Vaxholm Castle in Sweden
Vaxholm is so close to Stockholm that it is often considered a great side trip when visiting the Swedish capital city. The entire town itself is extremely charming with cafes and restaurants lining the water’s edge and with Vaxholm Fortress, the centerpiece of the town, just across the water. I have been here a few times during different seasons and the exquisite conditions and clean grounds of the Vaxholm Fortress always put me in awe. This is a place that is definitely worth seeing.
In this post, you’ll see my latest video from this spot, my best photos of Vaxholm Fortress, and tips on how to get there.
Vaxholm Fortress, A Brief History
This fort was constructed in 1548 under the orders of Gustav Vasa, the father of modern-day Sweden, to defend against attacks from the West. In fact that Danes and Russians attacked Vaxholm Fortress in 1612 and 1719, respectively. Interestingly enough, many of the designs were based off of suggestions by French engineers and built by Russian prisoners of war. These days, it serves as a museum with artifacts from its military period and is also used as a banquet hall for meetings and even weddings.
Vaxholm Fortress Photos
Getting To Vaxholm Fortress
Vaxholm Fortress is located to the Northeast of Stockholm city center and there are just a few ways of getting there.
Traveling there by car is the most enjoyable as the area around Vaxholm is a wonderful place to visit, especially in the early autumn. Your GPS can get you there but if you would like to take your chances, simply follow signs for Vaxholm (or to Åkersberga) from Stockholm.
You can also reach Vaxholm Fortress by taking the Stockholm Tunnelbana to Universitetet Station (Red Line - 14) and catching the bus 670 to the Västerhamnsplan bus stop in Vaxholm. From there, there is a ferry that shuttles you back and forth to the island fortress that takes about 1 minute.
When it comes to catching the ferry to get to the island that Vaxholm Fortress sits on itself, you can see the times of the year and times of the day here. The cost is 110 SEK for an adult for a return ticket which can be paid on the website link or via Swish, the Swedish version of Venmo.
When to see Vaxholm Fortress
Vaxholm is a fairly popular area as it is a great location outside Stockholm where people can come and find a more peaceful environment. This is also a great place given that it is not too far, but not too close to the city for people to come.
When it comes to seeing the Fortress during non-peak times, I always suggest early to late mornings and later in the evenings (though you will have to check when the last ferries run to the island). There doesn’t seem to be a lot of foot traffic at the fortress itself during these times. Nonetheless, a bright spring or summer day will give you wonderful light for your photos so really any time of day is ok.
I came here in the autumn the first time and just loved the different colors of the fall foliage, which are present around Vaxholm and on the fortress island itself. It gave a great contrast to the cold, blue-gray brick facade of the fortress. Spring and summer are going to be so enjoyable given the favorable weather and temperature.
I have yet to visit Vaxholm in the winter, though I imagine the fortress looks divine after a heavy snowfall, especially if the water around it has frozen as well.
Photographing Vaxholm Fortress
Having Vaxholm Fortress on its own island gives you, the photographer, MANY different vantage points for photographing the structure and the island it sits on.
As far as lenses go, if you are not on the island itself, then using a standard 24-70 mm focal length lens, or a telephoto 200-300 mm focal length lens will work out well for you. Especially when it comes to getting some of the details of the fortress. This is of course most applicable if you are here and there are no ferries to the island. Once at Vaxholm Fortress, try to use your wide angle lens, 10 mm focal length, and even a 50 mm prime lens to capture those wide shots of the big fortress facade.
As far as WHERE to shoot, here are some options of good places:
All along Strandgatan - Provides a view of the west side of Vaxholm Fortress and is where the ferry departs from. Especially good for sunrise shots.
Rindö - the landmass on the other side of Vaxholm Fortress island that will give you shots of the east side of the structure. Especially good for sunset shots.
Rindö-Vaxholm Ferry - The ferry that takes you to Rindö crosses just south of Vaxholm Fortress so get some of those ‘on the water’ shots while transporting to the other side.
On the Vaxholm Fortress island - While on the island, walk around the perimeter of the island as well as in the interior courtyards.
One of the coolest castles I have ever seen has to be Skokloster Castle in Sweden. It took me three buses and two hours to reach this place and I'm sure glad I did. I got there right before golden hour and was treated to a very nice sunset over the entire area. The castle is incredibly well preserved and I surely hope to return to take more photos like this.