Vadstena Castle

Östergötland · Schweden · Castle

The Renaissance fortress where Duke Magnus, Gustav Vasa's mentally ill son, is said to have thrown himself from a window toward a mermaid in the moat.

Vadstena Castle was begun in 1545 for Gustav Vasa. His third son, Duke Magnus, ruled here until severe mental illness cost him power in 1574 (documented). Legend says Magnus saw a mermaid rise from Lake Vättern one spring evening and hurled himself into the moat, where guards found him unharmed and smiling. The tale survives in folk ballads. Modern rumour tells of a figure in Renaissance dress on the cannon-hall balcony.

FAQ

Wo befindet sich Vadstena Castle?

Vadstena Castle liegt in Östergötland, Schweden.

Image: Svenska Spökkartan (Facebook)