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During World War II, Ekenas Castle was used as a military store house and over the last twenty years extensive renovations have taken place
After the Battle at Stangebro (Linkoping) in 1598, Duke Charles (later King Charles IX) had a number of the advisors of King Sigismund executed at "the Bloodbath of Linkoping". Among those executed was Gustav Baner, the owner of Ekenas. In 1617 King Gustav Adolf was crowned in Uppsala. Peder Baner, Gustav’s son was invited to be guest of honour at the coronation after helping to save the King’s life when his horse fell through the ice during a winter procession. During Queen Kristinas reign large areas of land and property were donated to the aristocracy which meant that the Crown’s income was considerably reduced. On top of this the country was deeply in dept because of wars. During the later part of the 17th century (1680 to 1690) the King ordered reclamation of the properties which had been given away. The Baner family had to leave Ekenas, which was then bought by Count Mauritz Vellingk who was born in Ingermanland in what today we regard as part of Russia. Count Vellingk had two wings built at the beginning of the 18th century. Throughout the centuries, Ekenäs has been owned primarily by noblemen with the castle changing owners through marriage and purchase. During World War II, Ekanas was used as a military store house and over the last twenty years extensive renovations have taken place. The castles interior shows examples of furnishings and carpentry from the last three centuries. Today Ekenas castle is owned by the Bergengren family and during the summer months is open to the public as a museum.
Tourist InformationOpening hours:May, June, August Sat & Sun 1 pm - 4 pm. 1 - 31 July Tues - Sun 1 pm - 4 pm.
For English speaking tours you must book in advance, written information in English is always available.
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Ekenas castle located on a cliff on the shore of a lake which has since been drained, is one of the best preserved Renaissance castles in Sweden was built by Peder Baner between 1630 and 1644. It was originally designed as a military fortification with a surrounding moat and was built with three striking shingled towers.
