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Castle · Borgholm, Kalmar
Borgholms slottsruin
The ruins of a 17th-century Baroque castle, built on a medieval fortress, atop a limestone cliff beside Borgholm, with stone walls still standing and views over the Kalmarsund.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Borgholms slottsruin
Borgholms slott began as a defensive tower in the 12th century, on the cliff that overlooks the Kalmarsund strait. It was expanded in the Middle Ages, turned into a Renaissance castle by the Vasa kings in the 16th century and, from 1654, rebuilt in Baroque style by Nicodemus Tessin the Elder for King Charles X Gustav. The work remained unfinished, and in 1806 a fire destroyed the roof and interior.
What remains are the large limestone walls, with empty window openings, towers and the courtyard, visited as an open-air ruin. Stairs and walkways allow you to climb to several points, from where you can see the sea, the strait and, on clear days, the Småland coast. A small museum tells the castle's story, and in summer the courtyard hosts concerts, theatre and events.
Around it, the limestone plateau has vegetation similar to the Alvaret, with spring flowers. A trail links the ruin to the town of Borgholm, a 15-minute walk, and to Solliden, the royal summer residence, next door.
The ruin is open in the spring-to-autumn season.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1 to 1h30.
Best time
From May to September, when the ruin is usually open and there are events in the courtyard. At late afternoon the light over the strait is beautiful. Check opening times and the season before you go.
How to get there
It is about 1.5 km south of Borgholm center, a 15-minute walk via trail or road. By car there is parking next to the ruin.
Tip
Combine it with Solliden, next door, on the same outing. Climb the walkways for views of the Kalmarsund.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Borgholms slottsruin
Is Borgholm Castle a ruin?
Yes. A fire in 1806 destroyed the roof and the interior, and today only the walls remain, visited outdoors.
Is the ruin open all year?
No. It usually opens from May to September, with events in summer.
Can you walk there from Borgholm center?
Yes, about 15 minutes along a trail.