Askersund: Castle History, Church Art and Lake Vättern

Askersund lies at the northern tip of Lake Vättern. Church architecture and castle history, markets and exhibitions, as well as opportunities for cycling and paddling, give a stay a variety of highlights. For planning, there are specific points of interest to consider: historic buildings, changing event dates, and kayaking routes with different starting points and time frames.

Culture and Getting Your Bearings in Askersund

Askersunds landskyrka was built between 1664 and 1670. In the county, it is considered one of the finest examples of the grand architecture of Sweden’s era as a great power. Birgittakyrkan dates from 1620. Its very well-preserved stained-glass windows include coats of arms made in Riga. The church also hosts concerts organized by the Church of Sweden.

You can book guided tours of Birgittakyrkan through the adjoining Olshammarsgården, the birthplace of Verner von Heidenstam. Askersunds konsthall offers changing exhibitions throughout the year. It is located on the ground floor of the Sjöängen cultural centre.

Markets are also part of the town’s history: spring and autumn markets have been held in the centre of Askersund since the time of Gustav Vasa. Merchants, craftspeople, confectionery vendors, associations and organizations take part; dates and participants may vary. If you want to plan your stay around a market, check the event dates in advance.

For travel by public transport, Askersunds busstation is a useful point of reference. It is served by buses and the on-demand Närtrafik service. As transport services may change, check the timetable before you travel.

Stjernsunds slott and its history

South of Askersund, Stjernsunds slott stands on a headland in the strait connecting Lake Alsen with Lake Vättern. The castle has exceptionally well-preserved interiors from the 1850s. They date from the time when the castle belonged to the royal Bernadotte family. The castle and its associated park have been listed as historic buildings since 1965.

Exhibitions are held in the castle. An exhibition about the history of the park is housed in the orangery. The café serves homemade coffee bread, pastries, savoury sandwiches and light meals; the selection may vary. Architecture, exhibitions and a café visit can therefore be enjoyed as different parts of a visit to the castle.

Kayaking and the archipelago

Norra Vätterns skärgård nature reserve can only be reached by boat. The kayaking routes described here also offer different experiences. “Skärgårdskänsla vid Hjortholmarna” starts at Olshammar guest harbour, follows sheltered waters past islands and skerries in the northern Lake Vättern archipelago, and takes about two hours. Check that this route is suitable for you and review the conditions before paddling.

Another tour of about two hours starts in Bastedalen on the eastern shore of Lake Vättern: “Bland kobbar och skär – paddla i skärgård” is best suited to experienced paddlers. The “Stora Aspön runt” tour, by contrast, starts at Olshammar guest harbour on the western side of Lake Vättern, goes around Stora Aspön and takes about five to six hours. It is also intended for experienced paddlers. The routes therefore differ in both their starting points and the time they take.

Naturvägledare Norra Vättern offers kayaking courses and guided tours among islands, cliffs and calm waters in the northern Lake Vättern archipelago. Options include winter paddling, coffee trips, family-friendly tours and full-day excursions with a picnic in nature. Seasonal availability may vary.

Exploring by bike

Askersund has short and long cycling routes through varied terrain. Many routes pass cultural and historical sites and natural attractions. One cycling loop follows the ore route along the railway embankment from Zinkgruvan to the shipping harbour in Åmmeberg and can continue as far as the Lake Vättern archipelago.

Discover more destinations: Askersund, Åmmeberg, Åsbro, Aspabruk, Mariedamm, Olshammar, Hammar, Zinkgruvan, Motala.

For the broader travel overview: Örebro.