Road Trip 2025 (16) - Torpa Stenhus

Wednesday, 13 August - Part 3
Torpa Stenhus 

Our last stop on the trip was an old castle between Ulricehamn and Borås - Torpa Stenhus (literally: stone house). We've been there together before, and I've also visited it a few times with other friends. 

 I'm starting off with a photo of the castle taken back in August 2022, because this time I failed to get a front view of the castle itself. The weather and time of year was pretty much the same then as now, though!

View of the lake from where we parked the car. (The castle is up the hill to the left.)

 

The castle is only shown by guided tours, and just at the same time as we arrived, so did a bus full of tourists with a pre-booked tour... So we did not go inside on this occasion. (Besides, I seem to recall from the last time that they don't allow photography indoors anyway...)

History (From the castle's website)

The first part of castle was built around 1470. The wealthy bourgeoisie of the time asserted economic interest in the trade along the prosperous shores of River Ätran and River Viskan. The end of the 15th century were unsettled times. Not only came the threats from Danish troops; local peasants revolted frequently. The first building was as much a defense and trade construction as a permanent residence for the Castle owner and his family.

During the 16th century the building was reconstructed and an extension was added. Initially, the stairway tower was constructed and later the southern part of the Castle was added. The extension was completed around 1550 and served as a dignified enough residence for [King] Gustav Vasa’s brother-in-law and father-in-law, Gustav Olofsson Stenbock. With its unique architecture and beautiful interiors Torpa Stenhus counts among the best preserved medieval castles of the nation. - The castle has never been sold but has been passed on through the generations by inheritance.

In the cellar of the castle, they have a shop selling local arts and crafts. I snapped a few photos of things on display there:

 

(This one is for Ginny...)

This is a big heavy "life size" painted stone cat, which managed to bewitch my brother to bring it home with him. No doubt the heaviest souvenir he ever bought! (At least on our travels together...)

 For my own part, I settled for a much smaller painted stone item: A fridge magnet...

Before leaving, we also had something to eat and drink at the café in the barn.

▲ A couple of other buildings on the premises. ▼

 

 

Finishing off with different view of the castle from back in 2012 (when we were there on a cloudy day).

 

 Linking to Weekend/Street Reflections #242