Location: Scania Map
Constructed: 13th century (initially as a monastery)
Bäckaskog Castle (Swedish: Bäckaskog Slott) is a historic estate located in Fjälkinge, Kristianstad Municipality, in the Skåne (Scania) region of southern Sweden. Situated on a narrow isthmus between Ivö Lake (Scania's largest lake) and Oppmanna Lake, at coordinates 56°05′07″N 14°20′54″E, the castle offers a picturesque setting amid lush parklands and waterways, approximately 18 km from Kristianstad. Originally founded as a Premonstratensian monastery in the mid-13th century, it was transformed into a castle in the 16th century and has since served various roles, including a royal summer residence and military outpost. Today, it functions as a luxury hotel, conference center, and event venue, blending historical charm with modern amenities like spa facilities and gourmet dining. Recognized for its mystical and romantic atmosphere—often tied to legends of ghosts and royal romances—the castle attracts visitors for its scenic beauty, cultural events, and as a serene retreat in nature. With an average Tripadvisor rating of 4.0/5 from over 100 reviews, it's praised for its elegant ambiance and friendly staff, though some note its remote location.
Early History: Foundation as a Monastery
Bäckaskog Castle, known
in Swedish as Bäckaskogs slott, is located in Kristianstad Municipality
in Scania (Skåne), southern Sweden, on a narrow isthmus between the
lakes Ivösjön and Oppmannasjön. Its origins trace back to the mid-13th
century when it was established as a Premonstratensian monastery, a
religious order founded in France in 1120 that emphasized monastic life
and preaching. The monastery was likely founded around 1250, during a
period when Scania was part of Denmark, and it served as a spiritual and
communal center for the region. Archaeological evidence and preserved
structures, such as parts of the original stone buildings, date visible
remnants to this era, highlighting its cultural-historical significance
as one of the oldest monastic sites in southern Sweden. The site's
proximity to the island of Ivön, inhabited for over 6,000 years and
associated with figures like the 13th-century Danish archbishop Andreas
Sunesen, underscores the area's long-standing religious and strategic
importance.
During the medieval period, the monastery thrived under
Danish rule, benefiting from the fertile lands and waterways that
supported agriculture and trade. However, the Reformation in the 16th
century brought significant changes to religious institutions across
Scandinavia.
Transformation into a Castle and Danish Noble Estate
(16th–17th Centuries)
With the advent of the Protestant Reformation
in Denmark (which included Scania at the time), the monastery was
secularized and dissolved around 1537. It was subsequently converted
into a castle and granted as a fief to Danish nobles. This
transformation marked a shift from religious to secular and defensive
purposes, common in the region during the turbulent border conflicts
between Denmark and Sweden.
The castle's current architectural form
largely took shape between 1584 and 1653, under Danish ownership,
incorporating Renaissance elements while retaining medieval foundations.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, it functioned as a nobleman's
estate, with owners managing the surrounding lands for agriculture and
hunting. The Treaty of Roskilde in 1658, which ceded Scania to Sweden,
brought Bäckaskog under Swedish control, altering its administrative and
military role.
Military Use as a Colonel's Residence (18th–19th
Centuries)
In the 18th century, Bäckaskog served as the official
residence for the colonel of the Southern Scanian Cavalry Regiment,
reflecting Sweden's efforts to fortify and administer its newly acquired
southern territories. This period lasted over a century, during which
the castle was adapted for military purposes, including housing officers
and possibly serving as a base for regional defense. The grounds, with
their strategic location between lakes, provided natural fortifications.
By the early 19th century, the military function began to wane, setting
the stage for its royal associations.
Royal Summer Residence and
Renovations (19th Century)
Bäckaskog's most glamorous chapter began
in the mid-19th century when it became a favored retreat for Swedish
royalty. Crown Prince Oscar (later King Oscar I of Sweden and Norway)
rented the castle in the 1840s, using it as a summer residence. His son,
King Charles XV (Karl XV, reigned 1859–1872), acquired ownership in 1853
and transformed it into a lavish pleasure palace. Charles XV, known for
his artistic inclinations and love of hunting, spent every summer there
from around 1845 until his death in 1872, hosting elaborate parties and
enjoying the scenic surroundings.
