Stora Sundby castle stands like a dream from fairy tales, just an hour and a half from everyday life. Behind its walls are centuries of power and love. The castle changed from a medieval fortress to a romantic place with 365 windows. A meeting with the architecture of time.
On the menu today was Stora Sundby Castle! It is located in my county, which sparks a sense of longing for home! It’s just a drive of 1 hour and 30 minutes. I felt the anticipation grow along the way there. I was determined to absorb everything the guide had to share!
In the castle resides the fourth generation of the Klingspor family, which unfortunately makes photography within these historic walls prohibited. The castle, younger than the earlier one we visited, still carries a rich history from the 13th century. The biggest challenge during the visit was the brilliant sunshine, which created a magical atmosphere.
The castle is surrounded by a magnificent park, accompanied by endless hunting grounds. There, we lost ourselves in the flow of time, while the sun caressed our necks with its golden rays. Inside the castle’s rooms, the air was cool and filled with history, which deepened our adventure. We spent an hour inside the castle, a fantastic experience! With an engaging guide, we gained insight into the castle’s history. I look ahead to sharing the insights that emerged during the tour.
The place has roots from the 13th century. The lake where the castle is situated, Hjälmaren, is Sweden’s fourth largest. It’s crazy that the lake was much larger in the 14th century than it is now! I instantly understood that there was once a struggle for power where the castle stands. It was indeed a thing during the 14th century, with kings and dukes fighting for power. Here in Nyköping, people still talk about their power struggles (Nyköping’s banquet in 1317).
The ramparts were located in areas where impressive fortifications were built. A defensive tower was erected in the 13th century, which is remarkable! The first castle was constructed here in the 16th century and is part of our rich history. Lars Siggeson Sparre led the construction with great skill!
The Sparre family played a crucial role in the castle’s history. Over several hundred years, they laid the foundation for a grand legacy. The castle developed in beautiful stages. In the 17th century, the Knight’s Hall was created. This part fascinates visitors today with its rich and exciting history of creation.
In the early 19th century, Carl de Geer arrived there as one of Sweden’s richest men. His daughter needed a place to settle down. A castle was planned to be built on top of the fortress. Nonetheless, Carl’s wife, Ulrika Sofia Sprengtporten, had completely different ideas.
According to the guide, Sofia glimpsed hints of enchantment. This occurred while she read Sir Walter Scott’s knight romances. She imagined a world where he lived in a romanticized castle. During the tour, an interesting question arose. This question is seldom mentioned in other sources. Did the same architect create both Stora Sundby Castle and Abbotsford?
Walter Scott’s home (Abbotsford) must have made an impression on Sofia, who stubbornly demanded a castle in the same style. Sure, Frederick Robinson was behind Stora Sundby, but no sources claim that he tailored the design for Abbotsford.
What became of this then? Stora Sundby is a magical calendar castle! With its four majestic towers, it honors the cycles of time. The towers symbolize the four seasons. The twelve small towers represent the months. It also offers 52 rooms and 365 windows, reflecting the richness of weeks and days. The architecture truly captures the essence of the year!
Now to the actual walk! It’s fascinating to think about these gentlemen and ladies. They have lived here, owned properties, and married their great loves. Their love and family stories are a wonderful tapestry of life’s riches to enjoy!
The first stop was the Knights’ Hall, a gem that symbolizes the heart and soul of this magnificent place! Stepping inside feels like traveling back to the 17th century, thanks to the incredible legacy of the Sparre family. The walls are stunningly adorned with leather tapestry paintings that beautifully bring the Battle of Carthage to life. These artworks were crafted during the remarkable de Geer era.
On one side, you can’t miss the striking painting of the first Bernadotte, King Charles XIV Johan. Curious about how a Frenchman became king in Sweden? You’ll uncover that tale on the tour or through a quick Google search! The older paintings now shine in elevated positions, seeming to pay homage to modern masterpieces. The guide shared that the hall’s ceiling was raised. This change allowed for a magnificent ceiling painting in the captivating de Geer style. And up there, the Sparre family’s weapons radiate with pride, a stunning tribute to their enduring legacy!
We walked from one large hall to the other and ended up in the dining room. It wasn’t as spectacular, but there was plenty of charm and elegance. In one corner stands a tiled stove that radiates timeless beauty. The walls are adorned with calfskin wallpaper, and our guide spoke poetically about them. A square for each calf, as if every piece has its own story. Without electricity, the wallpaper would shimmer with a magical glow. A description that captivated us.
The smaller rooms were next, and suddenly an explosive feeling of togetherness emerged, reminiscent of a sitcom family reunion! Fascinating family stories came to light, like a viral family meme. Who married whom? For the first time, I felt like part of something larger, deeply rooted, and amazing. In the red room, I know that some scenes of the series Young Royals were filmed. I can almost hear the tones of dramatic music vibrating in the air. Unexpected twists fill me with anticipation!
Only a few rooms were playing hide and seek! Out of the 52 royal chambers in the castle, just a handful showed up for the tour. As we shuffled through, the rooms seemed to shrink. They were as if on a diet. The air got so thin it was practically a phantom! Some clever folks fanned themselves with brochures, giving new meaning to “cooling off.” We got the juicy gossip on the Sparre, de Geer, and Klingspor families, which outshined the worn furniture. I spotted a patchwork auditioning for wall-to-wall carpeting! The final room featured dimly lit 18th-century paintings. An Italian artist painted them. His name slipped my mind—probably due to the ghostly vibes!
Suddenly, we found ourselves back in the courtyard. We were excitedly discussing the possibility of ghosts in the castle. It’s a question that sparks curiosity in everyone! I was eager to discover if there’s a grand library and hidden passages. To my delight, I learned there is indeed a library. It is not large. The details about secret passages are mysterious. This adds to the charm. Looking ahead, the prospect of more parts of the castle opening for tours is thrilling, especially given its fascinating history!
© Björn Blomqvist 2025-07-23
Comment