16 castle stays near Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö

Sweden’s castle hotels and manor houses are often set in scenic surroundings, close to lakes and forests, offering a relaxing break from city life. Many are surprisingly affordable, with packages combining a stay with everything from fine dining and golf to spa treatments and afternoon tea. From countryside retreats to coastal stays, discover some of the castle hotels and manor houses near Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö.

Castle hotels near Stockholm

Several historic manor houses and castle hotels are within easy reach of Stockholm, making it easy to combine a city break with a relaxing stay in the countryside.

Ulfsunda Castle – sleep like a royal

Just 15 minutes from central Stockholm, Ulfsunda Castle is one of Sweden’s oldest stately homes, dating back to the mid-1600s. Queen Christina is said to have stayed here during Midsummer 1647, and today you can book her room for the night. Choose from spa, champagne and romantic weekend packages, or head outdoors to explore nearby Lake Mälaren and Judarskogen Nature Reserve.

Hesselby Castle – the music castle

Known as “Sweden’s music castle”, Hesselby Castle lies just half an hour from Stockholm. The estate has a long musical history: iconic Swedish singer-songwriter Carl Michael Bellman was a regular guest here in the 18th century. Today, the castle hosts live music and has two recording studios available to guests. Its individually decorated rooms follow musical themes, with many named after contemporary Swedish artists.

Åkeshof Castle – rococo charm for foodies

Combine a castle stay with a taste of Swedish cuisine at Åkeshof Castle, a rococo-style manor house in leafy Bromma, just 15 minutes from Stockholm. Its restaurant, Råkoko, has a green food philosophy, focusing on ingredients from nature. The castle also has a well-stocked wine cellar and hosts popular wine-and-chocolate tastings.

Lejondal Castle – a fairytale retreat

Design and architecture take centre stage at Lejondal Castle, set by Lake Lejondal in Bro, a 45-minute drive from Stockholm. With its red façade and fairytale spires, the castle is a striking example of Sweden’s 19th-century National Romantic style. It was designed by the architect behind Stockholm’s Hallwyl Museum, adding another layer of interest for architecture lovers.

Näsby Castle – the party castle

Known as “the party castle”, Näsby Castle in Täby is just 15 minutes from Stockholm. Swedish artists including Anders Zorn have visited over the years – look out for Zorn’s ceiling painting in the main salon. Today, the castle is a popular wedding venue, with packages ranging from yoga and spa breaks to champagne tastings and romantic weekends. Its restaurant, Lilla Slottskrogen, serves modern Swedish cuisine.

Häringe Castle – millionaire glamour

Just 25 minutes from Stockholm, Häringe Castle has a history stretching back a thousand years and was owned by King Gustav II Adolf in the 17th century. Later owners include 1930s “matchstick millionaire” Torsten Kreuger, who renovated the estate and built Sweden’s first outdoor Olympic-size swimming pool. Today, its grand interiors, extensive grounds and historic pool offer a glimpse of the castle’s glamorous past.

Castle hotels near Gothenburg

Less than an hour from Gothenburg, you’ll find a collection of historic castles and manor houses where good food, nature and distinctive architecture are all part of the experience.

Aspenäs Manor – lakeside history and a new spa

Set on the shores of Lake Aspen, just 20 minutes from Gothenburg, Aspenäs Manor has a history stretching back centuries. In its early 20th-century heyday, high-society guests and members of the royal family would travel from Jonsered station across the lake to the estate. In summer 2026, the new Aspenäs Spa & Retreat opened by the lake, complete with three saunas.

Hällsnäs Manor – Michelin-starred dining

Set on the shores of Lake Landvetter, just 20 minutes from Gothenburg, Hällsnäs Manor dates from 1906. Activities range from lakeside morning yoga and whisky tastings to winter ice bathing. Food is a highlight: the lakeside restaurant Signum serves a New Nordic tasting menu and holds two Michelin stars.

Tjolöholm Castle – a touch of Downton Abbey

With its Tudor-style architecture and English influences, Tjolöholm Castle brings a touch of Downton Abbey to Sweden’s west coast. Set on a peninsula in Kungsbacka Fjord, the estate has medieval origins, while the current castle was built in the early 20th century and is a leading Swedish example of the Arts and Crafts movement. Stay overnight in one of the restored cottages in the estate’s historic workers’ village.

Bjertorp Castle – Art Nouveau and fine dining

Bjertorp Castle in Vara is an Art Nouveau manor house with well-preserved interiors featuring wood panelling, Swedish marble and many original details. Food is a key part of the experience, with gourmet weekends and a White Guide-listed restaurant. You can also combine your stay with activities such as cycling and golf – or why not gather a group and rent the entire castle.

Tofta Manor – an 18th-century stay by the sea

Tofta Manor is an 18th-century Swedish manor house with Gustavian interiors and traditional tiled stoves. Just 35 minutes from Gothenburg, it’s set close to the sea between Marstrand and Kungälv, making it a good base for exploring the west coast. Packages range from Icelandic horse riding to stays combining golf and good food.

Nääs Castle – a historic stay for hikers

Set along the Gotaleden Trail between Gothenburg and Alingsås, Nääs Castle is a well-preserved 17th-century estate with links to Swedish author and Nobel Prize laureate Selma Lagerlöf, who spent her summers here. Accommodation is available in the estate’s characterful cottages, where many rooms share bathroom facilities. With hiking trails right on the doorstep, Nääs also makes a convenient base for exploring the surrounding countryside on foot.

Castle hotels near Malmö

Less than an hour’s drive from Malmö, you’ll find historic castles and manor houses dotted across the varied landscapes of Skåne, from rolling countryside and forests to vineyards and the coast.

Maryhill Estate – historic setting, modern stay

Around 40 minutes from Malmö, Maryhill Estate (formerly Örenäs Castle) combines historic Baroque architecture with a modern resort setting. The estate has several restaurants and bars, four swimming pools, tennis courts and relaxation areas. Set in the Skåne countryside overlooking the Öresund Strait, it brings together good food, activities and time to unwind.

Häckeberga Castle – neo-Gothic drama

Set on an island in Häckeberga Nature Reserve, about 30 minutes from Malmö, Häckeberga Castle makes an impression with its neo-Gothic architecture and bold interiors. Inside, works of art, rich fabrics and unexpected details create a distinctly maximalist feel. Outside, the setting is altogether calmer, with the castle surrounded by lake and forest.

Kronovall Castle – the wine castle

About an hour’s drive from Malmö, Kronovall Castle in Österlen is known as southeast Skåne’s “wine castle”, with wine and food at the heart of the experience – including its popular Barolo weekend. The castle dates from 1760 and was rebuilt in French Baroque style in the 19th century. Many rooms retain their historic character and share bathrooms, while other accommodation on the estate offers private bathrooms.

Bjärsjölagård Castle – with Viking connections

Just 30 minutes from Malmö, Bjärsjölagård Castle comes with an intriguing link to the Viking Age. According to legend, the site was a royal residence of the 8th-century Viking king Harald Hildetand. The estate also has a history of limestone quarrying and has served as a filming location for TV series. Today, its historic setting, restaurant and gardens make it an inviting base for a countryside stay.