Brahehus is a hidden gem in Central Sweden. This small castle ruin is a must-see if you’re staying in Gränna or traveling between Gothenburg and Stockholm. We visited Brahehus last October and loved exploring the castle ruins while enjoying the amazing view.

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History Of Brahehus

Brahehus Castle was built in the 17th century by Count Per Brahe the Younger. It was meant to be a home for his wife, but she passed away before it was finished. Instead, the castle was used to impress his visitors. After Per Brahe died in 1680, the castle was abandoned. A big fire in 1708 destroyed the castle and nearby farms, leaving only the ruins.

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Why Should You Visit Brahehus?

The view! Besides being a cool piece of history, the Brahehus castle ruin is in a beautiful spot. It sits on a hill overlooking Lake Vättern and Visingsö Island. If you’re there at sunset, the view is magical. Even though we missed the sunset during our visit, the scenery was still incredible.

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What You Need To Know To Visit

Parking And Conveniences At Brahehus

You can park right across the highway from Brahehus. Just follow the signs for the Brahehus rest and parking area – it’s hard to miss! The parking lot is big and free, and you can even stay overnight if you’re in a camper or enjoying van life.

There’s also a small rest area with a picnic spot and a playground for kids. If you need gas or to charge an electric car, there’s a station nearby with a convenience store. 

To reach Brahehus, there’s a short trail that goes under the highway.

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Exploring Brahehus

Brahehus is a small castle ruin, but it’s fun to explore. There’s a path that circles the outer walls, so you can see the castle from both the inside and outside. My favorite part is the wall facing Lake Vättern. The windows frame the water perfectly, and it’s a great place to sit and enjoy the view. I can only imagine how amazing it must have been to have dinner here in the 1600s while watching the sunset over the lake. Truly breathtaking.

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Brahehus Restaurant

At the Brahehus parking area, there’s a family-owned restaurant and cafeteria. We didn’t try it because the reviews weren’t great, but it offers simple food and has a kids’ menu. There’s also a candy store nearby that sells fresh polkagris, the famous candy stick of the area. You can even watch them make it right there!

Camping At Brahehus

You can’t camp inside the castle ruins, but if you have a van or camper, you can park overnight for free at the rest area.

If you’re looking for a campground, there are two nearby options. First Camp Gränna is located by Gränna’s harbor on Lake Vättern, and Getingaryds Camping is further north, also by the lake.

Enjoy your visit to Brahehus Castle – it’s a great stop on your journey through Sweden!

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