Gripsholm is known as Gustav Vasa's castle, as it was he who built the castle here in 1537.
Seen today along the shore of Lake Mälaren, with pleasure craft docked not too far away, Gripsholm Castle looks pleasant and peaceful. But it is actually a massively constructed brick and stone fortification, built by King Gustav Vasa (founder of the Vasa dynasty) in the 16th century as a refuge for his family in case Stockholm was attacked.
This is not the first castle on the site; an earlier castle was built in the 13th century, and even older Viking fortifications found a home here.
What would a traditional castle be without a drawbridge? This structure, complete with iron counterweights, was designed to raise the bridge in a hurry, forcing any attacking force to contend with either the moat or, on the opposite side of the castle, Lake Mälaren itself.
Click on "Show on map" button to see location of the castle
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