A visit to Sofiero Castle and Park

North of Helsingborg, on the west coast of Sweden, we find a former royal summer palace, Sofiero. In 1864, Prince Oscar of Sweden and his wife Sophie of Nassau bought this former farm. The first one-story palace was completed in 1865 and was expanded with another floor between 1874-76 after Prince Oscar became King Oscar II of Sweden and Norway.

Sofiero Castle

In 1905, Oscar II's grandson Prince Gustaf Adolf, future King Gustaf VI Adolf, and his wife, crown princess Margaret received the palace, called Sofiero, as a wedding gift. Princess Margaret was very interested in gardening as was Prince Gustaf Adolf, and they invested a lot of effort into making the gardens great. Among other things, they planted a large Rhododendron garden, situated in a sort of gorge surrounding the palace, which we can still enjoy today. Princess Margaret died in 1920 from blood poisoning following an ear infection. Three years later the Prince married Lady Louise Mountbatten who also took an interest in the gardens. It was their favourite place to spend their summers. The King died here in 1973, and he left Sofiero to the city of Helsingborg. He wanted the general public to be able to enjoy it as he had done.




It is really a place to enjoy. Situated at the Öresund strait, which is separating Sweden and Denmark, you have a marvelous view over to Helsingör in Denmark, and the Kronborg Castle. The gardens are vast and full of 'rooms' to discover. Small woods, the Rhododendron garden, a playground for children and a troll wood, huge lawns where you can sit down and enjoy the view. The Palace holds various exhibitions. We enjoyed an exhibition of the Royal summers in the old days, as well as an interesting exhibition of design by Joseph Frank. Afterward, we had a nice lunch at the café overlooking the strait. Keeping a distance of course!

One of the lovely materials designed
by Joseph Frank

We enjoyed the visit so much that we bought a yearly card. The Rhododendron should be beautiful in a couple of weeks, so we will go back for another tour of the garden.

Inside the Rhododendron


A few species of Rhododendron
blooming
already now

Comments

  1. Jeanie19 May 2020 at 05:21

    How wonderful to have this spot close enough that you can easily visit again and again. It's beautiful. I am woefully uninformed on the royals of the Scandinavian countries so the history was very interesting to me as well. Thanks for this. With not being able to travel, this is especially welcome!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lisbeth 1 June 2020 at 12:53

      Thank you Jeanie. Yes, this is a wonderful discovery. We bought an annual card and have already been there three times. Following the development of the Rhododendron gorge with its marvellous, colourful flowers. Last time we were there, there was an exhibition on Germaniums. Lots of information on the people behind the names. Very interesting and beautiful flowers. They really look different as well.
      There will be time for a few more visits. The gardeners are re-planting the tulip bed with summer field flowers. Should be wonderful as well.

      Delete

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