Monuments to visit Sweden

A small guidebook is available at the tourist office to help you understand the French and Italian-inspired architecture of the buildings in the city center, which the Swedes call the "stone city". Most of the buildings were built after the great fire of 1888: there are no less than 573 buildings built between 1891 and 1895, some in the Art Nouveau style. From now on, this visit can be done with an audioguide. For those who are passionate about late ^19th century architecture.

Frösötornet was originally built in 1888. It stands at the highest point of Frösön, at 468 m above sea level. It is 14.50 m high and has an elevator. At the top you have a wonderful panoramic view of the surrounding landscape with lakes and forests. At the foot of the tower there is a cybercafé where you can have a delicious snack! Perfect place to have a different view of the area, and attractive in winter and summer!

Drottningatan 85 was the last home of Sweden's most famous author. He moved there in 1908. He also rented a room on the seventh floor of the same building where he installed his library, which contained about 6,800 volumes. It was in the Blue Tower, so called because of the color of the staircase, that he wrote his last play The Great Road in 1909. 1910 and 1911 were the years of the "Strindberg quarrel", a quarrel over some 500 political articles in which he sided with the working class. And it was here that he received, on his 60th birthday, his first massive tribute from the working classes. Later, when it became clear that he would not receive the Nobel Prize, a collection was organized, which raised 45,000 SEK, and constituted a kind of anti-Nobel Prize of the people. This money was given to him on his ^63rd birthday, and on the evening of January 22, 1912, the workers of Stockholm formed a torchlight march from Odenplan to Tegnérslunden, with 20,000 people in attendance. Strindberg appeared on his balcony, lifted his top hat and gave thanks. He died a few months later, on May 14, and 60,000 people accompanied him to his final resting place. Strindberg's apartment has been reconstructed from eyewitness accounts and photographs of the time. For the sake of preservation, a visit to the apartment requires that you put on slippers to protect the original parquet floor.

In the old town, just before the bridge that leads to Riddarholmen. Riddarhuset, or the Palace of the Nobility, was built between 1641 and 1674, in a German baroque style, by the French architect Simon de La Vallée, and later by the German Justus Vingboons. The building, apricot-colored, with white columns and ornate windows, still belongs to the Swedish nobility. It is guarded by the imposing statue of King Gustav Vasa, more than 5 m high!

Five kilometers south of Bredsätra are seven windmills in a row. They form a long row on the headland and are the longest preserved row of windmills in Öland. They are typical island windmills, and many of them have been restored by local associations. The village of Störlinge is one of the few villages where most farms still have their windmills. Two kilometers further south, the medieval church of Gärdslösa houses frescoes from the ^17th century, and furniture from the ^17th and ^18th centuries.

This is the home of the famous writer, Nobel Prize winner in 1909, who grew up in Värmland. You will discover, in a charming setting, the rooms that have remained intact, the library where many of the author's short stories were written. A guide will tell you the story of this woman through a visit of the place. The garden is also to be discovered. A café allows you to eat and drink a tea. A very interesting place.

It is an old stone bridge crossing the Östra Klarälven. Built in the ^18th century, it is remarkable for its style, made of a succession of twelve stone arches spanning the river. Previously, there were wooden bridges on the site, but they could not withstand the spring floods. Construction was to take four years, but it was not until 1797, after 32 years, that the bridge was inaugurated. Connecting the districts of Haga and Norstrand with its 168 m length, it is also the longest of its kind in Sweden.

This superb library contains countless priceless treasures, some of which are on display in the small museum at the entrance: a hand-drawn map of Mexico City by Alonzo de Santa Cruz in 1555, Mozart's scores, and beautifully illuminated medieval manuscripts, including the Codex Argenteus, or Silver Bible, dating from the ^sixth century, whose fabulous story can be told by a guide in French. Reservations can be made at the tourist office.

Not to be missed if you are in Falun. Every year, more than 60,000 visitors come to see the home of the very popular artists Carl and Karin Larrson. Here you can admire the beautiful interior design of the house and many of the artist's works. Lilla Hyttnäs, the house, has remained in the Larsson family for generations and is now run by the family association, which strives to keep Carl and Karin's work alive.

The most beautiful view of the city. From the top of the 54 m of this water castle, striated white and sky blue, you dominate the whole region from mountains to lake. And of course we discover the castle and the city centre from a very different angle. It's essential if you go to the corner. A café at the top of the water castle offers for 95 Sek a dish, a drink, a salad and a coffee and offers an exceptional view.

