MINIGUIDE: 5 beautiful castles in Linköping
– Baroque, renaissance & saga-like stories, be transported back in time
Are you interested in castles and stately homes? Take a trip to some of the many castles around Linköping for a musical experience, an exhibition or to soar on the wings of history.
Linköping Castle
Linköping Castle is Sweden’s oldest secular building, originally built as the residence of the Bishop, and where some parts date from the 1100´s. Since 1785, the castle is the residence of the County Governor of Östergötland. In the castle´s north wing the visitor will find the Castle and Cathedral Museum depicting the bishop’s residence that later became a royal palace, including the Vasa room and the treasury.
Allow yourself time to visit Linköping Cathedral which is next door to Linköping Castle.
Sturefors Castle
You can only see Sturefors Castle from the outside, but is worth a visit for the charming English park with a magnificent mirror pond, created in the 1700s. The castle is by the Sturefors Nature Reserve in the heart of oak landscape characterised by open pastures, oak meadows and deciduous trees in historic farming country.
There are also several beautiful locks to be seen in the area. Visit Stafsäter’s estate 10 km southwest of the castle, where they make and sell their own ice-cream.
Ekenäs Castle
Ekenäs Castle is Sweden´s best preserved Renaissance castle, built in the 1600´s. Join a guided tour for a journey back in history to the time when Sweden was a great power; see furnishings and everyday appliances and listen to the stories of how life was 350 years ago.
Throughout the year various activities are held at the castle including concerts, ghost walks, Christmas markets and the annual jousting tournament with knights, medieval market and jesters. Not far from Ekenäs Castle is Sjöberga. This is an Icelandic horse farm, perfect for a horse ride in the surrounding countryside.
Bjärka-Säby Castle
In the middle of an outstandingly beautiful oak landscape, about 20km south of Linköping, lies Nya Slottet Bjärka-Säby which was constructed in 1791. The castle offers beautiful interiors dating from the 1700s to today, and is surrounded by lovely park/green pastures. Many come here for study, talks or as a retreat. Nya Slottet is open all year round and during the summer months guided history tours are available.
In Slottscaféet (the castle café) enjoy organic, locally produced, freshly harvested and freshly baked. Overnight accommodation is sometimes possible at Bjärka-Säby castle.
Ljung Castle
Visit the Manor which is regarded as one of the most important architectural monuments of the Gustavian era where it is alleged that Axel von Fersen the Younger had a secret romance with Queen Marie Antoinette.
Visitors are welcome to take part in a guided tour for a trip back in time to when the von Fersen family lived their exciting and dramatic lives in the Manor. A detour to the farm shop on Brunneby Musteri in the vicinity of the Manor is also recommended!
