Näs Castle, Medieval castle ruins on Visingsö Island, Sweden
Näs Castle are stone ruins situated on the southern tip of Visingsö Island in Lake Vättern, Sweden. The walls reach about 4 meters in height and still display floor beam supports roughly 2 meters above ground level, revealing details of the original construction.
The fortress was built during the 12th century under King Sverker I or his son Karl Sverkersson and served as Sweden's first national stronghold. It was abandoned in 1318 when its strategic importance faded.
The ruins display a round tower and a square tower, both built from local schist and sandstone, showing how medieval builders structured their defenses. These remains tell visitors about the fortress design of that era.
The ruins are accessible throughout the year and can be freely explored, though the stones may become slippery in wet conditions. Sturdy footwear is recommended for navigating the uneven terrain.
The fortress served as Sweden's first national treasury during the early 13th century, safeguarding royal and state treasures within its walls. This role made it a site of exceptional importance for Sweden's early development as a nation.
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