Örbyhus Castle

The first documented mention of Örbyhus occurred in 1352, when it served as the seat of Magnus Gislesson (Sparre av Aspnäs). In the 15th century, the castle came into the possession of the influential Vasa dynasty. However, it achieved its most somber fame as the prison of the deposed King Erik XIV, who spent his final years here and died on February 26, 1577, allegedly from poisoned pea soup.

Örbyhus Castle is located in the locality of Örbyhus, which belongs to the Tierp district in the Uppsala region of Sweden. It stands at an elevation of approximately 22 meters above sea level.

Today, Örbyhus Castle houses a museum, offering visitors insights into its eventful past. The yellow-plastered, three-story building complex, featuring a central building and two wings, is well-preserved. A distinctive tower with a square roof and a curved profile, along with a partially intact defensive wall with loopholes, attest to its original defensive capabilities. Inside, visitors can explore a Vasa-style hall, the Vasa Room on the ground floor of the tower, and Erik XIV's bedroom with paintings by renowned masters. Beneath the castle, a system of passages and rooms contains the old, still-used castle well, “Truls.”

• Salsta Castle (Castle), approx. 17.3 km away
• Leufsta Castle (Castle), approx. 25.2 km away
• Uppsala Cathedral (Sacred Building), approx. 38.3 km away
• Uppsala Castle (Castle), approx. 38.8 km away