Located south of Lake Hjälmaren, Orebro Castle is one of the finest preserved castles in Sweden from the Medieval period. The castle stands at an impressive height of 30 meters (98.5 ft) with its fading brick color and mounded towers reflecting its past glory and significance during the Medieval period.
Famous for its aesthetic architecture and beautifully decorated interior, Orebro Castle is a must-visit in Sweden. If you are an aspiring traveler looking for new places to explore or a history lover learning about Medieval castles, we have you covered. Continue reading this article for both histories and visiting tips about Orebro Castle.
Table of Contents
In 1935, the castle was officially titled a ‘National Monument of Sweden’.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Orebro Castle Located?
Orebro Castle is located in the city of Orebro, Sweden.
When was Orebro Castle Built? Who Build It?
Orebro Castle was built during the reign of King Magnus IV of Sweden in the fourteenth century.
When is The Best Time to Visit the Castle?
Summer is the best time to visit Orebro Castle, where you will get to enjoy the warm sunlight reflecting over Lake Hjälmaren, in addition to enjoying the exterior aesthetic of Orebro Castle.
What Other Monuments are Located Nearby?
In addition to visiting Orebro Castle, there are several other famous landmarks that you can explore, including Wadköping Open Air Museum, St. Nicolai Kyrka, Monument Engelbrekt Engelbrektsson, and Vattentornet Svampen, which is a twentieth-century water tower located just outside of Orebro.
FOR HISTORY | BEAUTIFUL IMAGES | INTERESTING FACTS | TRAVEL TIPS
Early History
Early Fortification of the Castle (14th Century)
The exact origin of Orebro Castle is not known, but the castle is believed to have existed since the Medieval Ages as a stone building in the center of the city. The initial structure of the castle is believed to be built around the 13th century by Jarl Birger, founder of Stockholm. The building started around as a small defensive tower by the Svartan River.
The early fortification and expansion of the castle started around the mid-14th century by King Magnus Eriksson, who converted the small castle structure into a three-story residential stronghold. The renovated structure was titled “Örebrohus”. However, the castle was soon captured by Albert of Mecklenburg in the late 14th century. By the late sixteenth century, the castle had survived nine different sieges because of its geostrategic position, until it came under the ownership of Gustav Vasa in 1529.
Conversion of the castle to Duke’s residence (17th century)
When Gustav Vasa got hold of the castle, a major portion of the original castle had been damaged. However, no attempts were made by Gustav Vasa for restoring the castle. Upon his death, Örebrohus was inherited by his son Duke Charles who extensively worked on the reconstruction of the castle starting in 1625. Magnificant drawbridges in addition to curtain walls were added to the castle’s tower. However, lacking the proper care and neglected, the castle fell to ruins by the end of the 17th century.
Classical Addition to Castle’s Structure (18th century)
Another major milestone in the history of Orebro Castle was during the latter half of the 18th century. The castle was transformed into a Classical-styled building with flat roofs, terraces, and exclusive residential apartments. The curtain wall was demolished, and strong bridges were constructed instead. During this time period, the dungeons of the castle also served as a prison and a warehouse.
Revisit More Historic Places Below or Read Further
Current Times
At present, the castle is largely used as an administrative building by the local County’s office. Several refurbishments have been made to the castle for it to be suitable for modern use. The castle is also open for the public to visit, where they can enjoy the modern refurbishments in addition to the period décor around the interior of the castle.
Interesting Orebro Castle Facts
- Orebro Castle is located on an island in the River Svartan.
- In 1935, the castle was officially titled a ‘National Monument of Sweden’.
- In 2012, the castle underwent a complete roof renovation, with new drainage and ventilation additions made to the building to improve safety and minimize the continued damage to the building.
Visiting Orebro Castle – Tips and Tricks
If you are intrigued to visit Orebro Castle but need more information to plan your trip, we have you covered. In this section, we will take you through standard ticketing prices, visiting hours, as well as some tips and tricks to improve your visit to Orebro Castle.
How to get to Orebro Castle?
Getting to Orebro Castle from Orebro Central Station is fairly easy. You can take the Line 6 bus for about 28 Kr ($3 USD). Taking a taxi is also a fast and cheap option to get to Orebro Castle, it can cost around 66-85 Kr ($7- $9 USD). If you are not in a hurry to reach the castle and want to go for some sightseeing, you can walk up to the castle as well.
Ticket Prices, Visiting Hours & Travel Tips
Information was checked & updated on November 1, 2023.
The castle is open for the public to visit all days of the year. The castle is open 10 am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. On weekends, the castle is open from 10 am to 3 pm. The popular visiting hours are around 11 am to 12 pm. If you want to avoid the crowd and enjoy the castle in peace, make sure to avoid these bustling hours.
The ticket for Orebro Castle costs 21 Kr ($2 USD). There are no additional fees for visiting the castle. The prices to avail of the guided tours can vary depending upon the type of guided tour that you have booked. You can easily buy your tickets on site at the Castle Shop located in the entrance of the castle
In addition to touring the castle, there are a number of additional activities that you can enjoy including dinner at the castle, ghost tours to learn about the castle’s spooky history, and visiting the castle’s dungeons to learn about the more grim sides of Medieval history.
How Long Will It Take to Tour Around?
It can take one to two hours to tour Orebro Castle.
Up to Date Information
For up to date ticket prices and visiting hours visit the official website: https://www.orebroslott.se/en/orebro-castle-in-the-summer/
Some words of advice and tips:
- Orebro Castle is a great place to explore with your family, especially children. The castle includes a children’s castle tower, which is filled with exciting activities and challenges for younger visitors.
- Since the area has limited parking, it is better to visit the palace outside of the busy hours if you wish to bring your own ride.
- If you are an outsider visiting Orebro, there are plenty of hotels available that offer competitive room services.