Örebro Castle was originally a lookout tower in the 13th century and a manor house in the 15th century, but it was not until the end of the 19th century that it took on its final form. The building, with its four rounded towers, is built on Svartån, the black river. Today the building is occupied by the local governor, but the north-east tower can be visited, where there is an informative permanent exhibition, free of charge. It is accessed by walking along the walls on the right after the small bridge. The rest of the building is only open to guided tours for groups.

This is where the grand botanist Von Linné was born, and in Växjö he studied up to 20 years. There is also a statue of him behind the cathedral, where his school was located. The location, located in the heart of a natural reserve, has been restored for the tricentennial of the birth of the scientist. This is an opportunity to see what this part of Sweden could look like 300 years ago: the area is completely preserved, around the house, the gardens, the fields, the new orangerie… You can even qualify for a guided tour in French by calling in advance.

The only mill to polish the stone of Öland is 3 km along the coast.

Built in the Middle Ages, Troll-Ljungby was restored in the th and th centuries and in the middle of the th century. In the courtyard are exposed to the horn and pipe of Ljungby. These objects play a crucial role in the mythology of the castle. History dates back to the th century. A household was ordered to go to see what the elves were preparing for the Christmas party. The elves gave him a pipe and a horn, and he was forced to smoke and drink their health. But a young girl, held hostage by the elves, shouted to leave. The young employee managed to escape with the two gifts. To revenge, the elves held a curse: the castle had to burn three times and change ownership. The castle was indeed burned three times, and the noble Ulfstrand gave way to another noble family, Troll-Wachtmeister.

Built in 1499 and has not undergone any reshuffle since then, Glimmingehus is a veritable medieval castle open to the public. Small openings crossing the walls of 2,50 m thick still point to cannons. In 1676, during the war between Denmark and Sweden, the King of Sweden gave the order to demolish the castle, fearing that he fell into the hands of the Danes. But, while the men were there, the Danish fleet landed in the port of Ystad and the Swedes had to escape. Glimmingehus, who later changed ownership, is now owned by the Swedish state. Not to miss in August, the medieval festival gathering knights and minstrels at the time around a game.

This castle, built in 1640 in the Christian II style, King of Denmark, has been the subject of many covetous. Unfortunately, the interior cannot be visited, but the fortifications surrounding a canal crossed by many bridges are remarkable.

This Renaissance castle, built in 1530 by a noble named Sparre, serves as a museum and restaurant. The huge red brick building is reflected in the lake beneath it. During the Danish period, the castle was a very appreciated residence of Danish nobles. Its most famous owner was the Swedish Rutger Macklean (1742-1816), which was changing peasant life by imposing land regrouping (villages break-up, redistribution of land), thus making Skåne the richest region in the Swedish Kingdom. The four floors of the castle reconstruct the lives of nobles at various times: exhibitions of tapestries, clothing, arms, textiles, toys and coins. The castle park is wild and cultivated with its lake, beech wood and green lawns. The restaurant, traditional regional cuisine, offers a typical but very expensive menu.

Built, in 1559, belonged to only two families: The Thott for 300 years and today at Troll. Does it not look like a fairy tale? It is said that every night the ghost of the places agite its chains…

To the south-east of the square, Alamedan Street leads to the Royal Bridge. It is bordered by wooden houses, which escaped the destruction caused by the great fire of 1790, after which 3 000 inhabitants were homeless. The fire took place on the Admiralty Street (Amiralitetsgatan) because of the insouciance of a servant who was busy his laundry. The wind blowing strong that day was busy spreading the disaster. The Royal Bridge was once the main place of access to Karlskrona. On the right, we see the shipyard surrounded by fortifications.

10 km southwest of Simrishamn, Glimmingehus is a medieval castle made of large gray stones with narrow dormer windows. Its roof is cut in the shape of a staircase. On certain summer evenings, sheltered by 2.5 meter thick walls, one can attend historical shows and concerts in a medieval atmosphere. The place has the reputation of being frequented by ghosts... If you cannot go there, it is always possible to visit the place in 3D, an advantage of which the creators are not little proud!

In the heart of the city, in a residential area, is a bare park without charm, except it is home to a fortified Viking fort! In fact, only one quarter of the strong circular was reconstituted, just behind buildings, but its entrance and fence made of logs is no less impressive. At the entrance, a sign tells the story of this site, which was abandoned by the year. There is also an open shop in summer.

In the west of Mårtenstorget, rue Kattesund, you can see the ruins of the Drotten church. The archaeological excavations carried out in 1984-1985 highlighted its richness and the fascinating character of its history. Everything suggests that the church, built in the middle of the th century, was destined for the diocese. Originally, there were crypts under the choir and under part of the big nave. Drotten housed a convent before serving, around 1300, parish church until the Reformation in 1536, the date of its demolition.

