Staying in castles that used to be royal homes or estates for the rich in Sweden is a great way to see royal history up close. In many European countries, historic castles are only museums or state-owned properties. In Sweden, on the other hand, several castles allow guests to stay overnight. This means that visitors can sleep in real period rooms, eat in grand halls and walk through English parks that have been the same for hundreds of years. These properties offer stays that are both immersive and luxurious by combining real historical authenticity with modern comforts.
The castle hotels in this article include a royal palace from the 17th century just outside Stockholm and a French Renaissance-style estate from the late 19th century on the west coast. Most are close to big cities, but they feel like they’re in a different world, with peaceful parks, lakes and forests all around them. These five places will give you unforgettable experiences, whether you want a romantic weekend, a conference in a beautiful setting, or just a chance to live like Swedish royalty for a night.
Top 5 Castles Turned Hotels in Sweden
- Rosersbergs Slottshotell
- Häringe Slott
- Torreby Slott
- Gripsholms Slott (nearby accommodation)
- Tullgarns Slott (nearby accommodation)
A Closer Look at the Top 5 Castles Turned Hotels in Sweden
1. Rosersbergs Slottshotell
The only royal castle in Sweden where private guests can stay overnight is Rosersbergs Slottshotell. It is in the quiet town of Sigtuna, which is only 35 minutes from Stockholm and 10 minutes from Arlanda Airport. The castle was built in the 1630s and later became the summer home of Karl XIV Johan and Queen Desideria. It is still very well-preserved, with state apartments that have not changed much since the late 18th century. The hotel is in an English park next to Lake Mälaren, making it a real royal hideaway.
Key Points
- Royal credentials: King Karl XIV Johan and Queen Desideria lived in the summer palace and you can take guided tours of the royal state apartments.
- Accommodation: 64 rooms in the original palace wings or an annex building, with either period-appropriate furniture or simple modern furniture.
- Dining: The restaurant on site serves both modern and traditional dishes based on old country kitchen recipes. Guests recommend making a reservation ahead of time because the hours of operation vary.
- Dog-friendly: Dogs are allowed in all parts of the castle, even the restaurant and bar, which is a rare feature for a historic property.
- Activities: Free access to the sauna and gym; the castle museum is open from June to September; the steamboat jetty and beach are close by; and the Arlandastad Golf Club is only six minutes away.
Achievements
- The only royal castle in Sweden where people can stay overnight and have meetings or events.
- Rated “Excellent” (8.5 out of 10 from more than 1,100 reviews) for cleanliness, location and service.
- Historic Hotels of Europe calls it “one of Sweden’s best-kept secrets.”
Feedback
People who stay there love the peaceful, beautiful grounds and the “real castle feeling.” People say that the breakfast buffet is “fantastic” and “exceptional.” Some guests say that the rooms in the annex don’t have the same historic feel as the rooms in the main castle wings. To get the full royal experience, it’s best to ask for a room in the castle wing. A guest said, “excellent food with very pleasant and knowledgeable staff” and a “perfectly balanced wine package,” which shows that the restaurant is well liked.
Contact
Website: https://www.rosersbergsslott.se/
2. Häringe Slott
The beautiful Häringe-Hammersta Nature Reserve is home to the luxurious castle hotel Häringe Slott, which is about 30 minutes by car from Stockholm city center. This 17th-century castle has a unique mix of historical grandeur and resort-style features, such as a 25-meter outdoor pool, a tennis court, a bowling alley, a sauna and horse riding. There are beautiful grounds around the property that are perfect for outdoor activities and you can rent bikes on site.
Key Points
- Historically decorated rooms: Most rooms have antique furniture and Hästens beds. You can choose from standard doubles, deluxe doubles, junior suites and full suites with separate living rooms.
- Dining: The restaurant serves traditional Scandinavian food made with fresh, local and seasonal ingredients.
- The resort has a 25-meter outdoor pool (open only in the summer), a tennis court, a boule court, a bowling alley from the 1930s, a sauna and horseback riding.
- Nature setting: The Häringe-Hammersta Nature Reserve has hiking trails and beautiful views.
- Access: Free parking and WiFi are included.
Achievements
- Booking partners gave it 4 stars.
- It is known for its 17th-century castle-like atmosphere and many recreational facilities.
- Proximity to Fors Golf Club (11 km) adds appeal for golf enthusiasts.
Feedback
Guests rate Häringe Slott highly for its “luxurious” atmosphere and many activities on the property. People really like the outdoor pool and tennis court in the summer. Some reviewers say that the 30-minute drive from Stockholm is worth it for the peaceful nature reserve setting. People often say that the rooms with antique furniture and unique decorations are a remarkable feature.
Contact
Website: https://www.haringeslott.se/sv
3. Torreby Slott
Torreby Slott is a fairy-tale getaway on the shores of Gullmarsfjorden in the Munkedal municipality on the Swedish west coast. Its architecture is inspired by the French Renaissance. The Norwegian-Swedish businessman and merchant Niels Georg Sørensen built the castle in 1886. It has towers, spires, stuccoed ceilings, big windows and fancy fireplaces. The English landscape garden around it has beautiful trees, lush lawns and lovely paths for leisurely walks.
Key Points
- Architectural style: French Renaissance with towers, spires and beautiful fronts.
- Interior elegance: Original features like stuccoed ceilings, big windows, fancy fireplaces and old furniture.
- Culinary reputation: The castle kitchen is known for using local ingredients to make meals that are served in a grand dining room with a view of the landscape.
- Event venue: A popular place for weddings, conferences and other special events.
- Guests say that bringing dogs is effortless.
Achievements
- Guests have called it “a hotel that stands out in a very cozy setting.”
