Castle safari – 8 castles you should visit in West Sweden

West Sweden isn’t just notable for its lovely coastline and picturesque little towns, but also for its magnificent castles. A castle safari is a must for any history and architecture lovers.  Get a group of friends together and go discover some enchanting places!

 

1. Läckö Castle – a baroque palace on the shores of Lake Vänern

We’ll start our castle safari with a real showstopper. Läckö Castle has been voted Sweden’s most beautiful castle and it’s not hard to understand why. This beautiful white baroque castle is in a picturesque location in Lake Vänern’s Eken archipelago near Lidköping, two hours by car from Gothenburg.

The castle dates back to 1298 when the foundations of an episcopal castle were laid, and with its 248 rooms, great halls and castle chapel it’s an imposing sight. It’s also known for its lovely kitchen gardens, enclosed by high whitewashed walls, where heritage organic methods are used to grow vegetables, herbs and flowers.

 

Did you know….? It’s said that the dungeons at Läckö Castle were placed next to the kitchen so that the already wretched prisoners would be tormented by the delicious cooking smells as an extra punishment.

Don’t miss:

• Guided tours are available in several languages. There are also guided tours especially for children.
• Every summer open air opera performances are held in the palace courtyard, which thanks to its unique acoustics provides an unbeatable music experience.
• In October the castle puts on a spooky Ghost Night where figures from the past appear around the place.  

Just a stone’s throw from Läckö you’ll find another fascinating building. The Naturum Vänerskärgården Victoriahuset was designed by White Arkitekter, one of Scandinavia’s leading architectural practices, and is home to several enterprises: a hotel, the award-winning restaurant Hvita Hjortem and an exhibition about Lake Vänern’s nature and animal life.

2. Bjertorp Slott – an Art Nouveau castle in the middle of the countyrside

Now it’s time for something a bit more modern, at least when we’re talking about castles. Built in 1914, Bjertorp Slott is classed as Sweden’s newest Art Nouveau castle. It’s a boutique hotel where each room is individually decorated in a way that relates to the castle’s history. Explore the castle’s lovely interior and enjoy a walk around the leafy park.

The castle is known for its restaurant which provides gastronomic experiences with ingredients from local producers. You can savour Västergötland’s new regional recipe here, among other things. Bjertorp Slott is in rural Västergötland, a short detour from route E20 and not far from Vara.

 

Did you know….? In the castle’s entrance hall there’s a stuffed bear that is said to have been slain by Knut Henrik Littorin, the man who had Bjertorp built, himself.

Don’t miss:

• Neighbouring the castle is Vara-Bjertorp GK which is one of Sweden’s best golf courses.
• For anyone thinking about getting married, Bjertorp is a popular place for marriage ceremonies with a touch of luxury and romance.
• Check out the rose-adorned fountain in the castle garden.

 

3. Nolhaga Slott – A beautiful combination of history and nature

We’ll travel on towards Gothenburg, stopping in café town Alingsås. Within walking distance of the town centre and train station lies Nolhaga Park, which is a green oasis with woodlands, allotments, a petting zoo, playgrounds and pretty wooden bridges. In the park you’ll also find Nolhaga Slott, a stately white residence which was built in Italian neo-renaissance style in the early 1880s. The palace has recently been renovated and around the back work to lay a kitchen garden is in full swing.

 

Did you know…? The palace’s name comes from the Swedish word “nola”, which is an old word for potato. In the 18^th century Jonas Alströmer from Alingsås became famous as the man who brought the potato to Sweden, and he was said to have grown them in what is now Nolhaga Park.

Don’t miss:

• Go on a guided tour and learn more about the palace’s rich history.
• Check out the history exhibitions inside the building. On the ground floor there’s also an ice cream café.
• Enjoy a fika in one of Alingsås’s cosy cafes, bakeries and patisseries. If you want to stay over we can recommend the Grand Hotel Alingsås.

 

4. Nääs Slott – Explore an unchanged 19^th century interior

The next historic gem is in Lerum. Nääs Slott stands proudly atop a hill on a peninsula in Lake Sävelången. The castle looks beautiful from all directions but if you press us we’d plump for entering from the west. Park at Nääs Slöjd & Byggnadsvård, or take the train to Floda and walk from there, go over the arched stone bridge and walk the tree lined avenue from the lake up to the castle. Absolutely stunning!

The Nääs estate dates back to the 16^th century but has been developed a lot over the years. Nowadays the castle probably contains the most complete and unchanged 19^th century interiors in Scandinavia.

Several properties in the castle grounds can be rented as accommodation, including the wings in front of the entrance to the castle. The delicious smell of freshly baked cakes, pies and light lunches permeates the Kaffestugan coffee shop, with a menu inspired by what would have served here a century ago. Take the opportunity to buy some vintage items from the museum shop in the old granary.

 

Did you know…? Selma Lagerlöf, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1909, spent 22 summers at Nääs Slott and wrote many of her well known works here.  

Don’t miss:

• The castle is best experienced on a guided tour. In total there are 23 rooms and a kitchen to explore.
• Different events are arranged here all year round, including midsummer celebrations, children’s summer theatre, autumn dusk walks and advent festivities.
• Go on a course! Nääs used to be an internationally renowned School of Crafts and still holds craft courses today. See the course programme on the website.

