A jewel of Swedish history
Carlstens Fortress, located majestically on the island of Marstrand, is an impressive example of Swedish military architecture and history.
The fortress, built on granite in the 17th century, stands proudly above the picturesque archipelago and offers visitors not only a fascinating insight into times gone by, but also breathtaking views of the archipelago and the surrounding area.
Position
Carlstens Fortress is located on the island of Marstrand on the west coast of Sweden, in the province of Västra Götaland. The island of Marstrand is located northwest of Gothenburg and can be reached in about 45 minutes by car.
Marstrand is known for its harbor and picturesque archipelago. The island is car-free and can be easily reached by a small ferry, which costs about 4 euros, from the neighboring island of Koön .
The origin and construction of the fortress
The history of Carlstens Fortress begins in 1658, when Sweden acquired the province of Bohuslän from Denmark-Norway in the Treaty of Roskilde. In order to protect this strategically important and mostly ice-free port, King Charles X Gustav ordered the construction of the fortress .
Right from the start of construction, difficulties arose in obtaining sufficient materials and workers. So Swedish law introduced “Marstrand work” as a punishment in order to obtain sufficient workers. Convicted criminals were employed and punished with the “Marstrand penalty” of years or life imprisonment for working on the construction of the fortress.
Prisoners from all over the country were now recruited for this work. Among them were mainly serious criminals who had been convicted of murder, robbery, forgery and violence, but also petty criminals such as thieves and vagabonds.
To prevent escape attempts, the prisoners were fitted with shackles on their feet, from which a two-kilogram iron ball was attached. Particularly unruly prisoners or those suspected of attempting to escape had to wear a so-called iron crown, an iron vest weighing up to 36 kilograms.
The hard work and poor living conditions led to a high mortality rate. Up to 20% of the prisoners died each winter. Marstrandsarbeit was abolished in 1854 and most of the prisoners were transferred to Gothenburg the following year.
Architecture and special features
Carlstens Fortress is an impressive example of military engineering.
It consists of massive stone walls up to four metres thick and several towers strategically placed on the highest point of the island. Particularly noteworthy is the main tower, which originally served as a beacon and was later expanded into a multi-storey defence tower .
Another highlight of the fortress are the numerous secret passages and underground rooms that once served as warehouses and prisons.
One of the most famous inmates was the notorious thief Lasse-Maja, who was allowed to work in the fortress kitchen because of his cooking skills. This kitchen, which is now named after him, can be visited and gives an insight into the lives of the prisoners .
The role of the fortress in history
Carlsten Fortress played a crucial role in several military conflicts.
In 1677 it was besieged and captured by Danish troops . After its return to Sweden in 1720, the fortress was further expanded and strengthened to withstand future attacks .
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the fortress served not only as a military base but also as a prison for political prisoners and criminals.
A visit to the present
Today, Carlstens Fortress is a popular tourist destination and a cultural highlight of the region. Visitors can visit the fortress every day from the beginning of June to the end of August.
For 115 SEK per adult you can visit the interior of the castle.
The rest of the year, the fortress is open on Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting. The fortress offers guided tours in Swedish, where guests are introduced to the history and architectural features of the complex.
For further information on opening times and prices please visit the Calsten Fortress website: www.carlsten.se
Particularly impressive is the walk around the walls, from where you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding islands and the sea.
In addition to the historical aspects, the fortress also offers a variety of events and activities. In summer, concerts, theater performances and medieval markets take place here, transforming the fortress into a living stage.
For those who are more adventurous, there is the opportunity to take part in night-time tours and explore the mysterious corridors and dungeons by torchlight.
The best time to visit Carlstens Fortress is in the summer, from June to August. During these months the weather is pleasant and there are numerous events and activities taking place. These events bring the fortress to life and provide a particularly lively and fun experience.
Another benefit of visiting in summer is the opportunity to enjoy the stunning views from the walls of the fortress when the skies are clear. The long days and mild climate make it ideal for extensive exploration.
If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, spring and fall are also good times to visit. Crowds are smaller and the landscape around the fortress is beautifully colored.
Park
If you visit the charming coastal town of Marstrand in Sweden, you will find that there are several parking and camping sites for visitors. Whether at Danske Sten Parkering, Brandstationen Parkering, Käglan Parkering or Muskeviken - there are numerous options for parking your vehicle, often right along the water.
Most parking spaces are paid and usually the EasyPark app is used for this. It is important to note that Marstrand is very busy in the summer and the streets can be very narrow in places. Nevertheless, it is worth exploring this picturesque seaside town and taking advantage of the various parking options to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Conclusion
For us, Carlstens Fortress in Marstrand is more than just a historical building. It is a living testimony to Swedish history and culture that captivates visitors. We were immediately captivated by the fortress.
Whether you are interested in military history, want to admire the impressive architecture or simply enjoy the breathtaking views, a visit to Carlstens is an unforgettable experience.
Plan your next trip to Marstrand and discover the fascinating world of Carlstens Fortress. Immerse yourself in history, experience the exciting adventure and let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of this unique fortress.
Have fun exploring.
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