Top 11 Castles around Vaxholm
Castles around Vaxholm offer a glimpse into Sweden's coastal defense history and royal heritage. Situated within the Stockholm archipelago, the region is characterized by its strategic waterways and numerous islands. Historical fortifications, such as Vaxholm Fortress, were established to protect Stockholm from naval attacks. The area also features various royal residences and historic estates, reflecting centuries of Swedish history.
Best castles around Vaxholm
- The most popular castles is Changing of the Guard at the Royal Palace Stockholm, a historical site that is one of the largest palaces in Europe. It serves as the official city residence of the Swedish royal family and hosts the daily changing of the royal guard.
- Another must-see spot is Bogesund Castle, a historic castle built between 1642 and 1650. Visitors can explore its preserved interiors and learn about its transformation into a romantic castle in the 19th century.
- Visitors also love Kastellet Kastellholmen, a castle and historical site. This citadel played a key role in Stockholm's defense, guarding the city's waterways.
- Vaxholm is known for its fortifications, royal residences, and historic estates. The region offers a variety of castles to explore, from strategic coastal defenses to grand royal palaces.
- The castles around Vaxholm are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 680 upvotes and more than 680 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 9, 2026
Changing of the Guard at the Royal Palace Stockholm
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In the Te Kronor Museum you can trace the history of the castle's creation, while the treasury contains fascinating jewels and the imperial insignia of the key, orb and scepter. There are also various crowns, swords and a huge silver baptismal font to admire. The armory impresses with military exhibits, but also bizarre items, such as the stuffed horse of King Gustav II Adolf or the face mask of Gustav III. present themselves to the curious viewer. Also interesting are the royal representative rooms with the castle church, which provide a clear picture of the life of the royal family. The daily changing of the royal guard on the palace square is always a welcome spectacle. At 12.15 p.m. sharp (an hour later on Sundays and public holidays), the military parade often takes place here on horseback and with music. However, in Stockholm this popular tourist attraction is limited to the warm summer months, as - unlike in mild London - it gets freezing cold here in the winter.
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Bogesund Castle
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Bogesund Castle was built between 1642 and 1650 by Count Per Brahe the Younger. He was Sweden's largest landowner at the time and is said to have considered Bogesund Castle his primary castle and home. At that time, the castle was square, with four floors and two attics under a gable roof. It had many beautiful ceiling and wall paintings, some of which still survive today.
In the 1770s, the castle was modernized, and traces of the wallpaper, tiled stoves, and woodwork from this renovation can still be seen.
In the 19th century, a new staircase and entrance door were added, but the greatest change occurred between 1863 and 1867, when the then owner, Nils Albrekt von Lantingshausen Höpken, had the building rebuilt into the romantic castle it is today. He also added a chapel, a dining room, and an elegant winter garden. The park was also redesigned in the same romantic style. Von Höpken was the last lord of Bogesund Castle.
He abandoned it in the 1910s, and it fell into disrepair. After many years of neglect, the government took over the castle thanks to a specially introduced law called the Lex Bogesund. Today, the castle and its park are protected as historical monuments and are managed by the National Property Board. Since no one has lived there for over 100 years, much of the castle has been preserved in its original condition.
The castle can only be visited as part of a guided tour or by special group reservation.
Source: destinationvaxholm.se/en/296779/Bogesund-Castle
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Rosendal Palace
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Kastellet Kastellholmen
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Ulriksdal Castle
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For up-to-date information on tickets, guided tours and opening hours, check the official Royal Palaces website: kungligaslotten.se/english/royal-palaces-and-sites/ulriksdal-palace.html
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Tips from the Community
This 17th-century royal residence – surrounded by gardens, parkland and the Edsviken shoreline – is managed by the Swedish Royal Court and can be visited during its seasonal opening months. Guided tours are available, and the adjoining Orangery Museum (part of Nationalmuseum) hosts a notable art collection. For up-to-date information on tickets, guided tours and opening hours, check the official Royal Palaces website: https://www.kungligaslotten.se/english/royal-palaces-and-sites/ulriksdal-palace.html
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WWF Sweden has offices in the side wing. The rest of the castle can be visited.
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The Kastellet is a fortification on the island of Kastellholmen. It was built in 1846-48 according to plans by Fredrik Blom in place of a previous building.
