Exploring Stockholm's Castles

Outside of Skokloster Castle is a little gas station. I thought it odd when our friends said they were taking us to lunch at a gas station. But boy, oh boy, it was a fun experience! We ordered at the counter... the signature burger and a beer. It was beer-thirty... We found a little spot in the outside seating area to enjoy our lunch.

Sitting at our outdoor table after ordering, we enjoyed a beer while waiting. The burger at Skokloster Macken was absolutely delicious! We all ordered the BBQ Mackburger with fries. The burger was made with a piece of salami, jalapeno, along with the regular fixings. To finish it off... and make it even more special... on the bottom of the burger is a layer of tasty teriyaki sauce. The perfect finish!

Classified as a Baroque Castle, it was built between 1654 and 1676. After the death of Count Wrangel, the resident of this royal home, the property has remained virtually untouched. Three hundred years without finishing the building that remained. Located on the shores of Lake Malaren, the peaceful settings... beautiful views add to the splendor of the castle.

Architecture from the 1600's concentrated on the fine details. From the artwork hanging on the walls to the intricate ceiling design. This is an example of the tiles that covered the ceilings throughout the rooms of the castle.

Most castles have churches inside or on the grounds. Skokloster Castle was no different. This beautiful church sat just down the lane. The cemetery on the cover is in front of the church.

Apple blossoms lined the driveway and around the church. We were lucky enough to see them blooming because of the warm weather.

After driving about a half hour, we reached Venngarn Castle. Built in the 13th century, this property is rich in and unusual history. For three hundred years, the castle was passed down to several family members. During the period known as "Reduction",the castle and all the historical belongings were confiscated. From then it was leased out to the crown. Since the 1700's, artifacts have been collected and on showcase.

In the heart of the castle, is a church. It burned down many years ago and had to be rebuilt but still fits in architecturally. Bibles open ready for worship.

Walking up the stairs, on the landing, was a small seating area. What a peaceful place to view the grounds. If I lived in the castle, this would definitely be my reading spot...

As we walked up to the castle entry, an irresistible aroma filled the air. Just inside the door, I saw what it was... a waffle station! They were some of the best waffles EVER! With a table full of goodies to top the waffle, this is what I chose for Fika. As mentioned in an earlier post, Fika is more than just a coffee break. It's a time to socialize... to connect... We sat outside the back of the castle overlooking orchards.

This building on the grounds is currently used as a conference center for businesses to hold meetings and seminars. It was formerly a sanitarium for alcoholics. It was then a health center.

I loved this little pedestrian town! Being a Sunday, most every shop was closed. Behind this little street were charming old style homes.

Behind the other side, was this waterway. In the winter it freezes up and our friends ice skate. Can you imagine having the ability to skate for miles upon miles upon miles?!?

Our castle touring came to an end and we met in Solna at our friends' flat. They had popcorn and bubbly to hold us over until dinner.

Mona showed me this bottle of Rapsolja. It is made from the yellow flowers that we saw all along the train route. It is a Swedish vegetable oil.

Dinner is served! Delicous venison meatloaf. Mona set a beautiful table. We had to hurry and eat because Sweden was in the finals for soccer (futbol).

Early the next morning, we headed to the airport. It was time to move on to Amsterdam. We had Fika in the airport waiting to be called to move toward the gate.

This aerial view shows the waterways... this is a better view of what freezes up and the locals use as a skating rink. How fun! Such a free feeling to go from town to town (if you're in shape)!