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view of Gripsholm Castle

Gripsholm Castle – a Royal Fortress Full of Surprises

Home » DESTINATIONS » Europe » Sweden » Gripsholm Castle – a Royal Fortress Full of Surprises

Last Modified: January 25, 2023 //  by Anda //  31 Comments

About 70 km west of Stockholm, in the little town of Marifred in the municipality of Strängnäs, lies one of Sweden’s most prominent and beloved estates: Gripsholm Castle. Of all the castles in Sweden, Gripsholm seems to be the biggest crowd-puller.

With its red brick walls and green copper domes, the elegant structure surrounded by the calm waters of Lake Mälaren presents more than 400 years of Swedish history.

view of Gripsholm Castle
Gripsholm Castle

The History of Gripsholm Castle

Gripsholm Castle was the creation of King Gustav Vasa, Sweden’s most influential king. In 1526 Gustav I seized this piece of land and built a fortification with circular corner towers and a defensive wall.

Side view of Gripsholm Castle
Side view of Gripsholm Castle

The fortress primary purpose was the military defense. However, after the completion, the king liked it so much that he used Gripsholm as his residency. After that, Gripsholm Castle became one of the official royal residences of the Swedish monarchy.

The exterior of the castle was built in Renaissance architectural style. The interior is quite big, with numerous rooms and corridors, furnished in the 16th to the 19th century styles. 

Original room at Gripsholm Castle
Duke Karl’s bed chamber at Gripsholm Castle still has the original furniture from the 1570s

In the late 1800s, Gripsholm went through some extensive restorations that brought the castle to its initial splendor. The only room in the castle that was preserved almost untouched is the bed chamber of Duke Karl.The room still has the original furniture from the 1570s.

Even though Gripsholm was last occupied by royalty (Charles XV) in 1864, it’s still a royal castle. 

Interior courtyard of the castle
Interior courtyard

Why Should You Visit the Gripsholm Castle?

Sweden has literally hundreds of castles, palaces and manors, most of which are located in the southern part of the country. Throughout history kings and noblemen built their fortresses in this area as here it has always been the country’s most fertile region.

Some of these castles are absolutely outstanding, but the one that absolutely stands out is Gripsholm Castle. If you are into royalty and want to learn more about Swedish history, you should definitely visit it. There are some other reasons why you should visit this place, so keep reading.

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Gripsholm Castle interior courtyard

1. Gripsholm Castle Has One of the Oldest Portrait Collections in the World

Gripsholm Castle is home to the National Portrait Gallery, one of the oldest and largest portrait collections in the world. The gallery was officially founded in 1822 with about 4000 works.

The current collection has over 4500 portraits of not only kings and queens, but also of prominent Swedish personalities. That seems quite surprising, as you wouldn’t expect to see Hollywood star portraits like Greta Garbo’s and Ingmar Bergman’s hanging on the walls of a 16th century castle. 

Portrait gallery at Gripsholm castle
Portrait Gallery

Each year the Gripsholm Society commissions and donates a portrait of a famous Swede to the collection.

2. Gripsholm Has Its Own Theater

Perhaps the most unique feature of the Gripsholm Castle is its famous theater, built around 1780 by King Gustav III.

Gustav III, who famously described himself as the ‘actor king,’ was a real theater lover. A ‘ham’ actor, the king used to cast himself as the star in both comedy and drama.

The theater, which was built in the shape of a circles one of the best-preserved theaters in its era in Sweden. The amphitheater could sit about sixty guests, whereas the servants could watch the play from the dome. The home-built theatre looks quite impressive and is equipped with a very sophisticated backstage technology.

Gripsholm theater
Gripsholm Theater

The painted set is still intact and has been preserved in its entirety since the last recorded performance in 1785.

3. There is a Badly Stuffed Lion at Gripsholm Castle

Up in the attic of Gripsholm Castle there is a stuffed lion that was once a king’s precious possession. The story goes that in 1731 King Frederik I of Sweden received a lion from the Bey of Algiers.

