the land is private. You may be able to glimpse the castle from the lake side if you pass by boat.

22. Kalmar Castle - 800 years of history

Kalmar Castle is a mighty edifice that feels both historic and fairytale-like as it stands on the waterfront with its walls and towers. 

The history of Kalmar Castle began at the end of the 12th century when a so-called kastal, or defence tower, was built here. At the end of the 13th century, Magnus Ladulås built a ring wall around the tower.

The border with enemy Denmark was only a few miles to the south, and the castle was upgraded to become Sweden's most modern fortress. In 1397, the castle was also at the centre of the formation of the Kalmar Union.

In the 16th century, when Gustav Vasa was king, the Kalmar Union came to an end. During this century, the castle was remodelled into a beautiful Renaissance palace, with round corner towers and beautifully decorated halls.

Kalmar Castle is usually open to visitors most of the year. You can see the inside of the rooms and during the high season the "VasaLeken" is open, with activities for children.

23. Gunnebo Castle - with beautiful gardens

Gunnebo Castle and Gardens has been a cultural reserve since 2003. Here you are greeted by a beautiful castle building and fine gardens.

Gunnebo Castle and Gardens was built in the 18th century as a summer resort for the successful merchant John Hall and his family. The castle and gardens were designed by Gothenburg city architect Carl Wilhelm Carlberg, inspired by the luxurious Italian villas of the time.

After several changes of ownership, the castle is now owned by the municipality of Mölndal. Guided tours are organised from time to time in the castle. You are also welcome to visit the gardens and perhaps eat or have coffee at the small restaurant in the area.

24. Sofiero Castle - with royal history

Sofiero Castle and Castle Garden in Helsingborg offers a fantastic environment with intense greenery, magnificent flower beds and a fabulous castle.

Sofiero Palace was built in 1865 for the then Prince Oscar, later Oscar II, and Princess Sofia of Nassau. In 1905, the castle was given as a wedding gift to their grandson Gustav Adolf and his wife, the English Princess Margaret.

When Gustaf Adolf died in 1973, he donated Sofiero to the City of Helsingborg, and the castle and gardens opened to the public shortly afterwards. The garden can be visited all year round, while the castle and exhibitions are open during the high season.

25. Trolleholm Castle - with tower and moat

The Scanian town of Svalöv has had a castle since the Middle Ages, and the current castle was built in the 1760s. It gained its current fairytale appearance at the end of the 19th century, when it was renovated in the Renaissance style.

Trolleholm Castle is completely private, so the public is generally not allowed beyond the gate. However, it is possible for companies to become members, and then organise conferences at the castle.

26. Teleborg Castle - a morning gift

Teleborg Castle is a beautiful fairytale castle from the late 19th century, which today serves as a hotel and restaurant.

It was Count Fredrik Bonde of Björnö who had Teleborg Castle built. The castle was a morning gift to his young wife Anna Koskull, and was completed in 1900.

At the castle, lunch is usually served in the beautiful rooms. You can also book into the hotel for a castle weekend, for example.

27. Landskrona castle - citadel and prison

Landskrona castle, or Landskrona citadel as it is also known, is a well-preserved fortress surrounded by double moats. 

The Citadel is one of the best-preserved 16th century water fortresses in the Nordic region. The castle has also served as a prison. For example, it housed the famous angel maker Hilda Nilsson, who was convicted in 1917 of seven murders of children and one manslaughter.

Landskrona citadel is shown during guided tours, which is very interesting. On your own, you can also stroll in the area around the moats.

28. Kronovall Castle - a beautiful wine castle in Skåne

Kronovall Castle is a beautiful baroque castle in Österlen, Skåne. Today the castle is described as a wine castle, as the business has a strong focus on wine.

Kronovall Castle has had many different owners over the years, but since the end of the 19th century it has been owned by the Sparre family. It was Count Carl Gustaf Sparre of Sövdeborg who had the castle rebuilt to give it the appearance it has today.

Today the castle is owned by a foundation, and Åkesson vin AB leases the castle as a wine castle. Part of the castle still serves as a residence for members of the Sparre family. You can walk around the baroque park and the English garden. It also organises activities such as wine tasting, summer parties and castle weekends with wine packages.

29. Hjularöd Castle - with a knight's touch

Hjularöd castle is a privately owned castle in Skåne, known from the 1996 and 2012 Christmas calendar Mysteriet på Greveholm. The estate has a history dating back to at least the 14th century, and its current medieval-romantic appearance was created between 1894-1897.

The estate is used for agriculture and nature and wildlife conservation. The castle is completely closed to the public and no private tours are given. The public can walk in the castle park, but are asked not to come closer than 100 metres from the moat.

30. Malmöhus Castle

Malmöhus, or Malmöhus Castle, is a castle with medieval origins on Slottsholmen in Malmö. The building was originally constructed between 1526 and 1539, making it the oldest surviving Renaissance castle in the Nordic region.

Malmöhus originally consisted of a simple castle, strategically located to control the Öresund. The building then served as a Danish castle, before becoming Swedish in 1658. From the 19th century until 1914, the building served as a prison. Today, you can learn about the castle through guided tours and exhibitions at Malmö Museums.

All royal palaces in Sweden

There are a total of 11 royal palaces in Sweden.

• Drottningholm Castle 1662-1699: Baroque castle on Lövön in Uppland, Sweden.
• Gripsholm Castle 1537-1545: Renaissance castle in Mariefred, Södermanland.
• Gustav III's pavilion 1787-1792: Gustavian in Hagaparken, Stockholm.
• Haga Castle 1802-1805: Hagaparken, Stockholm.
• China Castle 1763-1769: Chinaman at Lövön in Uppland, Sweden.
• Stockholm Castle 1697-1754: Baroque in the old town, Stockholm
• Rosendal Castle 1823-1827: Empire on Djurgården in Stockholm.
• Rosersberg Castle 1634-1638: Baroque in Rosersberg, Uppland.
• Strömsholm Castle 1669: Baroque in Strömsholm, Västmanland.
• Tullgarn Castle 1719-1727: Hölö parish in Södermanland.
• Ulriksdal Castle 1643-1645: Ullriksdal in Uppland.

More beautiful castles in Sweden?

Which of these castles have you visited? Have we forgotten any beautiful castles in Sweden? Please write in the comments section!