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Beautifully situated, you can see well from the water and from above you have a great view 👍
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Beautiful castle in well-kept green surroundings.
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The huge royal palace is very impressive. The changing of the guard was an absolute highlight for us. The whole procedure took us almost an hour and was accompanied by music from the brass band. (10.5.24)
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A beautiful little former pleasure palace 🤙
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vaxholm Fortress and how can I visit it?
Vaxholm Fortress, also known as Vaxholms fästning, is the primary historical fortification in Vaxholm, strategically located on the island of Vaxholmen. It was built to defend Stockholm from naval attacks. Today, it houses the Vaxholm Fortress Museum. You can easily reach it via a short, electrically powered cable ferry (Kastellet ferry) from Vaxholm town. For more details on visiting, you can check the official information at Visit Stockholm.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit near Vaxholm?
Yes, several castles in the region offer family-friendly experiences. Changing of the Guard at the Royal Palace Stockholm is a popular attraction, especially for families, with its daily spectacle. Rosendal Palace and Ulriksdal Castle also welcome families, offering guided tours and beautiful grounds to explore.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The area around Vaxholm offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking and cycling routes that pass by or near historical sites. For example, there are MTB trails like the 'Bogesund Castle – Vaxholm Fortress loop' and hiking routes such as the 'Great Castle Loop Trail'. You can explore more options and detailed routes on the hiking guide for Vaxholm or the MTB trails guide.
What is the best time of year to visit castles around Vaxholm?
The best time to visit is generally during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During this period, the weather is pleasant for exploring castle grounds, enjoying ferry rides to places like Vaxholm Fortress, and many attractions have extended opening hours. The daily changing of the guard at the Royal Palace Stockholm, for instance, is a popular spectacle during the summer months.
Can I explore the interiors of Bogesund Castle?
Yes, Bogesund Castle, built between 1642 and 1650, offers guided tours where you can explore its preserved interiors. The castle underwent significant reconstruction in the 19th century, transforming it into the romantic style seen today. Since no one has lived there for over 100 years, much of its original condition is preserved. Visits are typically part of a guided tour or special group reservation.
Are there any castles with good viewpoints in the Vaxholm region?
Yes, several castles offer excellent viewpoints. Kastellet Kastellholmen, a citadel that played a key role in Stockholm's defense, provides nice views of Stockholm. From Vaxholm Fortress, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding islands and waterways of the Stockholm archipelago. Ulriksdal Castle also features beautiful parkland and views along the Edsviken shoreline.
What historical significance does Vaxholm Fortress hold?
Vaxholm Fortress has immense historical significance as Sweden's coastal defense. Established by King Gustav Vasa in 1548, it was crucial for protecting Stockholm from naval attacks, successfully repelling Danish and Russian forces in past centuries. Its formidable structure, with walls over two meters thick, dates primarily from a major reconstruction between 1833 and 1863. Today, its museum details 500 years of Sweden's coastal defense history.
Where can I find cafes or restaurants near Vaxholm Fortress?
Vaxholm Fortress itself hosts a restaurant, Bistro Kastellet & Sjöboden, offering dining options in a historic setting. Additionally, the town of Vaxholm, from where you take the ferry to the fortress, has various cafes and restaurants to choose from, catering to different tastes.
How long should I plan for a visit to Vaxholm Fortress?
To fully experience Vaxholm Fortress, including exploring the Vaxholm Fortress Museum and enjoying the panoramic views, you should plan for at least 2-3 hours. This allows time for the ferry ride from Vaxholm town, a thorough visit to the museum, and perhaps a meal or coffee at the on-site bistro.
Are there any castles that were royal residences in the area?
Yes, the region features several royal residences. The Royal Palace Stockholm serves as the official city residence of the Swedish royal family. Rosendal Palace was built as a summer pleasure palace for King Charles XIV, and Ulriksdal Castle is another 17th-century royal residence managed by the Swedish Royal Court.
What makes the Royal Palace Stockholm unique among castles in the region?
The Royal Palace Stockholm stands out as one of the largest palaces in Europe, with 605 rooms. It is the official city residence of the Swedish royal family and hosts the daily changing of the royal guard, a significant spectacle. Beyond its residential function, it also houses several museums, including the Tre Kronor Museum and the Treasury, showcasing royal history and artifacts.
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