History of the castle
Läckö Castle, with its impressive façade and beautiful surroundings, is one of Sweden's most well-preserved historic buildings. Over the centuries, the castle has been a fortress, a bishop's residence and a stately seat of nobility. Here you can explore the history of the castle in depth.
A journey through time
Läckö Castle, best known as the fabulous De la Gardie Castle on the shores of Lake Vänern, has medieval origins. In 1298, the Scarab bishop Brynolf Algotsson laid the foundations of a fortified castle here, which probably consisted of two or three simple houses within a rampart wall. The castle was strategically located in the centre of the then diocese. On their way to Nidaros, pilgrims also found the castle to be a convenient stop. After a fire in the 1470s, the castle was expanded by Bishop Brynolf Gerlachsson.
After the Reformation in 1527, Läckö ceased to function as a bishop's castle. Gustav Vasa took over and, according to written sources, visited the castle twice. For a long time, Läckö suffered from neglect, but after a brother-in-law of the king, Svante Sture, took over, repairs and improvements were made.
Hogenskild Bielke, married to Svante Sture's daughter Anna, became a baron and received Läckö as a barony in 1571. His accounts and letters describe all the activities and furnishings at the castle - a business leader of the time! Traditionally, an older painting in a couple of the halls is associated with Bielke's renovation of the castle. Bielke is also known to have owned one of the largest book collections in the country at the time. After various difficulties and imprisonment at Gripsholm Castle, Hogenskild Bielke was sentenced to death and executed in Stockholm in 1605, sitting on a chair due to severe gout.
Läckö Castle lost interest for a time and it was not until the field lord Jacob Pontusson De la Gardie received it as a fief in 1615 that the castle regained its former importance. The count undertook major remodelling and extensions, including the completion of the third floor of the main castle. The portal leading to the main courtyard was added during this period, as well as the frescoes with plant loops and figures that can still be seen in the niches, stairwells and halls on the third floor. Master Gulik and his disciples were hired for this decoration. Several churches in the neighbourhood have been decorated by the same master.
Count Magnus Gabriel De la Gardie was only thirty years old when he took over the castle and the county. During his lifetime, he held several of the country's highest offices, including that of King of Sweden, the most honourable office one could hold. Queen Christina bestowed many titles and honours on him, but eventually he fell from grace and was banished from court.
Magnus Gabriel and his wife Maria Eufrosyne owned over 1,000 taxable farms in Sweden and the Baltic provinces. In 1654, he started major building work at Läckö. New rooms and housing for the servants were added to the outer bailey, as well as the so-called kitchen bailey. The castle church is also the work of Magnus Garbiel. A fourth floor was added to the main castle and a number of artists decorated the walls and ceilings.
It is largely this Count Magnus Gabriel De la Gardie's castle that we experience today when we visit Läckö, even if the Middle Ages are very much in evidence.
Today, the castle is owned by the Swedish state and managed by the National Property Board.