Borgholm Castle

Borgholm Castle (Borgholms slott) is a ruined castle above the town of Borgholm on the west coast of the island of Öland in Sweden. According to the site’s operator, the oldest part is a keep from the 12th century, and the castle is first mentioned in writing in 1281. Under King John III it was rebuilt as a Renaissance palace between 1572 and 1589. From the mid-17th century Charles X Gustav had it converted into a baroque palace by Nicodemus Tessin the Elder; the operator describes the work as unfinished. On 14 October 1806 it burned out: a spark ignited the roof of the north wing, where a dye works had been set up.

Today the ruin is managed by the National Property Board of Sweden (Statens fastighetsverk). An exhibition tells its story, and guided tours are included in the admission. Concerts are held in the courtyard in summer. From the site you have views over the Alvar plain and the Kalmar Strait. There are treasure hunts and historical games for families, and the park of the royal summer residence at Solliden is a short walk to the south. Check opening times and admission in advance.