Svaneholms borgruin

The Svaneholm castle ruins are surrounded by water and mystery. It sits high on a peninsula in Lake Kilarpesjön in Västra Harg. The lake is now submerged and it is believed that the castle was originally located on an island surrounded by moats, water and marshes. The castle had a very solid core tower, with walls up to five meters thick, designed to withstand any siege.

In March 1364, the castle was taken by Germans from Mecklenburg under the leadership of Albrecht. This was after the Swedish king Magnus Eriksson had been deposed and fled to Norway. Great men in Sweden had then called on Albrecht of Mecklenburg to become the new Swedish king. A letter from Albrecht states that the castle was taken without much trouble, despite the massive walls. Perhaps the defenses were weakened after Magnus Eriksson's soldiers deserted when he was deposed, or the castle was not completely built?

Today, the castle is a ruin, and the surrounding area is both a medieval memorial and an attractive destination for excursions, with legends about the once solid wall. The local history society in Västra Harg has a story about the giant Garpe who lived with his dwarf servant and large dog on Svaneholm. It is said that when it is moonlight, you can still see his copper bridge out in the lake if you are lucky. Over the bridge, the giant went down to the people on the plain to give them grains of gold. They were to put the grains of gold in the ground to become rich. The grains of gold were actually grain that made the plains people rich, which meant that the plains people no longer felt they needed the giant, but chose to get other gods. This made the giant so angry that he headed north, but first he threw three large stones at the church. Stones that are still in the lake by the church today. According to local sources, some people are still digging for the gold and silver left behind by the giant Garpe.

Svaneholm is located on the road between Mantorp and Västra Harg. The entrance is excellent. After the parking lot, you have to walk a couple of 100 meters to get to the castle.

Take Järnvägsgatan south from Mjölby. Follow the signs to V Harg. Pass through Västra Harg and first follow signs towards Önnebo for about 500 meters and then towards Mantorp. Turn left after 1.5 kilometers at the sign for Svaneholm Castle Ruin. Follow the gravel road for about 850 meters to the parking lot. From the parking lot to the castle it is about 600 meters.

Coordinates:

58°16'15.9"N 15°17'2.3"E