Bendesbacke

High up on a protruding rocky outcrop in what was once a marshland is the ancient castle of Bendesborg/Bendesbacke. It is located on the border between Stånga and Etelhem, which used to be a county border.

From the ancient castle you have a good view of the now cultivated Tängling bog. In ancient times, the bog was a large lake, which together with Hageby träsk and Lojstasjöarna was part of a water system that via Strömmaån and Närkån connected the inland with the sea in the east. Perhaps the water system was already used in ancient times and the location of the castle then has a natural explanation as a control castle for this fairway.

The villages around the castle were well established in ancient times - perhaps the castle was used by both parishes. During times of unrest it may have been used as a place of refuge and during calmer periods as a courthouse.

The ancient castle at Bendesbacke consists of a main castle and an outer castle to the south. The main castle is 200 x 90 m and is located on the crest of the mountain. Where the castle is not bordered by steep sides, there are heavily built-up ramparts. The construction of the main castle and the fortification suggests that the castle may have been built for defense and control.

Good to know for you as a visitor

• There are lambs and cattle grazing in the pasture
• A path leads from the parking lot to the castle. To get to the castle, you need to cross the stiles.
• It can be wet, so rubber boots can be good to bring!
• The site is on private land, so please be considerate.