"Borgholm and its architectural highlights" Borgholm by gubbi1

Despite the fact that I found many more very interesting sites in Öland, Borgholms castle is said to be the most important sight on this island. You reach Borgholm if you follow the main road on Öland northwards after crossing the big bridge from Kalmar. Very close, just a few hundred meters from Borgholm castle you will find another nice place, the royal castle Solliden with its very beautiful and large garden. Both stand in very hard contrast...

The monument on the photo above is Queen Victoria, the great-grandmother of Swedens King Carl Gustaf.

Solliden, Borgholm, SE

The castle Solliden...
It was built between 1903 and 1906 by Queen Victoria and since then used as a summer residence. Even nowadays it is still used by the royal family. The castle itself can't be visited, but the main attraction is the garden, which is built up in several different parts representing the different types of garden design. There is a rose garden, an English garden and an Italian garden. Compared to the pretty dry landscape of Öland the park is quite a surprise.

Links:
---> Webpage of Castle Solliden

Castle Borgholm, Borgholm, SE

The castle Borgholm...
It developed from a fortification tower during the 12th century. With its rising importance during the wars with Denmark, the fortification was continuesly enlarged. During the Renaissance under Johann III. the fortification was turned into a fortified castle. In the 17th century Nicodemus Tessin sen. redesigned the castle under order of King Karl X. Gustav into a baroque castle. With decreasing importance of the area, the castle started to become abandoned and a fire destroyed it completely in 1806. Only the big walls remained.

Links:
---> Webpage of castle Borgholm (Swedish only)

• Pros:Very contrast rich architecture
• In a nutshell:Very worth to visit