 

5. Gunnebo House – Scandinavia’s best preserved 18^th century manor.

Gunnebo House in Mölndal is a popular destination. Situated just 15 minutes from Gothenburg it’s an impressive example of 18^th century architecture. The house was designed by Carl Wilhelm Carlberg, who was Gothenburg’s city architect. He drew up plans for everything from the building to the interior décor.

It’s a classic synthesis of the arts, with a tremendous amount of detail to explore.  The furniture in each room, for instance, was designed to match just that room. There are 24 different types of chairs in total and as many different styles of tiled stoves.

In Gunnebo’s renowned Kaffehus och Krog you can enjoy organic KRAV certified food and fika. The manor gardens provide beautiful views, and you can explore the Orangery which was opened in 2022. It’s a reconstruction of the former orangery and the building has been recreated in the same place, using the original plans.

 

Did you know…? If you hear strange noises inside the manor it could be the ghost of John Hall, the man who had Gunnebo built, who walks round looking for his money. At least that’s what the legend says.

Don’t miss:

• Hear stories of the manor house and orangery during a guided tour.
• Gunnebo is beautiful all year round, The events calendar is packed with everything from exhibitions and courses to the annual Christmas Market.  
• There are several lovely walking trails in the area, not least stage 2 of the Bohusleden which passes by Gunnebo. If you want nearby accommodation we recommend Hällsnäs Hotell.

 

6. Torpa Stenhus – A medieval adventure with ghost stories

A visit to the magnificent medieval stronghold that is Torpa Stenhus provides an exciting journey back to the 1500s. You can visit one of the best preserved Vasa era rooms in the country here, and the beautiful Knight’s Hall, with blue and grey paintings on the ceiling and walls. Around the stone house, there is a lush park environment with deciduous trees and a small water lily pond. The castle is on the shores of Lake Åsunden in the middle of Sjuhärad’s lovely countryside, in the municipality of Tranemo.

Did you know…? Torpa Stenhus is famous for its many ghost stories, including the legend of the Gray Lady who is said to wander through the castle’s corridors, and the tale of Gustav Stenbock who drowned in the well when he was barely three years old, and is still seen now and again, with a white face, dressed in period clothing.

 

Don’t miss:

• Torpa Stenhus is open for guided tours.
• A range of different events are arranged here including medieval days, theatre performances and a Christmas Market.
• Enjoy local game in the Torpa Stenhus café & restaurant which is situated in the estate’s former 18^th century warehouse.  Nearby Hofsnäs Herrgård also serves great food and cottage accommodation.

 

7. Thorskogs Slott – Grand manor house hotel in an English park

Our castle safari continues through Bohuslän, to Thorskogs Slott, 40 minutes north of Gothenburg. We’re talking about a proper fairytale building here, with towers and pinnacles. The manor house is renowned for its luxury hotel with elegant decor and a gourmet restauarant where the menu is changed every week and based on locally produced ingredients as far as possible.

A lush English Park surrounds the estate, with several unique tree species and its very own herb garden. In and around the manor a wide range of activities are offered, like billiards, floor curling, croquet, wood fired hot tub, chocolate tasting and golf on a 6 hole pitch and putt course.

Did you know…? Thorskogs Slott was used to film the Swedish SVT programme ‘Stjärnorna på slottet’ (Stars at the castle) in 2009 and 2010 with celebrities like Tommy Körberg, Marie Göranzon and Björn Ranelid.

 

Don’t miss:

• Enjoy a classic Afternoon Tea with scones, sandwiches and cakes. Places get full really quickly so you’ll need to book ahead.
• The Svartedalen nature reserve with lovely hiking trails and several lakes for swimming or canoeing is right next to Thorskogs Slott.  
• You can also get to Thorskogs Slott by boat along the Göta älv river, and moor at the castle’s own quay.

 

8. Torreby Slott – A historic gem by the sea

In the centre of the West Coast, not far from Munkedal, you’ll find charming Torreby Castle. The Norwegian Niels Georg Sørensen had it built at the end of the 19^th century as a romantic summer palace, and it’s not hard to understand why this particular location was chosen. Its position in Bohuslän right next to the scenic Gullmar Fjord couldn’t be better.  

Do as Greta Garbo, Ingrid Bergman and Monaco’s princes all have – check in for a few nights at Torreby Castle. There are a few hotel suites here with period décor in Neo-Gothic style. You can explore the castle’s English Park and find out about the history of the estate.

Did you know…? You can enjoy a traditional Afternoon Tea at the castle on selected dates all year round.

Don’t miss:

• Torreby Golf Club, which is Bohuslän’s oldest golf course and one of the best in Europe, is situated in the park surrounding the castle.
• Every Friday and Saturday a three course Castle Dinner is served.

 

Let the castle safari begin!

What are you waiting for? Head off on an exciting castle safari in West Sweden and discover these eight impressive sites. Explore their history, admire the architecture, enjoy the beautiful natural scenery and eat some great food along the way. Several of the castles, or nearby hotels, provide accommodation

 

Find more castles and manor houses