The street in front of the bishop's palace (Biskopsgatan) leads to the Botanical Garden, with 7,000 plants from all over the world. The institution houses a beautiful museum and a laboratory. The garden is an enchantment for botanists and strollers. You will discover many beautiful species and learn a lot. There is a small store where you can do some shopping for the gardeners, and a very pleasant café invites you to take a gourmet break.

Lund University was founded in 1666. Today, about 35,000 students are enrolled at the university. Opposite the university building and on the right side of Lundagård Park stands the Student Union building (Akademiska Föreningen), which houses meeting rooms, concert halls, a pub, a restaurant and the administration. During the academic year, the area between the university, the Akademiska Föreningen and the many institutes is crowded with students. The library is located behind the bishop's house.

We highly recommend that you walk through Lundagård Park, which lies north of the cathedral. Here you will find Kungshuset, also called Lundagårdshuset, a red brick house built in the last half of the ^16th century and former residence of King Frederick II of Denmark. In the park, between Kulturen, the Museum of Folk Art and Traditions and the Student Union building, Tegnér Square is recognizable by the statue of Esaias Tegnér, a famous Romantic poet who was a student at the University of Lund before teaching there.

The river Skellefteälv and its built banks are perfect for a long walk which describes a pleasant loop, first by way of the village-church, then by taking steps on the small island of Kyrkholmen (where the summer Kyrkholmen Café serves delicious Swedish brussell to the chicoutés, these Nordic little blackberries). Then, past the church, you must admire Lejonströmsbron, the bridge of the lion's current. It is the oldest wooden bridge accessible to vehicles across Sweden. Supported by large stone piers, it dominates the vif waters of the river. Every seven years, the work must undergo renovations because the studded tires of cars use the boards that cover it. The place witnessed an important battle between the Swedish and Russian armies in 1809, but it was not destroyed! The walk continues on the other side, where you can reach the centre via the other bridge.

Climbing the hill where the Oscarsborg tower is erected is a must to enjoy a breathtaking view of the Söderhamn area. The tower was originally an observation point and is now closed. However, the panorama and the hiking path winding through the trees make the place an ideal excursion for hiking enthusiasts. The place is accessible by car or motorcycle, as there is a parking lot near the summit. Not far from there is a small café to recover from the climb! Wheelchair access is possible.

The seven decorated farmhouses of Hälsingland (Hälsingegårdar) have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021. The walls of these large wooden buildings are decorated with paintings that combine motifs from folk traditions with styles popular in the ^19th century, such as baroque and rococo.

The Stenegård Cultural Center is located in one of these farms. Contact them to find out which farm is closest to your location! A very pleasant activity where many festivities are organized (concerts, bread or cheese making).

Medieval brick building, built around 1580 by order of the Danish king Frederik II as a residence for the bishop of Lund. A century later it was donated to the University of Lund. The tower was once used as an astronomical observatory. The building now houses the university's philosophy department. A very beautiful building that one contemplates with pleasure, that leaves one wondering and that makes one want to return to the university!

This building, built in 1901 to house a museum at the time, was enlarged between 1997 and 2000 by Henning Larsen, the architect of the Copenhagen Opera House, who designed the huge glass façade that has earned the place its nickname of "glass calendar". Inside, the atmosphere is calm and studious, with large tables, comfortable armchairs, pretty lamps... Everything invites you to take a book and enjoy the place, if only for a few hours.

A must-see for architecture buffs! This wildly ambitious development project began in 2001 and will not be fully completed until 2035. The objective is to transform the former industrial port into a 100% energy self-sufficient eco-district, with a focus on renewable energy. The result is a modern splendor with a very Swedish minimalism: canals running along the streets, lush plazas, floating houses made of glass, wood or steel, vast lawns... and the possibility to dive directly into the Baltic Sea from Daniaparken.

From Skansen Hill, which has been turned into a shady park, there is a good view of the Haga district below, the shipyards, the old town and the river. At the top of the park, the Skansen Kronan tower, built between 1687 and 1699 of large granite stones, is topped with a huge golden crown. It is one of the remains of the city's fortifications, when Gothenburg was the only access to the North Sea, surrounded by the Norwegians to the north and the Danes to the south.

The castle, which was ordered built by Gustav Vasa in 1549, is today the residence of the governor and the seat of the regional administration. The Rikssalen, or State Hall, where Queen Christine renounced the crown, is worth a visit. It was also here that Erik XIV, in a fit of madness, had influential nobles executed in 1567 (history remembers this event as the "Sture murder"). The castle also houses several museums, including the Uppsala Museum of Fine Arts (Uppsala konstmuseum).