Rosersberg Palace

Sigtuna, Sweden

Rosersberg Palace is one of the Royal Palaces of Sweden. It was built in the 1630s by the Oxenstierna family and became a royal palace in 1762, when the state gave it to Duke Karl (later Karl XIII), the younger brother of Gustav III of Sweden.

Gabriel Bengtsson Oxenstierna named the palace after his mother who came from the prestigious Tre Rosor ("Three Roses") family. Construction of the building in the typical Renaissance style of the time started in 1634 and was completed in 1638. In late 17th century, the Renaissance style was out of fashion and Oxenstierna's son, Bengt Oxenstierna, had it radically modernised in the then current Rococo style under the architect Nicodemus Tessin the Younger. The gables of the main building were demolished and the building was given a new roof. New wings and colonnaded gallery were added.

In 1747, Rosersberg was acquired by Baron Erland Carlsson Broman, and was again modernized with the assistance of the architect Jean Eric Rehn. Broman died in 1757, and the palace was acquired by the State, and given to Duke Karl. Karl took up residence in the palace and continued with Rehn's plans for modernizing it. It was renovated in the late Gustavian style but was lacking many of the more capricious aspects of the style, replacing them with a more serious and romantic tone which is referred to as the Karl XIII Empire style. As part of the modernization a series of new interiors were created, the most notable of which are the Orange and Red drawing rooms, and the Hogland Room.

It was a favourite among the palaces for Karl XIV Johan and Queen Desideria, the first of the Bernadotte line, who spent their summers relaxing at Rosersberg and were the last royals to use the palace as a residence. Karl Johan's bedchamber is regarded as one of the most important examples of an early 19th century Swedish interior. Nowadays, the rooms and collections are preserved very much as they were during the period 1795-1825.

After the death of Desideria in 1860, the palace was given to Swedish infantry and until 1961 was a school of musketry. In the 1960s the Civil Defence force took over parts of the palace and grounds and parts are now used by the Swedish Rescue Services Agency.

The palace has a park which incorporates a French baroque garden commissioned by Bengt Oxenstierna, and designed and planted at the end of the 17th century by Tessin the Younger. At the time it was considered one of the most lavish gardens in Sweden, but much of the garden has become overgrown or been lost. The avenues and a 600 metre (1,968 ft) pond still exist. On the left hand side of the palace is an English garden with winding paths commissioned by Duke Karl around 1800.

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Details

Founded: 1630's
Category: Palaces, manors and town halls in Sweden
Historical period: Swedish Empire (Sweden)

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Abhishek A (3 months ago)
Rosersbergs Slottshotell is an excellent day trip destination from Stockholm, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical charm. Nestled by Lake Mälaren, the hotel provides stunning water views and peaceful surroundings. The apple garden adds a quaint touch, perfect for a relaxing stroll. With grill spots and scenic viewpoints nearby, it’s an ideal spot for nature lovers. The castle's proximity to Stockholm makes it an accessible and tranquil escape.
Bredahl Nielsen (4 months ago)
Tried to find a reception to check in. Never succeeded. Very confusing spot. 3 stars for unknown average.
Paul Rosenthal (5 months ago)
It was like in a movie, a castle stay, with romantic sitting rooms to speak with other guests, lovely grounds to walk, a lake to swim in. Bedroom and bed were amazing and comfortable with a great view. Food was delicious at restaurant, and service with Ingela and Leonte and staff were so professional and helpful and had a great sense of humor.
Nidhi Sharma (14 months ago)
Stayed there for our official off-site meeting. Luxurious, beautiful, calm and peaceful stay at this heritage hotel❤️ surrounded by lush green fields, forests and lake Malaren. We enjoyed the gardens, outdoor seating and forest treks the most!
Sebastian Geijer (15 months ago)
Rooms are ok, not great given the status of the place. A cleaner that spoke no English or Swedish insisted on "cleaning" the room 10 min after our check-in although the room was clearly already prepared for check-in.. Bar staff proceeded to SHAKE an Aperol sprits before serving, clearly ruining the drink. Still charging full price.. Service of food and drink over-all does not nearly live up to the standard one should anticipate.. Also (unconfirmed); - If you wish to get married here you are forced to have a Christian ceremony in their chapel, no option to have a civil service elsewhere on the premises is offered.... Sad, as it is one of Swedens most beautiful castles. All in all, I'd stay away, unfortunately.
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