The Singing Prince's Castle
The beautiful Neoclassical castle, situated on a promontory on Lake Vättern, boasts the country’s best-preserved interiors from the mid-19th century. The castle was built by the ironworks owner Olof Burenstam in 1798. Around the same time, the park was laid out in the English landscape style. From 1823 to 1860, Stjernsund was owned by the Bernadotte family. King Karl XIV Johan used the castle, among other places, as a place to stay during his trips to Norway. His grandson, Prince Gustaf, the “Singing Prince,” carried out an extensive redecoration of the castle in the mid-1850s, much of which is still preserved today.
In 1860, the estate was purchased by the Cassel family, who made the castle famous for its livestock breeding. Stjernsund is the birthplace of the Swedish Red-and-White cattle breed (SRB). In 1951, “Her Grace” Augusta Cassel passed away, and the castle was donated to the Royal Swedish Academy of Letters, History and Antiquities. In 1965, it was designated a historic landmark.
History and the Castle Café
During the summer months, you can explore the history on the daily guided tours. The south wing also hosts temporary exhibitions. Here you’ll also find the Palace Shop, offering items for both practical use and enjoyment. Everything from replicas of items from the castle to plenty of trinkets inspired by the beautiful garden. The park is perfect for a stroll; the Dairy features an exhibition on agriculture, and the Stables display the old carriages.
At Slottscaféet , you can enjoy delicious food and other treats. The outdoor seating area is the perfect spot to enjoy the lunch buffet, light lunches, sandwiches, or coffee and pastries while listening to the sound of the waves. Everything is homemade and locally sourced, of course!
Next door is Stjernsund Farm, where a long tradition of farming continues. The farm features, among other things, a well-stocked farm shop filled with the farm’s own products. Here you’ll find eggs and other locally produced delicacies.