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02 April 2021 / 18 Comments

Gripsholm Castle - a royal castle on Lake Mälaren

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Gripsholm Castle is a magnificent and regal castle by Lake Mälaren. The rooms are still here from the time of the Vasa kings and there is also one of Europe's most well-preserved 18th century theatres. In addition, the surroundings are really nice.

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Gripsholm Castle

A few years ago we stood with the motorhome in the Mariefred and looked towards Gripsholm Castle, and Peter has also flown his drone here, but we have never checked out the castle. properly. Now that we are on "castle trip" with the motorhome it was a good time to take a closer look at this magnificent building, even though the pandemic means that the interior of the castle is currently out of bounds.

Gripsholms slott från ovan
Drone photo from a previous occasion

Gripsholm Castle is located on Lake Mälaren, just outside Mariefred, in the municipality of Strängnäs in Södermanland.

Gustav Vasa's magnificent building

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 also serve as a representative residence for Mr Vasa. And what a magnificent building it is!

The castle experienced a new shimmering era in the 18th century, when Gustav III spruced it up, including an impressive theatre. In the 19th century, during the nationalist era, the castle began to be seen as a national symbol, and during this time historical furniture and artworks were brought to Gripsholm from other royal castles. The 19th century also saw a controversial restoration of the castle, which critics said made the castle look even older.

Runestone at Gripsholm Castle

The first thing we saw when we approached Gripsholm Castle was a rune stone. According to the signs next to it, the inscription reads:

Tola had this stone erected after his son Harald, Ingvar's brother. They travelled far and wide for gold and eastward the eagle gave food, they died southward in Särkland.

The stone is apparently from the mid-11th century and 'feeding the eagle' is a poetic way of saying to kill the enemy. The text is about a Viking raid to the Caspian Sea region, which ended in a major defeat.

Runsten vid Gripsholms slott

Visiting Gripsholm Castle

So, then it was time to go "into" Gripsholm Castle. Or well, because of the pandemic, we could not see the castle inside, but we could at least walk around the inner courtyards.

Att besöka Gripsholms slott
Gripsholms slott

Here we were able to look at two beautiful and very imaginative cannons. The cannons are called Galten and Sugga, and have been at Gripsholm Castle since 1623. One of them was taken as a spoil of war at the Narva The second was seized by Evert Horn at Ivangorod in 1612.

Gripsholms slott - Suggan och Galten
Gripsholms slott - Suggan och Galten
Gripsholms slott - Suggan och Galten

We also took a look at the inner courtyard, which is very beautiful. Here we talked to a woman who works at the castle and hoped that it could be open again "in two months or so".

Gripsholms slott
Gripsholms slott - innergård
Gripsholms slott - innergård

What does it look like inside the castle?

Normally you can take a guided tour to see the halls and rooms of Gripsholm Castle, but currently the castle is closed due to the pandemic. We would love to come here at some other time to also see the amazing interiors.

For example, you can see the Great Hall of the Realm, which is decorated with a painted ceiling and a full-length portrait of Gustav Vasa and contemporary European rulers. You can also see Duke Karl's Chamber, which is one of the country's most well-preserved interiors from the 16th century. We've borrowed press photos from the Royal Courts of Justice to give you a sneak peek.

Duke Karl's Chamber, Gripsholm Castle. Photo: Kate Gabor. Copyright Royal Courts of Justice

The room we would most like to see is the exclusive palace theatre built by Gustav III in one of the palace's towers at the end of the 18th century. This is apparently one of the most well-preserved 18th century theatres in Europe. Another attraction that we missed was the Swedish state's portrait collection, which contains portraits of famous Swedes from Gustav Vasa's time until today.

The theatre, Gripsholm Castle. Photo: Alexis Daflos. Copyright Royal Courts of Justice

Gripsholm Castle Park

Although the interior of the castle is currently closed, you can stroll around the beautiful surroundings. Gripsholm Castle Park is a beautiful park with a long history. As early as the 16th century, an herb garden and a gazebo were built here, and since then the park has changed shape every century, based on prevailing ideals. Today there are beautiful plantings, trees, statues and a greenhouse where the flowers needed to decorate the castle are grown.

There are also plenty of signs where you can read about various events in the castle's history. For example, how about this story?

