The changing hands of Stjernsund Castle: A centuries-old game

Stjernsund Castle, a captivating museum in Askersunds kommun, Närke, is not the first grand castle to stand on the shores of Lake Vattern. What sets it apart is the impressive lineage of owners it has had. The castle has gone through multiple hands, more times than most houses change paint. From the Swedish royal family to powerful industrialists, let's delve into the intriguing narrative of this castle that has been a much-valued asset.

The castle was constructed in 1798-1801 by Olof Burén, who belonged to a distinguished family in the area. Burén was a captain, then a baron, and finally a count, but his claim to fame is the construction of the remarkable Stjernsund Castle in the modern neo-antique style. The castle has two floors, an economic floor, and an imposing portico supported by four thick columns.

The original castle on this site was built in the baroque style, but only its cellars remain today. The current castle, featuring a prominent middle part and a high stone staircase, replaced the old one. However, a painting by Christina Soop from the 17th century suggests that it likely had long buildings surrounding a courtyard with one or two tall towers.

Stjernsund Castle has seen quite a few illustrious owners. First, it was under the control of a succession of Soop family members, with a break during the reduction. Later, it was purchased by Olof Burén’s cousin Otto Julius Hagelstam, who sold it to King Charles XIV John. The king’s arrendator let the estate deteriorate.

Oscar I sold Stjernsund in 1851 to his son Prince Gustaf, who passed away. After Prince Gustaf's death, the castle was sold in 1856 to Prince August, who spent several summers there. In 1860, Prince August sold the castle to Brukspatron Knut Cassel.

After Cassel’s death, Stjernsund was inherited by his son Albert Cassel. After Albert Cassel’s death, the estate was managed by his wife Augusta Reuterswärd until 1948, when the forest was sold to Uppsala University. Augusta Cassel passed away on May 14, 1951.

Stjernsund Castle is currently a summer residence for the Swedish red-spotted breed. The castle is open to the public during the summer, offering a carriage museum, a dairy, and a café.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons