Läckö Castle, Lidköping, Sweden

Brynolf Algotsson, Bishop of Skara, laid the foundations for a fortified castle in Läckö in 1298 originally as a fort that consisted of two or three houses surrounded by a wall. After a fire during the 1470s, the fort was expanded by bishop Brynolf Gerlachsson.

After the reformation in 1527, King Gustav Vasa took possession. Field Marshal Jacob Pontusson De la Gardie was granted the property in 1615. Field Marshal de la Gardie embarked on an extensive building spree, including the third floor of the keep. The portal to the main courtyard was added during his period, as were the frescos depicting people and winding plants found in niches, stairwells and the rooms on the third floor. In 1654, Count Magnus Gabriel De la Gardie initiated immense construction projects at Läckö. A fourth floor was built in the main building and a number of artists were hired to decorate the walls and ceilings of the castle.

Läckö Castle is a national monument and has been managed by the National Property Board since 1993.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Victor Drieskens (2 months ago)
Very nice place to visit. A lot to see for a reasonable price. You can find info while visiting in Swedish and English. Greetings from Belgium ??

Maggie Connors (3 months ago)
Was very rainy the day we went but admission was very reasonable to wander the main grounds. More expensive if you do a tour, but enjoyed getting to see the few exhibits and church space. Views out over the lake are great too!

Jone Bruno (3 months ago)
Very well preserved Castle. A must see to understand the history. Also, there is space for modern art exhibitions that took place - ingenious.

David (Dunder) (3 months ago)
If you're at all interested in castles, this medieval castle from the 13th century is a must visit. Very well preserved and a beautiful area around it. Can definitely recommend!

Johan Gillgren (5 months ago)
A beautiful castle on a peninsula in southern lake Vanern. Make sure to take the guided tour as it will give you lots of interesting info and stories about the people that lived there

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The Broch of Gurness is an Iron Age broch village. Settlement here began sometime between 500 and 200 BC. At the centre of the settlement is a stone tower or broch, which once probably reached a height of around 10 metres. Its interior is divided into sections by upright slabs. The tower features two skins of drystone walls, with stone-floored galleries in between. These are accessed by steps. Stone ledges suggest that there was once an upper storey with a timber floor. The roof would have been thatched, surrounded by a wall walk linked by stairs to the ground floor. The broch features two hearths and a subterranean stone cistern with steps leading down into it. It is thought to have some religious significance, relating to an Iron Age cult of the underground.

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In the 9th century, a Norse woman was buried at the site in a stone-lined grave with two bronze brooches and a sickle and knife made from iron. Other finds suggest that Norse men were buried here too.

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