# Ekolsund Castle

- **Country:** Sweden
- **Condition:** Hotel
- **Year Built:** 17th century
- **Location Text:** Uppland

Ekolsund Castle is a well-preserved manor house located in Enköping Municipality within Uppsala County, Sweden. Although an estate has existed on the site since the 14th century, the current structure features two wings designed in the baroque style during the second half of the 17th century. The architectural work was carried out by renowned architects Simon de la Vallée and Nicodemus Tessin the Elder, resulting in a building that retains a distinct 18th-century character. This historical residence stands as a significant example of Swedish baroque architecture and royal heritage.

The castle holds considerable historical importance due to its long association with the Swedish Crown. After being acquired by the Crown in 1542, it served as a royal residence for centuries. Notably, it was the home of Princess Sophia of Sweden from 1578 to 1611. Later, in 1747, the property was granted to the future King Gustav III, who frequently used it as his summer residence while he was Crown Prince until he acquired Drottningholm Palace in 1777. Following his reign, Gustav III sold the estate to the Seton family in 1785, who maintained ownership for over a century until 1912.

In modern times, the property has transitioned from private aristocratic ownership to commercial use. The estate was acquired by Raija Axell Ohlin in 2002 and has since been operated as Ekolsunds slott & Wärdshus. Today, the site functions as a hotel and restaurant, allowing visitors to experience its rich history firsthand. Despite changes in ownership and function over the centuries, the castle remains a prominent landmark in the region, preserving its legacy as a former royal château while serving contemporary guests.

![Photo of Ekolsund Castle](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/67/Ekholmen.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ekolsund_Castle (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)