Steninge slott i Uppland - Tant Anna och sockerdricksträden

Guest writer: Anna Nilsson Spets

For me, a visit to Sweden is full of activities, so we headed for Märstatrakten; me, daughter Emma and granddaughter Alice.

Steninge castle and its surroundings is a day trip suitable for all ages, we started with Stenladan, an oasis for design-minded shoppers with a little more money. The barn from the late 19th century has been carefully renovated into a mall with everything from household goods, sweets and clothes.

In one part is the restaurant Steninge bruk with a wide range, we had a good lunch that felt freshly prepared and cake for dessert. Would probably advise that you reserve for larger groups or on weekends.

The day before Midsummer's Eve is scorching hot, the midsummer pole is sagging in the heat and everything feels dusty in the playground with its little old-style stations. Alice offers pretend ice cream, it doesn't melt in the heat. The grass is yellow and burnt and the sheet metal in the slide burns your bum.

The castle itself with its two wings is beautifully situated by Lake Mälaren, we walk through the special Sphinx Avenue dated 1703.

Ancient lime trees line the gravel paths, they must be sugar drink trees, says the granddaughter, soon to be 6 years old. We look for Pippi's sugar drinks but have to settle for the water we brought with us.

The Swedish royal family and nobility have stayed here for decades; Gustav III hung out here with his actor friends.

Unfortunately you cannot visit the beautiful 17th century castle, it is privately owned, but the park around it offers peace and quiet and perhaps a packed lunch. An ancient castle is located on a hill southwest of the castle with a breathtaking view of the water.

Every hour and a half, the bell in the 1690 bell tower chimes.

Well, I didn't go to Steninge Castle to stalk Carola Häggkvist, but the busload of Germans who faithfully hung around the singer's entrance did. They were disappointed because the star has moved to Tjockhult.

Getting to Steninge Castle

Steninge, with its relatively new castle village and associated marina, is close to Märsta and Sigtuna.

By car from Stockholm: E4 motorway towards Arlanda, exit Sigtuna.
By car from Uppsala: E4 motorway towards Stockholm, after Arlanda exit towards Sigtuna.
Commuter trains: To Märsta station, then bus 584

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Anna Nilsson Spets

60+ year old lady with a lifelong love for Africa. Emigrated to Flanders in Belgium and works with plants on a daily basis. Writes, takes photos and tries to inspire others to budget travel on their own. Blogs on "Anna's mix" about travelling, work, plants, writing and much more.