Gustav Vasa's eldest son Erik XIV was king from 1560 to 1568. Feeling persecuted by his half-brother Johan (III), he imprisoned him in a room in the Theatre Tower. His wife Katarina Jagellonica was also locked up and during her imprisonment Elizabeth was born in 1564 and Sigismund (III) in 1566. When Erik released the family after six years, Johan locked Erik in the Theatre Tower and the feud continued.

Gripsholms slott - slottsparken

In Gripsholm Castle Park you will also find Kärleksholmen. This part of the park was created at the end of the 19th century and when Gripsholm celebrated its 400th anniversary in 1937, a stone wall was built around the island.

Kärleksö vid Gripsholms slott

Ruin of Kärnbo parish church

Right next to Gripsholm Castle is a ruin of Kärnbo parish church. I (Helena) had a digital work meeting that I needed to complete in the motorhome, and since it is Peter who is most fond of ruins, he went and discovered the ruin on his own.

The church was built at the end of the 12th century and expanded in the 16th century. When Mariefred's church was completed in 1624, Kärnbo church was abandoned and left to decay. There is a museum railway at Gripsholm, and don't forget Gripsholm's deer garden and English park with several hundred fallow deer.

More to see in the neighbourhood

Right next to Gripsholm Castle is picturesque Mariefred. It is also not so far to Strängnäs with its beautiful harbour, charming red-light district and impressive cathedral. Of course, we can also recommend nice "cookie castle" in Taxingewhich we recently visited.

Alla våra bästa tips om Södermanland
All our best tips about Södermanland. Click on the image!

Have you visited Gripsholm Castle?

Have you visited Gripsholm Castle? Have you perhaps also seen the interior of the castle? How was your experience?

Facts about Gripsholm Castle

  • Country: Sweden
  • County: Södermanland
  • Municipality: Strängnäs
  • Creator: Henrik von Cöllen, Fredrik Nussdorfer
  • Style: Renaissance
  • Material: tile
  • Established: 1537
  • Owners: States
  • Trustee: State Property Agency
  • Read more: You can find more information on the The Royal Palace website

Services and practical information

The following information applies when the castle is open. Visit the castle's website for updated information.

  • For families with children: Special prams adapted for the castle can be borrowed. Bring your pram and park it at the entrance.
  • Storage: There is a cloakroom at the castle entrance. Larger bags must be handed in during the visit.
  • Rules: Mobile phone ringtones must be switched off during visits. Photography for private use is allowed, but no flash, tripod, selfie stick or drone may be used.
  • Toilets: Available in the courtyard (open during castle opening hours and for booked tours) and in the car park (open during the day, in summer).
  • Parking: Available at the entrance to the castle (no charge).
  • Food service: 
  • Shop: Slottsboden sells delicacies, gifts

Tours and activities

  • Views: Under normal circumstances, guided tours of the castle are organised.
  • Activities for children: Guided tours for children aged 6-10, self-guided fashion safaris, holiday activities and more.
  • Guided tours for groups: Themed tours can normally be booked for larger groups.

Accessibility

  • Accessibility in the castle: The castle has many stairs and no lift/ramp.
  • Companion/assistant: Free entry for companions/assistants.
  • Assistance dog: Assistance/guide dogs are welcome.
  • Toilets: Accessible toilets are available in the car park and in the courtyard (open during castle opening hours).
  • Parking: A car park for people with disabilities is located on the right before the drawbridge, at the end of the Orangery.

The history of Gripsholm Castle

  • 14th century: Bo Jonsson Grip built the first castle, and it is after him that the castle is named.
  • The Middle Ages: The castle was donated to a courtesan monastery (a Roman Catholic order) called Pax Marie (which gave Mariefred its name).
  • 1537: The monastery was withdrawn to the state during the Reformation, and the new castle began to be built on the initiative of Gustav Vasa, under the direction of master builder Henrik von Köllen.
  • The time of the Great Power: Gripsholm Castle was used as a widow's residence by Queens Maria Eleonora and Hedvig Eleonora.
  • 18th century: During the reign of Gustav III, the exclusive castle theatre was set up in one of the castle's towers.
  • 19th century: The castle began to be seen as a national monument and historic furniture and artefacts were brought in from other royal castles. At the end of the century, the castle underwent a controversial restoration.
All our top tips about Sweden! Click on the image

