Vadstena Castle

Vadstena Castle is located in the central Swedish town of the same name. Vadstena village is situated along the eastern shore of Lake Vetter, which occupies part of central Sweden. 17 km north of Motala is where Vadstena is situated also located 25 km east of the city is Mjölbyu. Vadstena Castle is one of the best preserved Renaissance fortresses across Sweden.

Vadstena Castle was built by King Gustav Vasa in 1545 and was originally intended as a citadel of Stockholm. Vadstena Castle was transformed into an attractive Renaissance palace, intended to Duke Magnus, who was actually the king's son.

Reconstruction of the old fortress in Vadstena Castle began in 1550 when Prince Magnus Vasa became Duke of Ostergotland. The Duke Magnus had a mental illness and was the only son of Gustav Vasa, who never became King of Sweden. Magnus died in 1595 and is buried in the nearest church to Vadstena.

By 1620 the construction of Vadstena had not yet been fully completed. Vadstena Castle serves as a royal palace until 1716 when the royal family lost interest in it. The abandoned palace became a warehouse for storing grain.

Today, visitors to the Swedish Renaissance jewel can see an interesting exhibition of historical objects, which are situated on the first floor of the castle.

Also on this level you can see one of four guns in the palace. The second floor of Vadstena is open to visitors only in winter, autumn and spring, and the top floor is where you can enjoy the beautiful collection of furniture, paintings and portraits, dating from the 16th and 17th century. During the summer in the courtyard of the castle Vadstena various events are held such as concerts of classical and pop music.