Visit Kungshuset Castle in Lund, Skane

Founded in around 990, Lund was the capital of Denmark until Copenhagen took that honor in 1416. After the Swedish-Danish wars for control of Skane, many of the castles in Lund were turned into part of Lund University, which was founded in 1666. There a couple hundred castles in the Skane area of Sweden, and quite a lot of them can be found right here around Lund and Malmo. Kunghuset was once home to the King Frederick II of Denmark, but is now home to the Department of Philosophy for Lund University.

As far as castles go, Kunghuset is relatively small. It did not sit alone, though. There is a much larger and grander castle just off to the side that is now the main building for Lund University. Strategically, this was a smart move on the part of the Danish king. Any invading Swedish forces would be sure to go after the larger castle first, giving the king more time to make his exit-stage-left to safety... That is one of the favored myths surrounding the University, at any rate. The truth is that the larger castle on the same grounds was built well after the Treaty of Roskilde so wasn't involved in any of the war at all.

Kunghuset was originally built around 1578. Luckily, this small castle did not fall during the war as so many other castles did during that time period. Besides the King of Denmark, this castle has housed such luminaries as the first Bishop of Lund. You see, Lund also has one of the oldest and most awe-inspiring Cathedrals around. This was the Christian seat of power back in the day.

Not only did Kunghuset not fall, it was given its way-cool tower in the 1700s. The folks in Lund, being scholars and all, were very into preserving history and building true to original period when any restoration or additions were made. The tower added to Kunghuset Castle matches the rest of the building perfectly. So no, King Charles XII of Sweden did not ride up to the wooden steps of the tower when he claimed it, because the tower did not yet exist at that time. Gotta love heroic myths.

Unfortunately, Kunghuset Castle is not open to the public. You have to be a student at Lund University to gain entrance. They give you a special student card to swipe through the electronic thingy to open the door. I contemplated following on the heels of a few students, but decided not to risk spending the night in a Swedish jail. It might have been worth it though, now that I think about it.

When visiting Skane in the south of Sweden, a stop in Lund is an absolute must. In one block alone you can see not only Kunghuset Castle, but the glorious Lund Cathedral, and the larger castle next to Kunghuset. All of which are surrounded by lush park with many really cool monuments. Take my advice and schedule a few days at least for Lund on your vacation. The castles alone will take up that much time.