Under Charles XV's patronage,
extensive renovations occurred between the 1850s and 1870s, including
expansions, interior redecorations, and landscape improvements, which
largely define the castle's present appearance. These changes blended
Romantic and Neo-Renaissance styles, emphasizing grandeur and comfort.
The king's personal touches, such as equestrian facilities (reflecting
his passion for horses), added to its reputation as a royal idyll.
Folklore from this era includes tales of the king's horse still
galloping through the grounds posthumously, contributing to the castle's
haunted lore.
After Charles XV's death, the castle briefly remained
in royal hands but transitioned away from exclusive royal use.
Modern Era: Hotel and Cultural Site (20th Century to Present)
In the
early 20th century, Bäckaskog was repurposed as a hotel and conference
center, preserving its historical integrity while opening it to the
public. Today, it operates as a luxury hotel with restaurants, event
spaces, and gardens, attracting visitors for its scenic beauty and
history. The site is recognized for its layered history, with elements
from the monastic, noble, military, and royal periods coexisting, as
noted in cultural preservation programs.
Historical Overview and Architectural Evolution
Bäckaskog Castle,
known in Swedish as Bäckaskogs slott, stands on a narrow isthmus between
Ivö Lake (Scania's largest lake) and Oppmanna Lake in Kristianstad
Municipality, southern Sweden. Its origins trace back to the mid-13th
century, when it was founded as a Premonstratensian monastery, with some
visible structural elements from that era still preserved today. The
monastery was initially built after the order's previous site in Vä was
destroyed by fire, establishing a simple monastic complex suited to
religious life, likely featuring stone foundations, cloisters, and basic
living quarters typical of medieval Scandinavian ecclesiastical
architecture.
The transformation into a secular castle began in the
16th century, accelerating between 1584 and 1653 under the Danish
nobleman Henrik Ramel and his son, Henrik Ramel Junior. During this
period, the former monastery was rebuilt into a fortified complex,
incorporating defensive elements such as thick walls, a surrounding
courtyard, and possibly moat-like features leveraging the adjacent lakes
for natural protection. This era imparted the castle's somewhat
sprawling layout, blending medieval remnants with Renaissance influences
common in Danish noble estates of the time. The structure expanded
irregularly, reflecting pragmatic additions rather than a unified
design, resulting in a mix of brick and plaster facades punctuated by
old crosses, bricked-up doors, and windows that hint at evolving
defensive and residential needs.
Following the Peace of Roskilde in
1658, when Scania became Swedish territory, the castle served as a
colonel's residence for the Southern Scanian Cavalry Regiment for over a
century. Modest alterations during the 18th century adapted it for
military use, including functional expansions to barracks and stables,
though these maintained the core fortified character without major
stylistic overhauls. The most significant changes occurred in the
mid-19th century, when Crown Prince Karl (later King Charles XV) adopted
it as a summer residence in 1845. Extensive renovations under his
patronage modernized the castle, introducing Romantic-era elements that
softened its martial edges into a more palatial form. This phase
essentially defined its current appearance, with refined facades,
enlarged windows for better light, and interior updates emphasizing
comfort and grandeur. The castle's architecture thus represents a
palimpsest of styles: medieval monastic austerity, 16th-17th century
fortification, 18th-century utilitarianism, and 19th-century royal
elegance.
Exterior Architecture
The exterior of Bäckaskog
Castle exhibits a robust yet eclectic form, dominated by its elongated,
irregular plan that hugs the lakeside terrain. The main building,
primarily from the 17th century, features white-plastered walls over
brick, with subtle decorative motifs like pilasters and cornices added
during the 19th-century renovations. Towers and projections break the
symmetry, evoking a fortified manor rather than a symmetrical chateau.
