Vadstena Castle

Vadstena Castle is a Swedish Renaissance castle from the 16th century. Vadstena Castle is situated on Lake Vättern in the town of Vadstena in the Swedish province of Östergötland.

The Castle was built on behalf of Gustav Vasa in the years 1545-1620. It is a quadrangular fortress, on one side of the three-story main building is a strong central tower, while the other three sides by ramparts were formed. In the corners have round corner bastions, and the entire complex is surrounded by a water-filled moat.

The castle was used as a royal residence and Johan III. magnificently furnished. The facility was destroyed in a fire in 1598, and beginning of the 18th century Castle was abandoned as a royal castle. After that, the castle was used as a granary and factory buildings. 1895 Christian World Student Federation ( WSCF ) was founded at Castle Vadstena. 1899 National Archives was moved to the castle, which is still there, and in the 20th century, the castle was restored in stages.

Vadstena Castle is one of the best preserved Wasaburgen (together with Gripsholm Castle and Kalmar Castle ) and is the "real " Renaissance castle in Sweden.