Ekenäs Castle

The origins of Ekenäs date back to the Late Middle Ages, when the area belonged to the Dag och Natt family. In the early 16th century, ownership changed to Johan Ulf af Horsnäs and later to his brother Gudmund Pedersson. Axel Nilsson Banér took possession in 1541, and in 1562 it passed to the Sture family. Count Svante Sture the Younger built the first country house here, whose foundations can still be found in the basement of the current castle. Under Gustaf Banér, the expansion into a castle-like complex began in the second half of the 16th century. Between 1630 and 1640, the castle received its current Renaissance form through Privy Councillor Peter Banér, which his son Claes Banér completed after 1644. It remained in the possession of the Banér family until 1683, before passing to Isak Breant through the Reduction of Charles XI. In 1687, Count Mauritz Vellingk acquired the castle, and after his death in 1727, it returned to the possession of the Banér family through his daughter's marriage to Johan Mauritz Banér. This family held the castle until 1879, when it was sold to Count Filip Otto Leonard Klingspor, who lived there for over 20 years. Matilde Klingspor was the last resident until 1934. Since 1939, the castle has belonged to the Bergengren family.

Ekenäs Castle is located in the municipality of Linköping, in the district of Linköping, in the region of Östergötland, Sweden. It is situated at an elevation of approximately 75 meters above sea level.

Today, Ekenäs Castle is privately owned. After decades of decay, it has been refurnished and displays recreated furnishings from various centuries. The castle is accessible for guided tours and ghost walks and has been a listed building since 1974. A popular knight festival is held here annually.

• Sturefors Castle (Castle), approx. 11.8 km away
• Bjärka-Säby Castle (Castle), approx. 17.3 km away
• Linköping Cathedral (Sacred building), approx. 19.5 km away
• Linköping Castle (Castle), approx. 19.6 km away