# Trolle-Ljungby Castle

- **Country:** Sweden
- **Condition:** Private residence
- **Year Built:** 17th century
- **Location Text:** Scania

Trolle-Ljungby Castle is a historic fortress located in Kristianstad Municipality within the Scania region of southern Sweden. While the site has medieval origins dating back to the 14th century when it belonged to the Danish Bille family, the structure visible today largely reflects a major reconstruction completed around 1621 under builder Knud Gyldenstierne. The castle is designed in an accomplished Danish Renaissance style, featuring three wings that surround a central courtyard on a small island enclosed by a protective moat. Its strategic location and formidable design played a role during significant regional conflicts, including the insurrection of Søren Norby in 1525 and the later Scanian War following the Swedish conquest of the area.

The castle bears visible scars from its turbulent past, particularly from the Scanian War when it was damaged by Snapphane guerrilla fighters. Bullet holes and cutting marks on the tower door from this era remain visible today as a testament to these battles. After the conflict, the property was repaired and fortified with a defensive gatehouse. In 1749, the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus visited the castle park during his travels through Scania. The estate underwent further significant internal and external renovations in 1850 under Hans Gabriel Trolle-Wachtmeister, shaping much of its current appearance while preserving its historical character.

Currently, the castle remains the private residence of Count Hans-Gabriel Trolle-Wachtmeister and his family, who have owned the property since the mid-19th century. Although it is situated near Trolle-Ljungby Church and stands as a prominent local landmark, the interior retains few original furnishings despite its rich decoration. The site is not open to the general public, maintaining its status as an exclusive family home rather than a museum. Nevertheless, Trolle-Ljungby Castle continues to serve as an important example of Scandinavian Renaissance architecture and a living piece of Swedish history.

![Photo of Trolle-Ljungby Castle](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3e/Trolle_Ljungby_slott.jpg)

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