Vadstena slott

About the museum

Vadstena castle was built from 1545 on Gustav Vasa's initiative as a fortified complex by Lake Vättern, part of the realm's defences against attacks from the south. The fortress was rectangular, with earthen ramparts, moats and round cannon towers at the corners. As early as 1554 the plans were changed, and the castle was rebuilt as a residence for the king's son Magnus.

Later Johan III had the castle rebuilt in Renaissance style with the continental architect Arendt de Roy, and it became what is today considered the best-preserved Renaissance castle in the Nordic countries. After 1716 the castle was no longer a royal residence but was used as a grain store, and in the late 18th century there was also a damask weaving mill here. In the 19th century the towers at the southern corners were demolished and the ramparts removed.

Since 1899 the castle has housed Landsarkivet (the regional state archives), and since 1964 Vadstena-Akademien (the Vadstena Academy) has staged opera in the wedding hall in the summer. Visitors can see the castle's exhibitions, parts of the castle with historic furnishings, and the cannon towers.

Highlights

• The best-preserved Renaissance castle in the Nordic countries from Gustav Vasa's time
• Cannon towers, a cannon gallery and a privy in the basement level
• The herrekök (lords' kitchen) from 1603 and the armoury, where visitors can try weapons
• The queen's floor with state rooms and the castle church
• Guided Renaissance walks and dramatised night walks

Permanent exhibitions

• Basutställning om slottets historia – Exhibition in the Borgstugan about the castle's origins and history, including a model of the fortress, the old drain chute in the kitchen and one of the cannon towers.
• Herreköket – The royal kitchen from 1603, with a reconstructed hearth and hood, and dishes and ingredients from the 16th century.
• Rustkammaren – Weapons and armour from the Vasa era, where visitors can try a two-handed sword and a steel helmet and learn how the army developed in 1560–1611.
• Drottningvåningen – The fourth floor with the queen's suite, the large and small state rooms and the castle church, with historic furnishings.

Founded

1545

Operated by

Visit Vadstena (på uppdrag av slottets ägare Statens fastighetsverk)

Admission & discounts

The Kulturarvskortet (Cultural Heritage Card) gives half the entrance price. Those who want a guided tour pay half the entrance price first and then SEK 45 for the tour. The entrance ticket gives access to the castle on your own, with information and an orientation guide.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• 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

There is one parking space for disabled visitors near the castle and more spaces further up in the town. The website has no separate accessibility page. The castle has four floors.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

Children's walks for ages 5–10 in summer, activities during the school holidays, and in the armoury children can try weapons and armour from the Vasa era.

Getting there & parking

From Linköping take the E4 towards Helsingborg and then road 206 towards Vadstena. From Motala take road 50 and then road 919 towards Vadstena. Follow the signs to the castle.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Castle shop in the castle.

Events & venue rental

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

Up to 600 guests.

Conferences and congresses for 20–600 participants, and weddings, christenings and parties in the castle's halls.

Plan your visit