- Address: 592 30 Vadstena, Sweden
- Phone: +46 143 62 16 00
- Official website: svetur.se
- Date of founding: 1545
One of the main attractions of Sweden is the Wadden Castle, a majestic structure located in Stockholm near Lake Vättern . For several centuries a powerful defensive fortress built in the middle of the 16th century turned into a magnificent palace, and later a unique museum. Currently, the Vadsten pattern of medieval architecture attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world every year.
History of creation
In 1545, on the orders of Gustav I Vaza in Sweden , the construction of another fort for the defense of Stockholm was laid. In accordance with the wishes of the king were built four round massive towers, there were wide dams and a deep ditch. However, the center of the defensive system Vadestinsky Castle did not. King Gustav decided to create from the fortress a residence for his fourth successor Magnus, who began to rule so. In 1552, Gustav played a wedding in Wadden Castle with his third wife, Katarina Stenbock.
By the beginning of the XVIII century. the castle completely lost its former defensive function. He left the members of the royal family. The palace turned first into a warehouse, where they stored weapons and grain, then to a distillery, and after a while - to a weaving factory. In the XIX century. the castle again changes its appearance: destroyed the remains of the towers, erected thin walls of limestone and leveled the earth embankments.
Vadest Castle is a popular tourist attraction
In the twentieth century. returned a lively interest in the fortress. Under the leadership of local authorities, the towers were demolished, new embankments were made and a fortification wall was built. After carrying out serious restoration works, the castle becomes one of the most striking architectural monuments of the country.
Excursions around Wadsten
On the first floor of the castle there is a huge collection of rare exhibits, sculptures and hunting trophies. The second and third floors impress tourists with their medieval interiors, antique furniture and paintings. The castle has unique expositions, there is a concert venue where you can enjoy both opera and variety performances.
The most interesting and fascinating is excursions around the castle. Each of them represents an exciting adventure along with historical characters. Tourists pass through defensive structures, they can look at the kitchen and in the old apartments. For fans of adrenaline there are night excursions around the Vadsten castle.
How to get to the place?
A few meters from the landmark is the Vadstena station stop. You can get here by bus №№ 65, 612, 613, 661.