Läckö Slott/Läckö Castle

Since 2008 I work fulltime for Läckö Castle, being in charge of and producing
stage productions as well as concerts on the main courtyard.
When the castle is closed during winter I'm responisble for external information,
which means that I can still live in Stockholm, working on a long–distance basis.
But in summer I spend my time at the most enchanting castle of Sweden.

Läckö Slott is best known as De la Gardie's magnificent castle on the shores of Lake Vänern, but it is much older.
In 1298 Brynolf Algotsson, Bishop of Skara, laid the foundations for a fortified castle here.

After the reformation in 1527, Läckö ceased being a bishop's castle, reverting instead to the crown.
Gustav Vasa took possession. For a while Läckö was poorly maintained until his brother-in-law,
Svante Sture, took possession, repairing and improving the property. He was followed by
Hogenskild Bielke, married to Sture's daughter Anna. After various problems Hogenskild Bielke
was sentenced to death and executed in 1605.

Field marshal Jacob Pontusson De la Gardie was granted the property in 1615.
Count De la Gardie embarked on an extensive building spree, including the third floor of the keep.
His son, Count Magnus Gabriel De la Gardie, was only 30 when he took over the castle and the county.
In 1654 he initiated immense construction projects at Läckö, including new rooms and housing for the
staff in the gatehouse. He also added the kitchen wing, the castle chapel and a fourth floor on the keep.
Even if the spirit of the Middle Ages hovers over large parts of the castle, it is the Baron's castle we see
when we visit Läckö today.


www.lackoslott.se