The King was so enamored with his lion that a few years later, when the animal died, he tried to have it mounted. But all that was left of the lion was the pelt and some bones.

the stuffed lion of Gripsholm Castle
The Stuffed Lion of Gripsholm Castle

The taxidermist didn’t know anything about this animal called “lion,” but he did the best that he could with what he had in his hands. The result was a comic creature that bears very little resemblance to the mighty king of the jungle. Nonetheless, the lion of Gripsholm Castle became the most famous stuffed animal in Sweden.

4. The Rune Stones Outside the Castle

Gripsholm is impressive both inside and outside. The castle grounds have a beautiful landscape , although not in the style of the fanciful gardens around the French châteaux.

But the beautiful park surrounding the castle building is not the only attraction around. Right outside the main entrance, there are two old rune stones dating back to the 11th century.

The runes are the oldest existing writing system in Scandinavia, used by the Vikings to record their history. They were carving their stories with a knife or chisel into stones, hence the name rune stones.

Rune stone
Rune stone outside Gripsholm Castle

One of these two runestones was discovered in the early 1820s by the caretaker of Gripsholm Castle. At the time he discovered it, the rune was forming the cellar threshold in one of the castle towers. 

It took about 100 years before they could retrieve the stone from the castle and deciphre it. The inscription says that the stone stood in memory of Haraldr, the brother of Ingvar, who died in the region of the Caspian Sea.

Where to Stay When Visiting Gripsholm Castle

Gripsholm Castle is located in the charming little town of Mariefred. With its narrow streets and colorful cottages, Mariefred makes the perfect base for visiting the castle and the area around it. 

mariefred
Mariefred

There are a few attractions that you might like to see in Mariefred, like Karnbo Church, the Steam Train, and the little Museum at the old train station.

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The old train station in Mariefred

Given its close proximity to Stockholm, Gripsholm Castle makes for a lovely day trip from the capital. You can reach the castle and the picturesque village of Mariefred either by train (a short 40 minute ride), by car, or by the steam engine boat (about three hours).

Did you enjoyed my castle tour? Please pin this post for later:

Gripsholm Castle

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  • All You Should Know About Stadshuset, Stockholm’s Grandiose City Hall
  • 10 Fantastic Things to Do in Stockholm in a Week

Category: DESTINATIONS, Europe, SwedenTag: Castles and Fortresses

About Anda

Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

Previous Post: «Strangnas Guide to Visiting Strängnäs – Sweden Off the Beaten Path
Next Post: Sparreholm Castle – a Collector’s Dream Come True »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Daniel

    April 7, 2017 at 4:27 am

    Awesome ! To be honest I’m the 1 who love travel abroad specially I usually took photos when I was there , I must say that you got really interesting content that provide with useful information ,
    All I want to say really appreciate thanks for sharing the value information !!!!! I Love reading this article and love these photos !!!!!

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      April 7, 2017 at 2:03 pm

      Thank you, Daniel, I appreciate it.

      Reply
  2. Tom west

    March 29, 2017 at 10:19 am

    I’m just booking a trip for me and my wife to gripsholm castle next week! Found this article and its made me want to go even more. Stockholm is going to be beautiful.

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      March 29, 2017 at 5:26 pm

      Hope you two will have fun in Sweden.

      Reply
  3. Aiden Carter

    February 4, 2017 at 3:26 am

    Mind Blowing! I definitely travel this and want to enjoy It’s beauty after go there … Thank You very much for sharing

    Reply
  4. shoaib

    January 16, 2017 at 6:05 am

    Oh, what a nice pics. I want to visit all these countries

    Reply
  5. Jonathan

    December 28, 2016 at 3:25 am

    Awesome place and nice presentation, Anda! I’m going to Europe trip this next spring and I definitely must visit Sweden as well and of course the Gripsholm Castle. I’ve got a new “must-go” in my checklist 🙂

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      December 28, 2016 at 1:24 pm

      Thank you, Jonathan. I’m sure you’ll enjoy Europe a lot. I don’t know of anybody who doesn’t.

