Tjolöholms slott

About the museum

Tjolöholms slott (Tjolöholm Castle) was built in 1898–1904 on a peninsula in Kungsbackafjorden in northern Halland. The client was Blanche Dickson, who had become a widow after the court stable master (hovstallmästare) James Fredrik Dickson, and the castle was designed by the young architect Lars Israel Wahlman in English Tudor style. Wahlman had never visited England himself but drew his inspiration from the British magazine The Studio and from the Arts and Crafts movement.

The castle was one of the few built in Sweden in the early 20th century. It was fitted out with the technical novelties of the time: electricity from a steam-powered power station on the estate, heating with hot-air ducts, central heating and open fireplaces, a telephone and rundspolande duschar (rim-flushing showers). A central vacuum cleaner system, with a machine weighing about a tonne, was also part of the interior.

Today the estate is run by Stiftelsen Tjolöholm (the Tjolöholm Foundation), which looks after the castle, the award-winning gardens and the 700-hectare area with nature reserves and beaches. In addition to the castle, visitors can see the museum cottage Hemtrefnaden, the Vagnsmuseet (Carriage Museum) and the castle church. On the site there are also a Besökscentrum (visitor centre), a garden café, cottage accommodation in the allmogeby (peasant village) and a bathing place with a play ship.

Highlights

• The Tudor-style castle with interiors from 1904
• Guided tours through some twenty rooms
• The castle garden and the allmogeträdgårdarna (peasant gardens)
• The Vagnsmuseet (Carriage Museum) and the museum cottage Hemtrefnaden
• Slottskyrkan (the castle church)
• Bathing place and the play ship Montrose

Permanent exhibitions

• Slottet – The castle's interiors from 1904, with British comfort and the technical novelties of the time.
• Vagnsmuseet – Exhibition about carriages on the estate.

Operated by

Stiftelsen Tjolöholm

Admission & discounts

The castle entrance ticket is valid for a visit of about one hour within the stated time and is sold both in advance and on site, subject to availability. The Kulturarvskortet (Cultural Heritage Card) gives half price on the castle entrance. The gardens and nature areas can be visited without admission; parking is paid via EasyPark.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom
• 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 castle's first floor can be reached with a temporary ramp, while the upper floors are reached only by stairs. The castle garden, the peasant gardens and parts of the nature areas can be visited by wheelchair without help. Accessible toilets are in the Trädgårdskafé Manegen, in the Storstugan and at the car park (open around the clock). Leashed dogs are welcome everywhere except indoors in the castle, with the exception of assistance and guide dogs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Playground / play area

During parts of the year children's tours are arranged (about 45 minutes, for children aged 8–12 in the company of an adult). At the bathing place is the play ship Montrose, and a discovery trail through the village, with a map from the Besökscentrum, suits children aged 3–10.

Getting there & parking

The castle lies about four mil south of Gothenburg. From E6/E20 take exit 58, Fjärås/Tjolöholm, and follow the signs. From Torpa Smedja it is about 3.5 km on foot.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Trädgårdskafé Manegen and the Slottsrestaurangen (castle restaurant), among others, with Christmas Tea and Afternoon Tea (advance booking). Shop in the Besökscentrum.

Events & venue rental

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

Weddings, parties, conferences, christenings and memorial services, as well as film shoots.

Plan your visit