Ekenäs Castle, Linköping, Sweden

The present Ekenäs castle was built in the 17th century on top of the foundations of a medieval fortress from the 14th century. Ekenäs is one of the best preserved renaissance castles in Sweden with its three impressive shingled towers. Its military character is clearly shown by the surrounding moat and its situation on a cliff on the shore of a lake which has since been drained. One of the first owners of the property was Svante Sture, who lived during the reign of King Erik XIV. Sture built the first stonehouse built on this rock in 1562. Baron Peder Banér, councellor of the King, owned Ekenäs in 1630 - 1644. The castle was built in a Renaissance style.

Ekenäs is, and has always been, a privately owned castle. Visitors are welcome year-round, however, the castle itself is only open during the summer. A jousting tournament and Medieval festival has been held here in May/June every year since 1993.

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User Reviews

Damith Jinasena (2 years ago)
We visited Ekenäs castle to see the Riddarspel (knights games). It was a wonderful event full of joy and amusement. Must see event during spring ?⚔️??

SPIROS BONIS (2 years ago)
Magnificent place and people. That make you feel you are in medieval times!

Andreea Galetschi (4 years ago)
One of the few castels in Sweden that really looks like a castel not only a mansion-like who got the name "castel".

Ted Kruijff (4 years ago)
Gorgeous castle which is quite well hidden. On the drive up to the castle you drive over a hill and suddenly there's this massive castle visible through the trees. We visited in September, but in May there's a knights show, according to the markings of a vehicle parked nearby. It's definitely worth checking out and for a walk around the grounds.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Bela Lindtner

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