Nyköping Castle
Södermanlands län
Nyköping Castle, known locally as Nyköpingshus, is a medieval fortress located in Nyköping, Sweden, with origins dating back to the late 12th century. Initially constructed as a castellum, it was expanded by Birger Jarl and later enhanced by notable figures such as the German knight Raven van Barnekow and Bo Jonsson Grip. The castle is famously associated with the Nyköping Banquet of 1317, a Christmas event that ended tragically for two dukes. Over centuries, it underwent several reconstructions, including a Renaissance transformation by Duke Charles, later King Charles IX. Though much of the palace burned down in 1665 and was never fully rebuilt, parts of the castle remained in use as a county residence until the 1760s. Today, restored sections like the King's Tower and the Old Residence house permanent exhibitions of the Sörmland Museum. Visitors can explore exhibitions about medieval life, power struggles, and local history, as well as enjoy a restaurant located in historically significant halls. The castle's blend of medieval ruins and Renaissance architecture, combined with its dramatic history, makes it a unique cultural attraction in Södermanlands län.
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Tip: The best time to visit Nyköping Castle is during the summer months from mid-June to mid-August when it is open Tuesday through Sunday with extended hours. Sundays year-round offer visiting hours from 10 AM to 4 PM. Entrance is free for children up to 18 years old, and there are specific days with free entry, such as Sweden's National Day (June 6) and certain holidays. Purchasing an annual pass grants unlimited visits to both the castle and the Sörmland Museum and offers good value for repeat visitors. Guided tours are available free of charge but require an entrance ticket. Planning ahead to coincide with these tours can enrich the experience. The castle also hosts engaging activities like a rat hunt game for families, making it suitable for visitors of all ages.
Interesting facts
- •The Nyköping Banquet in 1317 was a Christmas feast that ended with the imprisonment of two dukes, brothers to King Birger, marking a dramatic event in Swedish medieval history.
- •The castle was the site of the 1396 Recess of Nyköping, a key agreement that paved the way for the Kalmar Union, uniting Nordic countries.
- •Parts of the castle's bricks were reused in the construction of Stockholm Palace after the 1665 fire.
- •A round gun tower built during Gustav Vasa's reign remains preserved as a defensive feature.
- •In 2020, a previously unknown defensive room, likely a casemate, was discovered within the castle.
- •King Charles IX died at Nyköping Castle in 1611, and King Charles X Gustav was born there in 1622.
History
Construction of Nyköping Castle began in the late 1100s as a castellum, evolving into a larger fortress by the late 13th century.
It was first mentioned in documents in 1305.
The castle is famously known for the Nyköping Banquet in 1317, where King Birger's brothers were imprisoned.
After suffering damage and partial destruction during conflicts and a major city fire in 1665, the castle was never fully rebuilt.
Some bricks were repurposed for Stockholm Palace.
The castle served as a county residence until the 1760s and was refurbished in the 20th century to house museum exhibitions.
A previously unknown defensive chamber was discovered in 2020, highlighting ongoing historical interest.
Place Guide
Kungstornet (King's Tower)
A white tower housing three permanent exhibitions covering topics such as punishment and power, medieval life and feasts including the Nyköping Banquet, and the Renaissance era under Duke Charles.
Gamla residenset (Old Residence)
Part of the castle used historically as the county residence until the 1760s, now hosting permanent exhibits of the Sörmland Museum.
Banquet Hall and Drottningkällaren (Queen's Cellar) Restaurant
Historic halls within the castle now serving as a restaurant, offering visitors a chance to dine in atmospheres rich with history.
Contact
Phone: 0155-24 57 00
