Monarchs Legacy: Gripsholm Castle Citadel & Drottningholm Palace*

Mariefred is a small historic town in Södermanland County. It is best known for its well-preserved wooden buildings, scenic lakeside setting, and its strong connection to Swedish royal and national history. The town was founded in the early 17th century around the monastic site of a former Carthusian monastery called Gripsholm Charterhouse. After the Reformation, when Sweden became Lutheran under King Gustav Vasa, the monastery was dissolved, and the area gradually developed into a town. The name Mariefred means “Peace of Mary,” referring to the original monastery.

The rune stones located at the jousting field on Stallarholmen are Viking Age memorial stones that reflect the region’s rich runic tradition and elite medieval culture. Like many others from the 11th century, they were raised as memorials by family members to honor deceased relatives.

Gripsholm Castle is a historic Renaissance castle located in Mariefred on the shore of Lake Mälaren, about 70 km west of Stockholm. It is one of Sweden’s most famous castles and an important symbol of the country’s royal and political history. The castle was built in the 16th century by King Gustav Vasa, who wanted a strong royal fortress to secure his power after Sweden’s break from the Kalmar Union and the Catholic Church. Construction began around 1537, and the building originally functioned as both a defensive stronghold and a royal residence. Over time, later monarchs expanded and redesigned it into a more comfortable Renaissance palace.

Drottningholms Slottsteater is one of the world’s best-preserved 18th-century theatres and a unique cultural landmark located on the grounds of Drottningholm Palace, the Swedish royal residence on Lovön island near Stockholm.

Drottningholm Palace is the best preserved royal palace in Sweden and the permanent residence of the Swedish royal family. Drottningholm Palaceone is one of Sweden’s most important historical and cultural landmarks. The palace was originally built in the late 16th century.

Drottningholm Palace Park is the historic landscape park surrounding Drottningholm Palace. It is one of the finest and best-preserved examples of a royal garden in Europe and forms an essential part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Drottningholm.