Läckö Castle - De la Gardie's fairytale castle on Lake Vänern

With its spires and towers reflected in Lake Vänern, Läckö Castle feels almost like a castle in a storybook. In the 17th century, Magnus Gabriel De la Gardie designed the castle according to the baroque ideals of the time, and today visitors can travel back in time in their minds while strolling through the beautiful rooms.

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Läckö Castle

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Läckö Castle led a dormant existence. When De la Gardie was stripped of the castle in the late 17th century, due to the state withdrawing property it had previously distributed, the castle was leased to people who could not afford to maintain it.

Although it was sad that the castle fell into disrepair, in a way it was lucky that no one could afford to rebuild it. For this reason, it is now preserved in its 17th century form.

Läckö Castle is located on Kållandsö island at the southern end of Lake Vänern, just north of Lidköping.

Parking at the castle - and a bike ride

We arrived at Kållandsö in the evening, together with our friends Britt-Marie and Lars, and parked our caravans in the caravan park outside the castle. Here you pay 130 SEK / day, and then you also get access to toilets. As soon as we parked, we cycled down to Spiken's fishing harbour, which is less than 3 kilometres from the castle, if you take the cycle path. On the way, we found a tree that looked like it had been there for a while!

Spikens fishing harbour

Spiken's fishing harbour is a lake fishing harbour that is fantastically cosy in the summer. There are plenty of boats in the water here, and right next door there is a caravan park for motorhomes.

In the small red shacks on land you will find shops selling fresh and smoked fish, or perhaps local crafts, and restaurants serving fish by the pound.

We strolled along the small street and couldn't resist buying a smoked whitefish. Then we had an evening meal overlooking the water - prawn sandwich or hot smoked salmon with potato salad and a cold beer. What a fantastic evening!

The Viking ship Sigrid Storråda

The next day it was time to check out the castle, and we started by looking at the Viking ship Sigrid Storråda which is just outside. According to legend, Sigrid Storråda was a beautiful, rich and powerful woman who lived in Västergötland in the 900s. The story is controversial and somewhat unclear, but she is said to have been married to two of the most important kings of the Viking Age, Erik Segersäll and Sven Tveskägg, and was the mother of Olof Skötkonung and Knut the Great.

The Sigrid Storråda ship is based on the Gokstad ship from Norway and is one of the largest seagoing Viking ships in the world with a full passenger licence. In the summer it is possible to experience tours on the ship. More information can be obtained from the Tourist Office in Lidköping or the Victoriahuset Naturum at Läckö Castle. We were content to admire. Isn't she beautiful?

Visiting Läckö Castle

Then it was time to visit Läckö Castle! We arrived on a sunny day in July and there was a pretty long queue outside the ticket office, but it didn't take too long to get in. In the summer of 2020, all guided tours have been cancelled due to the pandemic and you can instead discover the castle on your own. However, there are guides in several of the rooms who are happy to tell you about the castle or answer questions.

The castle is stunningly beautiful on the outside, but you won't be disappointed when you discover it inside. On the contrary! The castle is large with courtyards, lots of rooms, a church, a cellar and even a garden.

Läckö castle - with ancient origins

Läckö Castle was built in 1298. At this time, the fastest way to travel was by water, so the location by Lake Vänern was good. By placing the castle on a headland, it was also easy to defend.

At the Reformation in 1527, Läckö ceased to be a bishop's castle and soon became the property of the De la Gardie family. It was in the 17th century, when Magnus Gabriel De la Gardie was lord of the castle, that it took on its current appearance.

De la Gardie was one of the richest men in the country (he owned nine other castles and thousands of farms) and had a number of prestigious titles, such as field marshal, count, councillor and knight. However, he was not as well-off as his wife, Princess Maria Euphrosyne of the Palatinate, which is why she has been depicted with a larger bust than his.

Treasury

There are lots of different rooms and exhibitions in the castle. In the Treasury, you can see old exclusive artefacts such as drinking vessels, porcelain and ornaments.

The penthouse at Läckö Castle

Perhaps the most interesting thing is to see the different rooms, especially the parade floor. Here you can see amazing ceiling paintings, decorations and furniture.

All the rooms are impressive, but when you enter the King's Hall, it's easy to lose your jaw and stand there gaping for a while. This was once the palace's main banqueting hall, and there are drinks bars and space for an orchestra. The ceiling and walls are decorated with the theme of Swedish successes during the 30 Years' War.

The life of servants

Not everyone at the castle lived in luxury, of course, and you can also learn about life as a servant. Running the castle required a large staff of people, such as butlers, bookkeepers, bakers, horse masters, housewives, farmhands, laundresses and soup girls.

The dungeons

However, being soupy was not the worst fate. By far the worst must have been ending up in the dungeons of the castle.

