At that time Åland was located in the centre of the Swedish kingdom, which extended all the way to the present-day Russian border. The castle was then located on an islet completely surrounded by water, but land uplift has meant that the castle today has water on only two sides.
Perhaps the most famous royals to have stayed at the castle are Gustav Vasa and his son Duke Johan, and the Duke's brother, King Erik XIV, who was imprisoned at the castle for a period in the autumn of 1571. A fire destroyed the castle in 1745, but since the end of the 19th century, several restorations have been carried out, the latest in the 1990s. Today, the castle is a museum that offers daily guided tours during the high season and is a fun and exciting excursion destination, even for the youngest in the family. There is a pirate tour, mischievous little ghost dolls hidden here and there and castle clothes that both young and old can try on and become a princess or knight for a while.
Be sure to visit the Jan Karlsgården open-air museum and the Vita Björn prison museum, which are just a stone's throw from the castle. When hunger strikes, you can head for Smakbyn or Åland Distillery where you can treat yourself to something good to eat.
Address: Slottsvägen, Kastelholm 22520