Located in the midst of a picturesque town by Lake Mälaren, Gripsholm Castle is the prime representation of Renaissance architecture in Sweden. From its detailed interior furnishing to its natural scenic beauty, this castle in Sweden is worthy of the appreciation and attention it gets from thousands of tourists.
If you are planning your trip to Gripsholm Castle this year or are simply interested in learning about the history of the castle, you are in the right place. In this article, we will take you on a detailed tour of the historical significance of the castle to the tips and tricks that you need to know before visiting Gripsholm Castle.
Table of Contents
Gripsholm Castle enjoyed its glory as being the epicenter of social festivities, including the lavish parties, balls, and theatrical plays held at the castle through the nineteenth century.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Gripsholm Castle Located?
Gripsholm Castle is located in Mariefred, Sweden.
When was Gripsholm Castle Built? Who Build It?
The castle of Gripsholm was built in 1537 by King Gustav Vasa.
When is The Best Time to Visit the Castle?
Mid-spring to late summer is the best timeframe to visit Gripsholm Castle to witness the natural beauty of the lush green gardens in full bloom, along with enjoying the warm summer breeze during your tour.
What Other Monuments are Located Nearby?
Some other famous historical monuments that you can visit while in the area include Tullgarn Palace, Ulriksdal Palace, Rosersberg Palace, and Stromsholm Palace.
FOR HISTORY | BEAUTIFUL IMAGES | INTERESTING FACTS | TRAVEL TIPS
Early History
From Fortress to a Palace (14th– 16th Century)
Known as one of the finest historical castles preserved in Sweden, the castle was originally built as a fortress around the 14th century. The fortress belonged to Bo Jonsson and his family until it was confiscated by King Gustav I around 1526. The fortress was torn down by King Gustav, and a fortified castle was built in its place in the Renaissance architectural style.
Conversion of the Palace into a Royal Residence (16th-18th century)
Gripsholm Fortress was converted into a palace within the same century. The Royal family moved into the palace around the late 1570s, and it remained a royal residence until 1713. During that time period, the castle also served as a royal prison for King Eric XIV’s brother and later as a prison for King Eric himself when he was overthrown by King John. Later, King Gustav III added some renovations to the castle, including a theatre in one of the castle’s towers, and converted it into his residence.
Restoration of Gripsholm Castle in the 19th century
By the end of the nineteenth century, modernization of the castle began under the supervision of the Gripsholm Association, which was established in 1889. The castle underwent some major reconstructions under the supervision of the architect Fredrik Liljekvist, the changes are known as a rather controversial renovation. The architect removed major portions of the existing Gripsholm Palace in an attempt to restore the original Renaissance glamor of the castle. In addition to major structural renovations, an additional 3rd floor was also added to the palace.
Revisit More Historic Places Below or Read Further
Current Times
At present, only the front façade of the original walls remains. The castle no longer serves as a royal residence. Instead, it functions as a museum, housing various collections of period furnishings, handicrafts, as well as prized items that serve as a remnant of the castle’s glory days. The museum, which is open for the public to visit, also houses a collection of paintings and artworks from the Renaissance era. The portrait collection displayed in the castle’s museum, the National Collection of Portraits, is the world’s oldest portrait collection.
Interesting Gripsholm Castle Facts
- King Gustav III originally intended to renovate Gripsholm into a neo-classical wonder, ultimately that did not come to reality.
- Gripsholm Castle enjoyed its glory as being the epicenter of social festivities, including the lavish parties, balls, and theatrical plays held at the castle through the nineteenth century.
- Interestingly, the castle’s museum has a stuffed lion displayed as a part of the castle’s major collection. Despite the absurdly dysmorphic shape of the stuffed lion, it has added to the popularity of the castle.
Visiting Gripsholm Castle – Tips and Tricks
By this point, we are sure that Gripsholm Castle has caught your interest. If you are unaware of how you can get to the castle or how much the ticketing fee costs, we are here to ease that trouble for you. Below are ticket pricing for the visiting hours, in addition to some tips and tricks that might come in handy while visiting the castle.
How to get to Gripsholm Castle?
Getting to Gripsholm Castle from the capital of Sweden, Stockholm, takes about 38 minutes via hourly train. Train routes 929, 937, or 919 from Stockholm Central Station are the easiest ways to reach Laggesta Station. From there, you can take a bus to Gripsholm Castle for under 18-20 Swedish Krona ($2- 4 USD).
Ticket Prices, Visiting Hours & Travel Tips
Information was checked & updated on November 1, 2023.
The castle is open to the public every day of the year from 10 am till 4 pm. The busiest visiting hours are from 10 am to 12 pm. If you wish to visit the castle outside the crowded hours, it’s best to visit in the afternoon.
Visiting the castle ground is free of cost. Touring the castle’s interior hallways and museum costs a fee of SEK 30 ($3 USD). In addition, guided tours are also available, which can cost an additional SEK 30 ($3 USD). The tour is free for children under 18 years of age.
Under the supervision of 45-minute guided tours, you can visit the castle’s corridors, inner chambers, and rooms in addition to learning about the history and significance of the artifacts displayed in the castle’s museum.
While visiting Gripsholm Castle, make sure to remember that limited slots for guided tours are available every day. Since there is no pre-booking option available, it’s best to arrive at the castle during the early opening hours to secure your spot.
How Long Will It Take to Tour Around?
It can take about two hours to complete a full tour of Gripsholm Castle.
Up to Date Information
For up to date ticket prices and visiting hours visit the official website: https://www.kungligaslotten.se/vara-besoksmal/gripsholms-slott.html
Some words of advice and tips:
- There are no cafés or restaurants available within the castle, so make sure to pack your snacks with you beforehand.
- Wear comfortable shoe-wear since walking around those long corridors can become challenging in uncomfortable shoes.
- The castle’s museum contains a number of portraits and artifacts. So, if you want your children to learn some history, Gripsholm Castle can be an interesting starting point.
