Borgholms slott

About the museum

Borgholm castle began as a large tower from the late 12th century, which was later surrounded by a curtain wall. The fortress was extended during the late 13th century and was completed around 1281. It was destroyed during the Danish-Swedish wars in the early 16th century, and it was not until the time of Johan III that it was rebuilt, from 1572, as one of Sweden's first bastion fortresses. During the Kalmar War of 1611–1612 the castle changed hands several times.

From 1651 a splendid Baroque palace was planned under Karl X Gustav, to designs by Nicodemus Tessin the Elder. Construction was interrupted when the king died in 1660, was resumed in 1681 and was abandoned shortly afterwards, so the castle was never completed. The last usable rooms housed, among other things, a school and dye works, and a fire on 14 October 1806 destroyed what remained.

Today the ruin is one of Öland's best-known visitor attractions. The castle is owned by Statens fastighetsverk (the Swedish National Property Board), and here there is a permanent exhibition about the 900 years of the castle's history, guided tours, a shop and a summer café. Concerts have been held in the ruin since the 1970s.

Highlights

• The ruin of Karl X Gustav's unfinished Baroque palace
• The permanent exhibition on the castle's 900-year history
• Guided tours covering the period from the 12th to the 17th century
• Concerts in the open ruin setting
• The Borgholm app with 15 audio stories

Permanent exhibition

• Slottets basutställning – Tells the story of the castle's 900-year history, from rise and fall to kings, wars and myths.

Admission & discounts

The prices apply 9 August–1 November 2026; prices for other periods are not stated. The Kulturarvskortet (Cultural Heritage Card) gives a 50 percent discount. Admission includes the regular guided tour when one is held, and children's activities during high summer. Children must always be accompanied by an adult. The castle is cashless (card and Swish). Booked private guided tours in Swedish or English cost SEK 750 on weekdays during the day and SEK 950 in the evenings and at weekends (children's group SEK 550), in addition to admission.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The ground floor is accessible, including the rooms in the Västra längan (west wing) with the permanent exhibition and the Drabantsalen, where events are held. Other parts of the ruin are not described; contact the castle with questions.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Children's castle adventures during high summer are included in admission.

Getting there & parking

The castle lies by road 136, about 25 km north of the Öland Bridge (Ölandsbron). From Borgholm it is about 1 km on foot through Slottsskogen, via the Garderobstrappan steps from Åkerhagsvägen or via Näktergalsstigen. There is a cycle path along road 136.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Castle café in the outer courtyard with coffee, cakes, light lunches and ice cream; open in summer (closed for the 2026 season, reopening in summer 2027). Castle shop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The castle can be hired; the Drabantsalen is used for events.

Plan your visit