Carlstens fästning

About the museum

Carlstens fästning (Carlsten Fortress) began to be built after the Peace of Roskilde in 1658, when Bohuslän, and with it Marstrand, became Swedish. Marstrand had long been an important trading place with a harbour that seldom freezes, and to protect the town and the west Swedish navy, Karl X Gustav decided to build a fortress on the island's highest peak. First a square tower was erected, with walls around a small inner courtyard. In the 1680s the tower was rebuilt as a rounder and taller tower, and in the early 18th century the ramparts around the large inner courtyard were completed. During the 18th and 19th centuries the outer parts were added, and in 1860 the fortress was considered finished.

To obtain enough labour, the punishment known as Marstrandsarbetet (Marstrand labour) was introduced, and convicts from all over the country were brought here to haul stone. Mortality was high, and the punishment was abolished in 1854. The best-known prisoner was Lasse-Maja, Lars Larsson Molin, who was sentenced in 1813 to life imprisonment, worked as a cook and was pardoned in 1839. The fortress was attacked twice, in 1677 and 1719, and fell into the attackers' hands both times, but was returned through negotiations. As a military fortification it was decommissioned in 1882.

Today visitors can join guided tours and explore the fortress's passages and walls. At the entrance there is a waffle café, and in the Donjonen (the keep) and the Kommendantshuset (Commandant's House) is Carlstens Soldathotell. Every summer the Fästningsspelen (Fortress Games) are held, and the fortress also hosts events and guided tours at other times of the year.

Highlights

• Guided tours through the fortress's passages and walls
• The Donjonen (the keep) and the Kommendantshuset (Commandant's House)
• The story of the prisoner Lasse-Maja
• View over Marstrand and the archipelago
• Carlstens waffle café
• The Fortress Games (Fästningsspelen) every summer

Permanent exhibition

• Fästningen och dess historia – Guided tour through the fortress's walls and passages about its construction, its prisoners and the attacks on Carlsten.

Admission & discounts

Children under 5 in the company of a parent or guardian enter free. Dogs are welcome and enter free. Ordinary guided tours in Swedish are included in the admission.

Accessibility

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

The last stretch of Kungsgatan up to the fortress is a steep slope. Dogs are welcome in the fortress's outdoor areas if they are kept on a leash.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Children aged 5–15 pay half price. The fortress offers a camp school (lägerskola) for school classes.

Getting there & parking

Marstrandsön is car-free. The passenger ferry from Koön runs around the clock (every quarter of an hour during the day). The fortress lies about 45 km north-west of Gothenburg; from Gothenburg follow the E6 to Kungälv and then road 168 towards Marstrand. From the ferry landing walk about 200 metres along the quay and then up Kungsgatan.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Carlstens waffle café at the entrance, open during the fortress's ordinary opening hours; you do not need to pay admission to have a coffee there. Carlstens Soldathotell has about twenty rooms in the Donjonen and the Kommendantshuset.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Banquet floor for parties, weddings and conferences, as well as conference activities.

Plan your visit