The entrance facade includes a central portal flanked by wings, with
arched doorways and multi-paned windows that reflect both functional and
aesthetic evolutions. Bricked-up openings and embedded crosses serve as
vestiges of the monastic past, while the overall massing—low-slung with
pitched roofs—adapts to the Scandinavian climate, using slate or tile
for durability.
Surrounding the castle is a courtyard, enclosed by
outbuildings that once housed stables and service areas, now integrated
into the hotel operations. The lakeside setting enhances the
architecture, with pathways leading to docks and views that frame the
building against water and woodland.
Interior Architecture
Internally, Bäckaskog Castle retains a blend of historical layers, with
rooms in the main building showcasing 17th-century charm through exposed
beams, paneled walls, and fireplaces. The 19th-century royal
interventions introduced more opulent features, such as ornate stucco
ceilings, parquet floors, and wallpapered salons designed for
entertaining. Suites and public areas feature high ceilings and large
windows overlooking the lakes, emphasizing natural light and connection
to the landscape. Monastic remnants, like vaulted cellars or
stone-arched corridors, persist in lower levels, providing a contrast to
the upper floors' refined decor. Modern adaptations for hotel use have
preserved these elements while adding contemporary comforts, ensuring
the interiors feel lived-in rather than museum-like.
Park and
Landscape Integration
The castle's architecture extends into its
English-inspired park, developed in the mid-19th century under Crown
Prince Karl's direction. This expansive garden features winding paths,
exotic trees, and manicured lawns that complement the building's facade,
creating a harmonious blend of architecture and nature. The park's
design follows Romantic principles, with follies, bridges, and vistas
that enhance the castle's picturesque quality. An 18th-century orangery
adds a neoclassical touch, serving as a greenhouse for exotic plants and
a venue for events. Overall, the landscape architecture amplifies the
castle's isolation and serenity, making it a cohesive estate rather than
an isolated structure.
As a functioning hotel and venue, Bäckaskog Castle offers a range of
attractions centered on history, relaxation, and events. The castle park
features marked walking trails—blue (1.1 km), red (2.2 km), and yellow
(3 km)—winding through forests and along lake shores, ideal for nature
walks or jogging. Nearby Kjugekull nature reserve provides longer hikes.
The on-site Ockra shop in the courtyard sells curated vintage items,
flowers, and plants, with activities like flower-arranging courses.
Dining highlights include the restaurant serving seasonal menus, with
specialties like traditional Scanian goose dinners in November
(featuring black soup, roasted goose, and desserts) and festive
Christmas buffets in 2025 (priced at 895 SEK per person, including glögg
and coffee). The seasonal Castle Café offers waffles and warm drinks on
select autumn Saturdays. For mysticism enthusiasts, ghost packages
(e.g., October 29 and 31, 2025; January 30, 2026) include lantern-lit
ghost tours exploring the castle's haunted history, followed by a
two-course dinner, overnight stay, and breakfast—though the October 31
date is fully booked. Weddings and parties are popular in grand halls
like the Red Salon or Stable, described as "utterly wonderful" in a
castle setting. Additional facilities: Free parking, WiFi, sauna, hot
tub, bicycle/canoe rentals, and family activities.
Bäckaskog Castle is open year-round as a hotel and attraction, with
public access to the grounds, restaurant, and events. Restaurant hours
vary seasonally—contact via info@backaskogslott.se or +46 44-53020 for
reservations. The Castle Café operates on select autumn Saturdays (check
website for dates). Accommodation starts around 1,200-2,000 SEK per
night for double rooms, including breakfast; packages like overnight
with dinner are available. Event prices: Christmas buffet 895 SEK; ghost
packages (pricing not specified, but include tour, meal, and stay).
Access by car is recommended (free parking); nearest airport is
Kristianstad (20 km) or Malmö (100 km). Tips: Book events like ghost
tours or holiday dinners in advance, as they sell out (e.g., some 2025
dates already full). Wear comfortable shoes for park walks; visit in
autumn for foliage or summer for lake activities. Pet-friendly in some
areas. Official website: www.backaskogslott.se for bookings and updates.