Discovering Swedish castles: Häckeberga, Sövdeborg, Marsvinsholms and Svaneholms (Skåne castles)
Here are another 4 jewels in Skåne, Sweden: Häckeberga, Sövdeborg, Marsvinsholms and Svaneholms Castles. All in one beautiful day trip through the past.
I have visited them in that order but it’s up to your preference. The only thing that I strongly recommend is to enjoy the beautiful country road between Häckeberga and Sövdeborg Castles. Another beautiful road is also the one between Sövdeborg and Marsvinsholms. Below is the map:
1. Häckeberga Castle
Can’t be visited as it’s a hotel and restaurant, but you can start your day or end it with a fika in their restaurant. Enjoy the surroundings and your coffee on the terrace by the lake. For opening hours and menu visit Häckeberga Castle website.
The old castle, built in 1530s by Holger Ulfstand was demolished and replaced by the building that exists today. The castle is built in French Renaissance style by Tönnes Wrangel von Brehmer (wich inherited the property on 1872) following the plans of Helgo Zettervall (famous Swedish architect).
Since 1997 the castle is a hotel and a restaurant and before that, it was a private residence. Wilhelm Tham, who owns the castle and runs the business today, is the great great grandchild of Tönnes Wrangel von Brehmer.
2. Sövdeborg Castle
This castle can be visited only in groups and pre-booked as it’s privately owned. Even for admiring it from outside it’s worth the visit.
The Castle dates back to 1580 and it’s built in Renaissance style. The island is built on is actually artificial as the castle is separated from land through water canals. The medieval romantic façade of the palace was done in mid 1800s.
But this castle is famous for its ceiling so it’s worth to give them a call and find more information about a planned visit. (Contact information on www.sovdeborg.se)
3. Marsvinsholms Castle
The property was first known as part of royal Danish crown back in 14th century under the name of Bosøe, Borsøe and Bordsyø.
In 1630, the Danish nobleman Otte Marsvin constructed the present castle. Otte Marsvin constructed his castle on beech poles in this small lake and the current look (Dutch Renaissance style) is the result of the 1856-1857 restoration.
After multiple Swedish owners, now the castle is also private property but the Sculpture park close by can be visited and from the park you can have a great view over the castle. Also the sculpture park it is a great place to enjoy. More details about the opening hours can be found on Marsvinsholms Sculpture’s park website.
Marsvinsholms Castle is easy to visit by train also (4.3Km from Svarte train station). Tip: take your bike with you and in 20 minutes you are there from the train station.
4. Svaneholms Castle
This one can be visited inside and you can also enjoy a cup of coffee in their restaurant. Information about opening hours here: www.svaneholm.com
The castle was built in 1530 by a man named Maurits Sparre. But the castle has become best known for his room called "Macklean room", after baron Rutger Macklean (known for his agricultural reform). In the room there is a large collection of things that resembles Rutger Macklean life and his history (a large book collection, his desk, clothing and clock).
According to plans this castle should have been built in an Italian Baroque style but this never managed to happen as the reconstruction was done during different owners. The ownership of the castle was very much desired by many that it was actually even spit in 2 sides “the Danish” and “the Swedish” side between different owners.
