I grew up just 20 minutes from Stora Sundby Slott, a striking lakeside fairytale castle just outside Eskilstuna in Sweden. Although the castle is privately owned, the family generously opens the grounds to visitors throughout the year during designated hours. Making it an easy and worthwhile stop if you’re exploring the area. On a few special occasions each year, it’s possible to book a guided tour and step inside the castle itself. It is a rare opportunity to experience its historic interiors. In recent years, the Stora Sundby estate has also become the setting for an annual electronic music festival, bringing a modern twist to this centuries-old landmark. During the summer months, a popular cafe opens on the Stora Sundby Slott grounds, where you can sit down with a coffee and pastry while enjoying beautiful views across the water toward the castle.
There’s also a charming farm shop on site, selling local produce and handcrafted goods such as honey, meats, crockery, and locally made knives — perfect for picking up a unique souvenir.
♥ Slott is the Swedish word for castle.
Stora Sundby Slott
Although my last visit to the castle was in February, which perhaps isn’t the most colourful and inspiring season to see it, it was still lovely to walk the grounds and admire the grand design. It’s located right by the lake Hjälmaren which is Sweden’s fourth largest lake. Nearby to the castle is also a big enclosure for deer and mouflon sheep. So if you spot lots of deer on your drive here, these are probably the ones you are seeing. It’s almost surreal to imagine that there is a family living inside the castle to this day. I definitely have to plan a trip to Sweden in the future where I can book on to one of the tours. I’d be so curious to see the historic interiors.
Stora Sundby Castle is sometimes known as the “Calendar Castle” due to its neo-gothic Norman design featuring:
- 4 towers representing the seasons
- 12 turrets representing the months
- 52 rooms representing the weeks
- 365 windows representing the days in a year
Combining your trip to Stora Sundby Castle with a visit to Stockholm? Read more about the best things to see and do in Sweden’s capital city here!
Castle Grounds
Access to the grounds immediately by the castle is not allowed as it’s a private residence. But the grounds around it go up to the hedge which surrounds the building so you do not have to worry about not being able to admire this beautiful castle. You can also walk out on the little bit of land that juts out into the water right next to the castle. I’d highly recommend walking out this way as it gives you a new perspective of the castle from the water side. It’s also incredibly beautiful to just look out across the lake as well. During our visit the lake was frozen over which created a really dramatic look to the surroundings. You will also find the Stora Sundby Slott cafe on the grounds. Here it is possible to enjoy sandwiches, pastries and lighter lunches when it’s open during the summer months.
CLSR Boutique Festival at Stora Sundby Slott
For two days during the summer in June, the CLSR Boutique Festival at Stora Sundby Slott in Eskilstuna takes place. Electronic Music lovers CLSR can enjoy a festival taking place right in front of this stunning castle in Stora Sundby. The festival was first held in 2021 at Stora Sundby. And the castle grounds has since become the spiritual home of the festivities.
Hunting season
It is also possible to book in for a hunt of animals like ducks, moose, deer or pheasants. This is available during the hunting seasons and you can stay at the castle during the hunt.
Stora Sundby Slott Farm Shop
The farm shop is open on Saturdays throughout the winter months with extended hours during peak season in the summer but it’s always good to check the Instagram page for updated information.
For our visit, it was a lovely contrast to step inside this little yellow building, where the fire was on to escape the drizzly grey rain outdoors. We bought a deer fillet to use for the barbecue that same evening and it was incredible. There is nothing like locally sourced produce! I also picked up some red currant jelly which my grandmother used to make for us when I was little. It’s eaten together with meat, in a similar way that us Swedes eat lingonberry jam with meatballs and I’d highly recommend trying it. Makes for a great souvenir as well.
FAQ – Stora Sundby Castle
You can visit Stora Sundby Castle by public transport – it’s only about a 20 minute walk from the stop at Alberga with the line 18 buss which goes to and from Eskilstuna city centre.
Dogs and pets are allowed on the grounds, but make sure you pick up after them and that they can behave as there might be other dogs there. They also need to be on a leash.
It is suggested to pay an entrance fee of 20 SEK (approximately €2) which goes toward the upkeep of the castle grounds. There are QR codes around the grounds where you can pay.
The castle is a private residence so you can only go inside on a few dedicated days when tours are available. Check the website to find out when they are available, it’s usually Wednesdays and Saturdays in May.
The building currently standing on the site with its grand design has been standing since 1838, although the site and its previous buildings dates back to medieval times.
There is a dedicated parking area right by the road as you turn into the castle from the main road. If you are visiting the Stora Sundby Slott cafe, it’s only a short walk away to get there.
Need more inspiration for your Sweden trip?
- Where to Find the Best Cinnamon Bun in Stockholm: How to do fika like a local
- Things to See and Do in Stockholm: An Insider’s Guide to the City
- The best hotels in Stockholm Sweden: Five-Star, Boutique & Iconic Luxury Hotels
- Grisslehamn Hotel Havsbaden Spa & Resort: Luxury relaxation near Stockholm
Meet Moa, our multi-talented writer from Sweden who now calls Edinburgh, Scotland home. With over a decade exploring Europe’s hidden corners—from Nordic landscapes to alpine villages—Moa brings a unique perspective shaped by her years as a travel guide in the Swiss and Austrian Alps. As a whisky book author and freelance drinks writer, she has an eye for exceptional food and beverage experiences, while her background as a photographer ensures she never misses a scenic moment. Whether she’s discovering old European cities or chasing golden hour in mountain villages, Moa’s stories blend cultural insight with a dash of adventure and plenty of authenticity.
