Örbyhus slott
Castle in northern Uppland where Erik XIV was held prisoner and died in 1577; guided tours go through the prison room in the tower and the castle's salons.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Örbyhus slott lies by Lake Vendelsjön in northern Uppland, in a district that was already a centre of power in the Vendel period (vendeltiden), with rich boat graves. The castle's best-known event took place in 1577, when the deposed king Erik XIV, the eldest son of Gustav Vasa, died as a prisoner at Örbyhus.
Over the centuries the castle had some twenty owners, who mostly received it as a fief (förläning) or as a widow's seat and seldom lived there. The estate became a production unit with many farms, and for long periods the castle itself stood empty and fell into decay.
At the beginning of the 20th century Örbyhus was owned by the von Rosen family. Between 1901 and 1908 the castle was rebuilt on a large scale, among others by the architects S. Cronstedt and Lars Israel Wahlman. The family's salons, furniture and objects depict life on a large Swedish estate in that period. Today the castle is shown on guided tours, and the park, the orangery and the castle café in the old greenhouse building can be visited.
Highlights
- Erik XIV's prison room in the old tower
- Metta von Rosen's writing room and the castle's entrance hall
- The von Rosen salons and the armoury (vapensal) on special tours
- Castle park with a view over Lake Vendelsjön
- Castle café in the old greenhouse building
Permanent exhibition
- Erik XIV – fången på Örbyhus – Guided tour including Erik XIV's prison room in the tower, the entrance hall and Metta von Rosen's writing room.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | SEK 150 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 11 · Young people aged 12–17 pay SEK 55; children aged 0–11 enter free. |
| Groups | –A private group tour costs SEK 2,000 per group (up to 15 people, thereafter SEK 90 per person). The tour of the von Rosen salons costs SEK 3,000 per group and requires advance booking. |
| Young people aged 12–17, general tour | SEK 55 |
| Voluntary park admission | SEK 50The park is free of charge; the contribution is voluntary and can be paid by Swish. |
The ticket for the general tour is bought from the guide on site with Swish or cash; advance booking is not needed.
Accessibility
General tours are given during the summer season and at special events. Tour times for the next season have not yet been published.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 11 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
Children under 12 enter the general tour free. During events such as All Saints' weekend, special activities for children are arranged.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
The castle can be reached by train or bus; timetables are available from Upplands Lokaltrafik.
The castle lies about five mil (Swedish miles) north of Uppsala.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
The castle café is in the old greenhouse building between the orangery and the former inn, and is run by Blomsterboden, which also has a small shop with flowers and gifts. Restaurant Erik XIV is in the golf club's clubhouse next to the castle.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Corporate events
Up to 25 guests.
The pub section of the castle café can be hired for meetings and conferences in autumn, winter and spring (about 25 people); the orangery can also be hired.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The castle is only shown on guided tours. The tour Erik XIV – fången på Örbyhus (Erik XIV – The Prisoner at Örbyhus) takes about 60 minutes. The tour Det var en värld för sig (It Was a World of Its Own), which goes through the von Rosen salons and the armoury, takes 60–75 minutes, is for up to 12 people and requires advance booking. |