Castle church and garden

The castle also houses a castle church and a castle garden. The garden was originally laid out both for spiritual purposes and to grow crops in the shelter of the walls (the 17th century is known as the "little ice age"). In the early 1990s, the little garden was recreated, and is wonderfully green and lush.

Naturum Vänerskärgården - Victoriahuset

Right next to Läckö Castle is the Naturum Vänerskärgården - Victoriahuset. The centre serves as a starting point for the nature area Vänerskärgården, and here you can learn more about animals, nature and cultural history. There is also the restaurant Hvita Hjorten and overnight accommodation. We missed this place, but maybe it's still worth mentioning!

See more in the neighbourhood

In the neighbourhood of Läckö Castle you will find Lidköping, and also Mariestad with our 10 tips, Vänersborg with 5 experiences not to be missed and Trollhättan with 10 great attractions. If you like historical buildings, you can also visit Varnhem Abbey Church and Gudhem monastery ruin.

Gudhems klosterruin — Gudhem monastery ruin

göra i Västergötland — All our top tips for holidays in Västergötland.

Facts about Läckö Castle

Location: Kållandsö
Municipality: Lidköping municipality
County: Västergötland
Founded: 1298
Style: Baroque
Material: Limestone
Owners: State Property Agency
Read more: You can find more information at the castle's website

Opening hours and prices

Opening hours: In summer 2020 (13 June - 30 August) the castle is open daily 10:00 - 18:00. For opening hours during the rest of the year, see the castle's website.
Prices: Admission during high season (including garden and exhibitions) is 120 SEK for adults. Children and young people under 26 have free admission. In the low season, the ticket costs 8o SEK.
Payment: Läckö Castle is a cashless destination.

service and practical information

Food service: Restaurant Vita Hjorten (Naturum Vänerskärgården - Victoriahuset) and Café Stallet (by the beach).
Accommodation: Overnight stay at Naturum Vänerskärgården - Victoriahuset, Läckö castle campsite, Läckö guest harbour and parking space in the car park outside the castle.

Tours and activities

Views: In summer 2020, due to the current pandemic, guided tours will be cancelled and the castle will be shown in a different way. You can see the castle on your own, and there are guides in several of the rooms who can tell you about the castle.
Events: Concerts, family activities, exhibitions, walks, courses, opera, ghost night and more. See the castle's event calendar for more information.
Package: Packages with various activities such as golf, kayaking, opera and more.
Conference: Conference and meeting rooms in a historic setting and the possibility of various conference activities.

Finding Läckö Castle

Car: Läckö Castle is located just under 25 km north of Lidköping. Take road 44 to Lidköping and then turn north towards the castle.

READ MORE: Castles in Sweden - 30 very beautiful Swedish castles
READ MORE: Campsites and caravan parks in Västergötland
READ MORE: Things to do in Västergötland - sights and experiences
READ MORE: Holidays in Sweden - your guide to Sweden's best destinations

Helena

31 July 2020 6:00

Sweden

history, Motorhome holidays Sweden, attraction, castle-ruin-europe, castle-ruin-sweden, Västergötland

Helena

Administrator

26 Comments

Add yours →

Liniz Travel says:

Ni
Saw a bit more than we did.

Hugs

31 July 2020 - 8:36

Reply
- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Lots to see, and fantastically beautiful! 🙂
  
  01 August 2020 - 8:31
  
  Reply
- Elisabeth says:
  
  I have been to Läckö Castle on at least two occasions and then in connection with summer exhibitions. We played for a few days at Skara Sommarland with the children and then we had to fill up on culture at Läckö.
  
  02 August 2020 - 9:10
  
  Reply
Lena - good for the soul says:

We rented a cottage just over 20 years ago, when the children were small, near Läckö. We were there on a short visit. If I remember correctly, we never went in. Maybe because it was not open or maybe because the children were in the wrong mood or something. Looks worth returning to in any case.

Hug Lena

31 July 2020 - 8:47

Reply
- Anna / wheelhouse life says:
  
  We were there last year. Fantastic place! We then stood at the car park at Hörviken's marina on Kållandsö. There was a nice tap-room with a lot of exciting beer varieties and a bathing jetty right next door.
  
  31 July 2020 - 10:52
  
  Reply
  - Comment by post author
    
    Helena says:
    
    Anna, right? And it sounds super nice! 🙂
    
    01 August 2020 - 8:33
    
    Reply
- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Lena, I can imagine that it is nice to rent a cottage in the neighbourhood there! And then you have the castle left for another time. Definitely worth a visit! 🙂
  
  01 August 2020 - 8:32
  
  Reply
Mr Nils-Åke Hansson says:

LÄCKÖ SLOTT and Spiken are great destinations. Wow, there are so many good things to eat

31 July 2020 - 9:09

Reply
- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Indeed! It's just hard to choose among all the goodies 😉.
  