      Reply
      • Jonathan

        December 28, 2016 at 11:17 pm

        No doubts, Anda! I’m really excited about this trip 😀

        Reply
  6. Dudhwa National Park

    September 27, 2016 at 2:08 am

    Awesome destination!…Great article and photos…I think I became hopelessly enamored at first sight with this mansion. It is so enchanting and wonderful…

    Reply
  7. Curtis

    September 26, 2016 at 1:06 pm

    Your photos are stunning! The whole place looks enchanting, definitely worth the travel!

    Reply
  8. Sand In My Suitcase

    September 21, 2016 at 9:50 pm

    So home theaters were popular even back then :-). We recently visited Drottningholm Palace outside of Stockholm – and loved that (especially the Chinese Pavilion, a small Chinese pleasure palace, and the separate pink “confidence” dining room building). We’d probably love Gripsholm Castle too…

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      September 22, 2016 at 8:01 am

      I’m sure you would, Janice. I missed Drottningholm Palace and from what you are describing it must have been very beautiful. Well, maybe next time…

      Reply
  9. Michelle

    September 18, 2016 at 7:02 am

    I would love to visit Gripsholm Castle. I visited Stockholm two years ago because I have a friend from high school there and I absolutely love the country. I would love to return and see more. I’m enjoying reading your blog as you have traveled extensively through this lovely country.

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      September 18, 2016 at 7:50 am

      I think you’d be very pleasantly impressed by Sweden’s countryside, Michelle.

      Reply
  10. Elaine J Masters

    September 17, 2016 at 1:58 pm

    I love the room with the original furniture but that lion looks like its seen better days. What a beautiful building.

    Reply
  11. [email protected]

    September 17, 2016 at 6:15 am

    I am not sure about the stuffed lion but everything else about the castle looks enchanting.

    Reply
  12. Allison

    September 17, 2016 at 5:12 am

    Beautiful photos! I love exploring castles and learning the history behind them.

    Reply
  13. Birgit

    September 17, 2016 at 1:16 am

    Wow! I have been to Stockholm before, but did not know about Gripsholm Castle…and it’s only 70km away. Hopefully, there will be a next time 🙂 So happy I discovered your blog!

    Reply
  14. Rhonda Albom

    September 17, 2016 at 1:15 am

    What a wonderful castle. I can’t even imagine a castle having that many pieces of artwork. and thought that was going to be the highlight of this post until I got to the lion story. I love it. I am sure the king was quite surprised with the outcome.

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      September 17, 2016 at 11:26 pm

      Ha,ha,ha, we know nothing about the king’s reaction to the stuffed lion. He must have been quite disappointed.

      Reply
  15. Cat

    September 16, 2016 at 5:12 pm

    The exterior and interior both look stunning! Definitely a place I need to check out. Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply
  16. Ahila

    September 16, 2016 at 4:36 pm

    I am enjoying your series on Sweden, Anda! Loved the story behind the stuffed lion.

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      September 16, 2016 at 5:14 pm

      That’s hilarious, isn’t it?

      Reply
  17. Jessica @ Independent Travel Cats

    September 16, 2016 at 4:07 pm

    Looks beautiful and love the history – I would go to just see the bed chamber of Duke Karl! ~ Jessica

    Reply
  18. Ruth

    September 16, 2016 at 2:51 pm

    I think I fell in love at first sight with this castle. It is so charming and beautiful. Plus, you visited on a gorgeous day. I was surprised about the theater. Yesterday, I was seeing a documentary about Cesky Krumlov’s castle and it has a theater too. It looked a bit like the castle in Sweden.

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      September 16, 2016 at 3:47 pm

      Thanks for letting me know about Pesky Krumlov Castle. I’d love to see that.

      Reply
  19. Lolo

    September 16, 2016 at 1:28 pm

    So interesting to learn about this castle! I haven’t heard of it but will add it to my Sweden to-do list for when we visit one day! #TheWeekendPostcard

    Reply
  20. Laz

    September 13, 2016 at 8:14 am

    Wonderful destination! I have seen people in tents on the green surrounding the castle. Visiting with a good guide brings the place alive.

    Reply
  21. To Travel Too

    September 13, 2016 at 2:07 am

    Great article and photos.

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      September 13, 2016 at 2:24 am

      Thank you, Jane. I appreciate it. It was a beautiful trip, wasn’t it?

      Reply

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