Stjernsund Castle
Örebro län
Stjernsund Castle is a neoclassical manor house located in Askersund Municipality in the Närke region of Sweden. Built between 1798 and 1801 following designs by architect Carl Fredrik Sundvall, the main building features two floors with a prominent central section supported by four massive columns atop a tall stone staircase. The castle stands on a high peninsula between Stora Hammarsundet and Alsen, the northern parts of Lake Vättern. The estate originated in 1637 when Johan Gabrielsson Oxenstierna consolidated several farms, and it later passed through the hands of noble families including the Soop and Dohna families. The current castle replaced an earlier 17th-century fortress-like complex, remnants of which remain as cellars and stone terraces. In the 19th century, Stjernsund was owned by royalty, including King Karl XIV Johan and Prince Gustaf, who restored the castle with the help of architect P.A. Nyström. The estate also inspired Prince Gustaf's compositions. The property eventually came into the possession of industrialist Knut Cassel and was later preserved as a cultural heritage site by the Royal Swedish Academy of Letters, History and Antiquities, thanks to a bequest by Augusta Cassel. Today, the castle is open to the public during summer months and houses a carriage museum, dairy, and café. The estate is also notable as the origin of the Swedish Red Pied cattle breed.
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Tip: Visit Stjernsund Castle during the summer when it is open to the public. Consider purchasing tickets in advance to ensure entry, especially for visiting the carriage museum and enjoying the café. Check opening hours ahead of your visit and inquire about any available discounts for seniors or groups. The scenic location by Lake Vättern provides excellent opportunities for photography and leisurely walks around the grounds.
Interesting facts
- •The original 17th-century castle complex included high tower spires, one likely above the entrance gate, remnants of which still exist today.
- •Prince Gustaf, known as the 'Singing Prince,' composed several songs while residing at Stjernsund, including 'Du undersköna dal' and 'Glad såsom fågeln'.
- •The estate is the origin of the Swedish Red Pied cattle breed, known as Svensk rödbrokig boskap.
- •Stjernsund Castle features a carriage museum and a dairy on its grounds, enhancing its cultural offerings to visitors.
History
The Stjernsund estate was established in 1637 by Johan Gabrielsson Oxenstierna through the amalgamation of several farms.
It was owned by noble families such as the Soop and Dohna families until 1717, then sold to Olof Burén in 1785, who commissioned the current neoclassical castle built between 1798 and 1801.
The property passed to King Karl XIV Johan in 1823, and later to his son Prince Gustaf, who restored the castle in the mid-19th century.
After several ownership changes, the estate was preserved as a cultural heritage site by the Royal Swedish Academy of Letters, History and Antiquities following Augusta Cassel's bequest in 1951.
Place Guide
Main Building1798-1801
The neoclassical main building constructed between 1798 and 1801 features a two-story structure with a projecting central part supported by four large columns resting on a high stone staircase, exemplifying the architectural style of the period.
Remains of the Old Castle17th century
Located on the northern side of the estate, remnants of the original 17th-century fortress include cellars and stone terraces that hint at the site's earlier defensive architecture.
Carriage Museum
A museum on the castle grounds showcasing historical carriages, reflecting the transportation heritage of the Swedish nobility.
Park and Grounds
The castle is situated on a high peninsula between Stora Hammarsundet and Alsen, offering scenic views of Lake Vättern and landscaped gardens ideal for walks and photography.
Contact
Phone: 070-679 32 31
