15 Most Beautiful Castles in Sweden

Want to visit a Swedish castle? Here’s a list of the 15 most beautiful castles in Sweden that you should definitely visit at least once. You can also read more about the Swedish castles and see photos. 

The castles in Sweden has long had an important role in defending territories from intruders. Many of them are strategically places, often near the water or along a trade route. 

Furthermore, some Swedish castles were also built or rebuilt into residences for rich people and noble folks. In this article, I’m sharing my personal favorite castles in Sweden, that I think everyone should visit. 

Läckö castle

Läckö is open to the public and is beautifully located next to Vänern in Västergötland. It’s a grand castle in baroque style and a legacy from the Swedish Empire and its former glory period.

Trolleholm

Trolleholm is one of the most beautiful castles in Sweden, and it looks like it was taken straight out of a fairytale. The castle is located in Svalöv’s municipality and is used for conferences. 

By the end of the 1800s, Trolleholm was restored and rebuilt into early renaissance architecture. Unfortunately, it’s not open to the public, but it’s possible to see it from a distance.

Kronovalls vinslott

Kronovalls vinslott is another beautiful castle in Southern Sweden and it’s definitely worth a visit. The main building was completed in 1760 but was later rebuilt into French baroque style in the 1890s. 

The castle is located in the Tomelilla municipality and is the only wine castle in Sweden. There are thousands of bottles of sparkling wine from Sweden in the cellar. 

Kronovalls vinslott is also one of the Swedish castles that are said to be haunted. Many visitors have reported mystical shadows and voices in the long hall. 

Gripsholm castle

Gripsholm is a 16th-century castle which is open to the public. It’s beautifully located by the shores of Mälaren, just outside Mariefried.

Gripsholm is a grand castle with spectacular halls and beautiful interior. Furthermore, it’s also home to the oldest national portrait gallery in the world. In my opinion, it’s one of the best places to visit in Sweden.

Drottningholm castle

A list of castles in Sweden wouldn’t be complete without Drottningholm, which has been the royal family’s residence since 1981.

This is the main residence of the Swedish King and Queen, and it’s also one of the finest castle buildings from the glory days of the Swedish Empire. It’s a very well-preserved royal castle, and every year, some 700 000 visitors come here.

The majority of the castle area is open to the public. However, some parts are blocked since the royal family is living there.

Ericsberg

Ericsberg is a nobby baroque castle that is located just outside Katrineholm in Södermanland. Guided tours are offered in the garden, and the castle is open for conferences. 

Stora Sundby

Stora Sundby is a privately owned castle in the province of Södermanland. It’s open to the public and guided tours are offered where you get a closer look inside. 

The first defensive structure was built at this location already in the 13th century but was later replaces by a new fortress in the 1500s. In the 19th century, Stora Sundby got a new owner, who then rebuilt it into today’s romantic castle in knight style.

Örebro Castle

Örebro Castle is open to the public and has a long history to show its visitors. It was first mentioned in the 13th century, even though the architecture of the building today dates back to the 1800s. 

The castle is located on an islet in Svartån and has been host to many important meetings and parliaments throughout history. 

Kalmar Castle

Kalmar Castle is another historic castle in Sweden, and it was built already in the 12th century. Both Knut Eriksson and Magnus Ladulås have added sections during their regent periods. 

The castle is located on Slottsholmen next to Slottsfjärden and lies where a medieval port in Kalmar used to be. It was rebuilt during the 16th century by the Vasa-kings, who transformed it into renaissance style.

Kalmar Castle is open to the public and gives some pretty interesting insights into Swedish war history.

Tjolöholm

A couple of miles outside Gothenburg, one can visit the Tjolöholm castle, which is built in British style. It was built by the trader James Fredrik Dickson but is nowadays owned by Kungsbacka municipality.

Skokloster castle

Skokloster’s castle is located between Stockholm and Uppsala on the Sko peninsula. It’s a fantastic example of baroque castles in Sweden that were built by the end of the 17th century. 

Since 1967 it’s administrated by the government who started some major restorations that took 10 years to complete. In addition to the impressive architecture, there’s also a spectacular weapon collection and portrait gallery. 

In total there are some 50 000 objects. During the summer, visitors can also walk into the different halls that open up to the public. 

Teleborg

Teleborg is an impressive brick castle that was built by the end of the 19th century. It’s located in the Växjö municipality and today it’s used as a hotel, which means that you can stay here overnight. 

Vadstena Castle

Vadstena Castle is a legacy from the famous king Gustav Vasa. It was built to protect from attacks by the Danes and Småland. The castle was later rebuilt into a beautiful renaissance style and is currently open to the public.

Landskrona Citadel

In Landskrona, one can visit one of the best-preserved water fortresses from the 16th century. The Citadel was built by order from the Danish King Kristian III to defend the area. 

Landskrona Citadel has a well-preserved moat system that is 70 meters wide. From the 18th century to the 20th century, the fortress was used as a prison. However, today it’s open to visitors and it’s possible to do a guided tour.

Marsvinsholm

Marsvinsholm castle is located just outside Ystad and was built in the 1600s. The castle is built on stilts in a small lake where you can see beautiful reflections.

The castle area also has a theater called “Marsvinsholmsteatern” and since 2007, there’s also an annual sculpture exhibition in the park.

More information about Swedish castles

The castles in Sweden has been used as defensive structures, and some as royal residences as well. Many of them were built to protect certain areas that were vulnerable for outside attacks. 

The majority of the Swedish castles have been rebuilt or renovated throughout the years. When a castle has gotten a new owner, they have often added their own touch and style to it.

Despite that, there’s a wide range of well-preserved castles in Sweden that dates back to the great Swedish Empire. Most of them are open to public visitors, even though some are privately owned. 

Uppland, Södermanland, Småland, and Skåne are some of the provinces that are home to the largest number of Swedish castles and royal residences.

Other notable castles in Sweden

How many castles are there in Sweden?

Experts estimate that there are 224 castles in Sweden that are scattered across the country, mostly from Uppland and further down south. Furthermore, there are some castle ruins as well that are open to visitors. 

Which is the oldest castle in Sweden?

Linköping Castle is considered to be the oldest castle in Sweden with parts of its profane building dating back to the 12th century.

Are there any Swedish castles where you can stay overnight?

There are actually several castles in Sweden where visitors can stay overnight. Most of them are smaller castles, but nonetheless impressive.

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Which castles in Sweden would you like to visit? Leave a comment below!