- For immersive stays, there are “Castle Weekend” and “Two-day Package” options.
- Part of the Festningshotellene chain.
Feedback
Guests love the “dangerously comfortable beds,” “very nice breakfast buffet” with views of the well-kept lawns and staff that is friendly and helpful. One guest gave the value a very high rating, saying that 155 SEK for a starter, main course and coffee cake in a castle setting is “really cheap.” People like that the place is quiet (in the off-season) and that dogs are welcome.
Contact
Website: https://torrebyslott.se/
4. Gripsholms Slott (Nearby Accommodation)
Gripsholms Slott is one of Sweden’s most famous and well-preserved castles, but it is a state-owned museum, so you can’t stay overnight. However, the area around Mariefred has great places to stay near the castle that let you experience the royal atmosphere. Gripsholm is on Lake Mälaren, about 65 kilometers west of Stockholm. It was built in the 1530s and has one of the oldest collections of portraits in the world. Guests can explore the castle’s beautifully decorated state rooms and then go back to their comfortable rooms with views of the lake.
Key Points
- The castle is important because it was built in the 1530s and is one of Sweden’s most historically significant castles. It is also home to the national portrait gallery.
- Nearby places to stay: There are a number of hotels and inns in Mariefred that are within walking distance of the castle and have views of the lake.
- Access by steamboat: The old steamboat S/S Mariefred connects the town to Stockholm in the summer.
- Things to do include guided tours of the castle, swimming in the lake, hiking on the trails and walking along Mariefred’s lovely main street, which has cafes and antique shops.
Achievements
- Gripsholm is one of Sweden’s most visited castles and a national cultural treasure.
- The portrait collection includes works spanning 500 years of Swedish history.
Feedback
Visitors describe Gripsholm as “stunning” and “unforgettable,” praising the knowledgeable guides and the castle’s excellent state of preservation. The town of Mariefred itself is consistently rated as one of the most charming small towns in Sweden, offering a peaceful complement to the castle visit.
Contact
Website: https://www.gripsholmslott.se
5. Tullgarns Slott (Nearby Accommodation)
Tullgarns Slott is a royal palace on the shores of Lake Mälaren in Södermanland County. It is the best example of 18th-century Gustavian architecture. King Gustav III built the castle for his uncle Duke Fredrik Adolf. The interiors were designed by Louis Masreliez, one of Sweden’s best neoclassical architects. The castle is a state-owned museum, but there are places to stay nearby that let visitors explore the palace gardens and lakeside park before going back to their comfortable rooms.
Key Points
- Architectural significance: Gustavian neoclassical design by architect Louis Masreliez; interiors are considered masterpieces of Swedish late 18th-century design.
- English park: A large area designed to look like an English landscape park that is open to the public all year round for free.
- Lake Mälaren setting: The park is on a peninsula, so you can see the water from most parts of it.
- Nearby places to stay: Hotels in Södertälje and Vagnhärad are close by and make excellent bases.
Achievements
- Tullgarn is considered one of the finest examples of Gustavian architecture in Sweden.
- The castle served as a summer residence for Swedish royalty through the early 20th century.
Feedback
People who come to Tullgarn praise its “magical” gardens and “beautifully preserved” interiors. People really like the English park because it is peaceful and the walking paths are well-kept. The castle is on the water, which makes for beautiful sunset views.
Contact
Website: https://www.tullgarnsslott.se
FAQ
Which castle hotel is closest to Stockholm city center?
Rosersbergs Slottshotell is located approximately 35 minutes from Stockholm city center and just 10 minutes from Arlanda Airport, making it the most accessible royal castle hotel for travelers arriving by air or basing themselves in the capital.
Can I book a castle for a wedding or conference?
Yes. Rosersbergs Slottshotell is very open to hosting conferences, weddings and other events in a “truly noble setting.” People also say that Torreby Slott is “an exclusive place for weddings, conferences and other special events.” Both places have event packages and staff who are only there to help with them.
Are any of these castle hotels dog-friendly?
Yes. The restaurant and bar at Rosersbergs Slottshotell are both dog-friendly, which is why it is called “Dog-Friendly Paradise.” Guests have said that Torreby Slott works very well for dogs.
Do I need to book dinner reservations in advance?
Yes, especially at Rosersbergs Slottshotell, where restaurant hours change and guests are “recommended to check these in advance.” If you want to eat like royalty, you should book ahead to make sure you get a table in the grand dining rooms.
What is the best time of year to visit these castle hotels?
The best time to visit castle parks and gardens is in the summer (June to August), when the weather is warmest and the days are longest. The Rosersberg Castle Museum is only open from June to September. But visits during the off-season (fall and winter) are cheaper and have a quieter, more personal feel. Many guests enjoy the “hushed (off season)” experience.
Is the Rosersberg Castle museum included in the hotel stay?
The museum in the castle is open from June to September. Guests can get into the museum either as part of their stay or by paying for a separate ticket. It is not automatically included in all room rates. You can take guided tours of the state apartments, which are highly recommended for learning about the castle’s royal history.
Which castle has the most extensive grounds for walking?
Rosersbergs Slottshotell is in an English park next to Lake Mälaren and has a lot of space for walking. The Häringe-Hammersta Nature Reserve is home to Häringe Slott, which gives you access to bigger natural trails. Both are excellent options for guests who want to spend time outside while they’re there.
Can I visit the castle if I’m not staying overnight?
Rosersbergs Slottshotell is open to day visitors for guided tours, meals and events. Tullgarns and Gripsholms Slott are state-owned museums that are open to the public for guided tours, but they do not have rooms for overnight stays. To have a real castle sleepover, you need to book a room at Rosersbergs, Häringe, or Torreby.
