The Almare-Stäket castle ruin

Here on Stäksön, it is well worth visiting one of Sweden's largest medieval castle ruins, namely the Archbishop's Castle.

The castle ruin is situated along the historically significant waterway towards Sigtuna and Uppsala. Historical sources suggest that there may have been a defensive structure here as early as the 12th century. A monastic chronicle mentions an event in which Sigtuna and Stäket were burned in 1187. The first documented mention of the castle dates back to the late 14th century. It historically belonged to the church, but the archbishop was forced to cede it to the crown in the 15th century. It was burned in 1434 to prevent the rebel Engelbrekt from fortifying himself there.

The site then came back under the archbishop's control, and a palace with a defensive wall, "St. Erik's Castle," was constructed. It was completed in 1452 and played a central role in the political struggles regarding Sweden's involvement in the union with Denmark. In this conflict, Sten Sture the Younger eventually ordered the demolition of the facility in 1518, an event that led to the Stockholm Bloodbath two years later.

Today, the castle ruin is part of a very important cultural landscape where the municipality, in collaboration with private actors, cares for and manages the area's various cultural and natural values. One example of this is that sheep grazing occurs during the summer at the castle ruin to keep the area free from brush and grass. It is a gentle way to care for the ruin while also benefiting biodiversity.