One of Sweden’s most well-preserved baroque castles is Ericsberg outside Katrineholm. During guided tours, you can learn about its history. Photographs, 18th-century clothing, and an old bathtub tell stories about those who lived and worked at the castle through the centuries.
– You can see an old croquet game that King Gustav V used when he visited the castle and other fun trivia, says Caroline Bonde Deichmann.
The castle is private. Caroline Bonde Deichmann lives here with her family. Their home is not open to the public, but those who book a tour can still experience life at the castle over the centuries. Through various tours, you get guided through the park, the chapel, the museum, and the 18th-century greenhouse.
Unique collections and baroque garden with labyrinth in original
At the museum, there are clothes from the 17th century, photographs, an old bathtub, a school desk, suitcases, and cases. They all tell stories about those who lived here and their various deeds. Here are the doors from the Bondeska palace that was located where Rosenbad is today. It was the Hildebrand family who built it, and before the palace was demolished, they took some of the furnishings to their Ericsberg.
The castle’s chapel was built at the end of the 1600s, and in the greenhouse from the 1700s, there are fig trees and vines just as old.
– We have a peach tree from the 1800s with white peaches, says Caroline.
The well-preserved baroque garden dating back to the late 1600s is open to visitors. It has everything a baroque garden should have in the form of strict and symmetrical and plantings. If you prefer more natural vegetation, there is an English garden section. For the brave, there is also a labyrinth here. It is an exact copy of the famous labyrinth at Hampton Court Palace just outside London.
– It’s quite unusual to find such a well-preserved baroque garden in Sweden, unique actually, says Caroline and describes the view from the garden towards the castle as magical.
Classic design with a twist
On Tuesday afternoons, you can visit the castle’s interior design shop and café with homemade delicacies baked from old Ericsberg recipes.
In the interior design shop, you will find many lovely items that are carefully selected and not found everywhere.
– Here, you can buy items that you can keep for a long time. The design is timeless but with a twist, says Caroline Bonde Deichmann.
They also sell venison. How about some venison grill sausage or black pudding. In August, you can order crayfish, but you have to be quick as the demand is high.
Rent a Castle Wing
You can rent the wings in front of the castle for accommodation.
– You can rent them daily or weekly, says Caroline, and she recommends that one of Sweden’s finest golf courses is nearby.
It is also not far from a public bathing place. If you like fishing, you just need to buy a fishing license.
At Ericsberg, you can have a wonderful experience promises Caroline Bonde Deichmann.
– Here, you can buy items that you can keep for a long time. The design is timeless but with a twist, says Caroline Bonde Deichmann.
Text: Anna Arnerdal