  01 August 2020 - 8:35
  
  Reply
bmlarstravellingblog says:

Läckö is just so beautiful and what a nice view we got in the evening!
We really need to make another visit inside the castle or maybe go to one of the opera performances in the courtyard which we hope will come back next year!

31 July 2020 - 10:13

Reply
- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Yes, fantastic how nice it was when we passed by in the evening! Opera in the courtyard sounds like a special experience!
  
  01 August 2020 - 8:35
  
  Reply
Ann-Louise Paulsson says:

Such a beautiful castle! We were supposed to go there the week after midsummer but plans changed and we went on holiday at home instead. Next summer, however, we must try to get there.

31 July 2020 - 12:56

Reply
- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Really fantastic! Hope you get away next summer!
  
  01 August 2020 - 8:37
  
  Reply
Daniela | Discovering The Planet says:

Oh what a beautiful place. And what beautiful pictures you have taken. Really encourages a visit :).

31 July 2020 - 19:04

Reply
- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Thank you Daniela! Yes, it really is a fantastically beautiful castle, and great environments!!!
  
  01 August 2020 - 8:38
  
  Reply
Matts Torebring says:

Spiken & Läckö Castle is one of our favourites. We have often enjoyed good food in the harbour.

31 July 2020 - 20:05

Reply
- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Understand that you come back here! Really nice! 🙂
  
  01 August 2020 - 8:38
  
  Reply
BP says:

The header image is outstanding, so incredibly good! Then I wonder if you met Gerd, because she is synchronised with you today:-)

31 July 2020 - 20:15

Reply
- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Thank you! We got a great view of the castle in the evening, with nice light! I saw that Gerd was here around the same time, but it wasn't the same day. (We're a few days behind in reporting now, so we're writing about what happened a few days ago.)
  
  01 August 2020 - 8:40
  
  Reply
Goatfish says:

Thank you, I could have signed this too. I am a regular customer at Läckö Castle and Spiken fishing village. Since many years. Everyone who visits us gets a guided tour through the castle, but this year they have opened up all floors for unguided tours - and it's absolutely wonderful!
I have eaten at Hvita Hjorten in Victoriahuset twice this year. There, the vegetables are taken from the castle garden.
I was here on Monday and thus not at the same time more you, sorry. https://gerd-geddfish.blogspot.com/2020/07/fem-en-fredag-doft-och-lukt-lacko-slott.html

31 July 2020 - 22:04

Reply
- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Would have been fun to meet! But yes, there were a few days in between ... What a fantastically beautiful castle you have up close!!!! 🙂
  
  01 August 2020 - 8:42
  
  Reply
Maria/ Magnolia Magis says:

So many nice pictures you got! What luck that it stopped raining! Spiken is also lovely! The café closest to the car park is our favourite. Young girl who bakes herself. So yummy!

31 July 2020 - 22:14

Reply
- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Yes, the weather actually got better later. Nice! We missed that café, sounds cosy!
  
  01 August 2020 - 8:44
  
  Reply
Maria/ Magnolia Magis says:

The brewed coffee on the nail!!!!!

31 July 2020 - 22:15

Reply
- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  🙂
  
  01 August 2020 - 8:44
  
  Reply
Across the board says:

Our first "long trip" with a motorhome was to Läckö on Ascension Day 2002. I guess it has evolved somewhat. At that time there were no parking spaces, for example
Maybe time for a return visit soon?

02 August 2020 - 19:54

Reply

Läckö Castle - De la Gardie's fairytale castle on Lake Vänern

Läckö Castle

Parking at the castle - and a bike ride

Spikens fishing harbour

The Viking ship Sigrid Storråda

Visiting Läckö Castle

Läckö castle - with ancient origins

Treasury

The penthouse at Läckö Castle

The life of servants

The dungeons

Castle church and garden

Naturum Vänerskärgården - Victoriahuset

See more in the neighbourhood

Facts about Läckö Castle

Opening hours and prices

service and practical information

Tours and activities

Finding Läckö Castle

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26 Comments

Liniz Travel says:

Helena says:

Elisabeth says:

Lena - good for the soul says:

Anna / wheelhouse life says:

Helena says:

Helena says:

Mr Nils-Åke Hansson says:

Helena says:

bmlarstravellingblog says:

Helena says:

Ann-Louise Paulsson says:

Helena says:

Daniela | Discovering The Planet says:

Helena says:

Matts Torebring says:

Helena says:

BP says:

Helena says:

Goatfish says:

Helena says:

Maria/ Magnolia Magis says:

Helena says:

Maria/ Magnolia Magis says:

Helena says:

Across the board says:

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