Fästningsmuseet Karlsborg

About the museum

Fästningsmuseet Karlsborg opened in 1962 at the initiative of Colonel Ingemar Bratt, then commander of Göta signal regiment S2. The museum is run by the non-profit association Carlsborgs museiförening (Carlsborg Museum Association) and is part of the network Sveriges militära arv (SMHA), with some 25 state or state-supported military museums.

The museum rests on two themes: Swedish national defence in the 19th century, with Karlsborg Fortress, and the history of the cavalry through the Livregementets husarer (Life Regiment of Hussars). The collections include uniforms, weapons, models, photographs, films and sound, and new exhibitions are added every year.

There are just over sixteen exhibitions on about 2,000 square meters, including on the fortress and the lives of its prisoners, the Göta Canal, lake Vättern, the Livregementets husarer K3, the Royal West Gothland Air Wing F 6, the paratroopers and the special forces unit SOG. The museum includes the Garrison Church (Garnisonskyrkan), which until 1925 was intended to be the Riksdag’s plenary chamber in wartime. There is also a library, archive, shop and café.

Highlights

• The fortress through history, with a model of the fortress from 1899
• Livregementets husarer K3 and the history of the cavalry
• Royal West Gothland Air Wing F 6
• The Göta Canal and the significance of lake Vättern
• Paratroopers and the special forces unit SOG
• Garnisonskyrkan (Garrison Church)

Permanent exhibitions

• Fästningen genom historien – Why, how and by whom the fortress was built, with a model of the fortress from 1899 and an exhibition on the lives of prisoners.
• Livregementet Husarer K3 – The regiment’s history, its move to Karlsborg and its development, with sabres, riding equipment and weapons.
• Kungliga Västgöta Flygflottilj F 6 – The wing’s establishment and development up to its closure, aircraft that landed at Karlsborg, and the consequences of the closure for the locality.

Founded

1962

Operated by

Carlsborgs museiförening

Admission & discounts

Members of the museum association get a 10 percent discount. The adult ticket of SEK 95 includes the church. A combined ticket with Historiska äventyrsturen can be bought online.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• 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 premises have no thresholds and wide passages. There is a lift by the stairs, and if it is out of order there is a mobile ramp. The church is reached by lift. The lifts are to be replaced in spring 2026 and may be unavailable at that time; staff will help if needed. Dogs are welcome in the museum, and water is available.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The visitor entrance is at the central entrance of Slutvärnet, under the church, between two cannons. From Skövde and Askersund, follow the signs to the fortress and drive through Götiska Valvet.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Café with fika, ice cream and coffee from Arvid Nordquist (organic); allergy-friendly fika is available. The shop sells jewelry, souvenirs and books.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

The Garrison Church is used for concerts, christenings and weddings.

Plan your visit