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Taxinge slottTaxinge castle - cookie castle in a beautiful location by Lake Mälaren Mälsåker slott i Strängnäs kommun4 Castles in Strängnäs - and a fortress Stora Sundby slottStora Sundby Castle - fairytale castle on the banks of Lake Hjälmaren Julita gårdJulita farm - mansion and open-air museum NyköpingshusNyköpingshus - the site of Nyköping's guest house. Nynäs slottNynäs castle and nature reserve in Nyköping

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02 April 2021 6:00
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11 Comments

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  1. Matts Torebring says:

    I usually think when I see Lommaryd church or Solberga church, just a few kilometres from the village where we live. There must have been incredible architects, ever since King Solomon's time in 930 BC, when he built the temple. Calculating the foundation, making it strong enough, how could you get all the stone blocks up into spires and towers? I have never seen bigger cracks in old buildings because of a bad foundation.
    We made our unforgettable "castle trip" in France when we discovered all of the 46 Les Castel castle campsites, this was the first one, https://www.camping-loire.com.
    The fascinating thing there was that we stayed in the huge castle parks. These are castle trips I can't wait to get back to. Good luck & Happy Easter journey.

    02 April 2021 - 8:12

    Reply

    • Comment by post author

      Helena says:

      I can only agree! Isn't it fascinating how they managed to create these masterpieces in the past, without the technology we have today. The castle campsites you experienced in France seem fantastic! Wishing you a really nice Easter!!!

      02 April 2021 - 18:02

      Reply

  2. Anta Snaque says:

    In the 1950s, my parents and I drove around southern and central Sweden every summer. These were long journeys from our home in Norrbotten. I still remember with pleasure when we visited Gripsholm Castle and how beautiful I thought the theatre there was. Rows of red velvet benches and incredibly magnificent decor. It was truly a feast for the eyes. I had a hard time leaving that fancy theatre, I would have preferred to live there. I also remember how the floor in one tower was worn by Erik XIV's footsteps when he was a prisoner there... These are my two strongest memories of Gripsholm Castle. Many thanks for the nostalgia trip! 🙂
    Happy Easter to you!

    02 April 2021 - 18:24

    Reply

    • Comment by post author

      Helena says:

      What a nice memory! Great to hear about your experience at Gripsholm Castle! (We also did some car journeys in Sweden when I was a child, which I also have some memories of :)). Wishing you a nice Easter!

      03 April 2021 - 7:13

      Reply

  3. BP says:

    I have also visited that castle many, many years ago. We also settled for an "ocular inspection" of the exterior. It is often the case that we make such excursions during the summer and then it is not so fun to walk around in castles indoors. At least we think so.

    02 April 2021 - 19:37

    Reply

    • Monica says:

      It was castle number two, so interesting with history and we must be happy that we travelled around so much in the past, who could imagine that a pandemic would close almost everything interesting. The inside is very interesting to experience. Here it was always then a trip to Mariefred and there you can stroll now with a little free but I have always preferred Sigtuna even if no one understands it:-).

      02 April 2021 - 23:36

      Reply

      • Comment by post author

        Helena says:

        No, who knew? For now, we're happy that we can still travel around and see a lot, even if we have to settle for the exteriors. Maybe we'll get to see the inside of the castle another time!

        03 April 2021 - 7:17

        Reply

    • Comment by post author

      Helena says:

      BP, Although if it's really hot, it can sometimes be nice to get into cool old stone houses 🙂 (On the other hand, it may not often be really hot in Sweden).

      03 April 2021 - 7:14

      Reply

  4. Lena+in+Wales+and+Spain says:

    Visited Gripsholm about 3-4 years ago and went on a guided tour. very interesting.

    03 April 2021 - 14:25

    Reply

  5. Maria's Memoirs says:

    What an exciting castle! Would be fun to go on a guided tour there sometime 🙂 .

    03 April 2021 - 19:01

    Reply

  6. Lena - good for the soul says:

    Gripsholm Castle can be recommended. Very nice visit, and it is so beautiful.

    Can also recommend a lunch or coffee at the castle pavilion next door.

    And of course the Gripsholm Inn, from the 17th century, across the water. Really charming environment and great food. In summer they have a nice bar in the garden with a view of the castle. You can also spend the night there. I remember an interview with the owner of the inn a year ago. He looked sad and despondent about what the pandemic had caused. It hadn't been quiet in the inn for four hundred years, but now the premises were dead...

    Hug Lena

    05 April 2021 - 8:35

    Reply

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