Nyköping Castle, Medieval fortress in Nyköping, Sweden
Nyköping Castle is a medieval fortress located where the Nyköping River meets the Baltic Sea coast. The complex includes a round gun tower, the King's Tower, and the Old Residence arranged across its grounds.
Construction began in the late 12th century as a defensive fortification, and was later expanded by Birger Jarl into a proper castle. A German knight named Raven van Barnekow subsequently made substantial improvements to the structure.
The castle's name comes from the town that grew around its walls and continues to define the settlement's identity. Today it serves as a gathering place where locals and visitors connect with regional heritage.
The grounds are open for exploration, with museum exhibitions displayed in the King's Tower and dining available in the former banquet hall. Plan for a few hours to properly experience the buildings and collections inside.
In 1317 the infamous Nyköping Banquet took place here, when King Birger imprisoned his brothers Eric and Valdemar, allegedly causing their deaths. This dark event became one of the most talked-about moments in medieval Scandinavian history.
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