Castles and strongholds in Skåne

Skarhult is one of Sweden’s best-preserved castles from the renaissance era, built in the 1560s. Today the buildings tell the tale of life through history with specific focus on the women that lived at Skarhult. Take a guided tour through the lives of five women from five different centuries whose aspirations and destinies are retold. The castle features annual exhibitions with new and creative takes on history with a gender perspective.

Originally a monastery from the 11th century, Swedish King Karl XV spent every summer from 1845 until his death in here. His horse is said to gallop through the grounds, and from time to time a distorted woman’s face appears in the mirrors inside the castle. And who keeps leaving an untidy bed every morning? If you find these chilling tales intriguing, join one of the guided ghost walks arranged at the castle. Try the package deal including ghost safari plus dinner in the castle restaurant.

Hovdala Castle dates from 1511 and had a pivotal role in the Swedish-Danish war in the 17th century. Relive history and plan your visit during the summer where medieval tournaments are held when the best knights in Sweden compete in classical tournament games, archery and skills at arms. The medieval market has everything from magicians and musicians to knights and battle horses. The park is open all year round and there’s lots for children to do in the summer including hat-hunting, walking on stilts and playing garden games.

The whitewashed Bosjökloster castle on the banks of lake Ringsjön was originally a medieval monastery. The church dates from around 1100 AD. Events and exhibitions are held here throughout the year, with guided tours of the grounds during the summer. Visitors can walk around parts of the castle and park all year around for a small entrance fee. The thousand-year-old tree, the café and rose garden are some of the highlights.

Glimmingehus is a stately fortress dating back to 1499 and is the best-preserved medieval manor in all of Scandinavia. A visit here will give you fascinating insights in how life in the middle was like. Built to be used in battle, the castle features a lot of unique defence elements, like gaps where hot tar could be poured over intruders, drawbridges, trenches and other deadly traps. Even the staff takes ambitious part in making history come alive so join one of the guided tours or simply explore the castle for yourself.

Originally a castle from the early middle ages, Trollenäs was modernized and transformed into a renaissance castle in the 17th century The tour guide tells you about the curiosities of this enchanting place, including legends about ancestors of the Trolle family, werewolves and other mythical inhabitants of Trollenäs. Take the guided tour before heading down for pastries and coffee in the café in the old brewery in the castle park. But watch out for a black dog with burning eyes.

The Malmöhus Castle in central Malmö is the oldest preserved renaissance castle in the Nordic countries and today houses both temporary and permanent exhibitions. Visit the aquarium, experience and erupting volcano, or wander around the middle-ages exhibition in the basement. Buying a ticket here gives you access to the Technical and Nautical Museum just across the street, where you can climb aboard a real submarine.

The Citadel is one of the Nordic region’s best-preserved 16th century fortresses and was built sometime between 1549-1559 by the Danish King Christian III as a defence fortification. During the 19th century the Citadel was used as a prison, first for prisoners of war and subsequently for life-term prisoners and women prisoners. Today, the citadel is a recreation area here a museum, exhibitions, a craft shop and a café. Guided tours are given in the summers, and at other times by prior arrangement.

The beautiful red brick Krapperup estate dates from medieval times when Skåne was still part of Denmark. The gardens were developed during the 19th century into the present romantic layout with winding paths, carp ponds, rhododendrons and an impressive rose garden. The old farm buildings around the former stable yard house a museum and art gallery, a music hall and a small café and shop for visitors. The manor is open for pre-booked visits only. You can walk in the gardens throughout the year.

Svaneholm is in a beautiful park by a lake outside Skurup. Enjoy the cuisine at the restaurant that offers Skåne specialities including lunches, brunches, goose and Christmas dinners. The museum shows exhibitions about life, clothing and textiles from former times, and organizes family activities throughout the year, including exhibitions, shows and a Christmas market. If you fancy a walk there are four nature reserves around the castle, one of which is adapted for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Hiking for everyone!