Strangnas Cathedral
A brick Gothic cathedral on a hill over Lake Malaren, where Gustav Vasa was elected king in 1523.
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The cathedral was begun in the thirteenth century and finished in brick over the next two hundred years, standing above the town on the lake shore with a tower and spire that carry a long way across the water. It is where the assembly elected Gustav Vasa king in June 1523, the event conventionally taken as the start of the modern Swedish state. Inside there are medieval altarpieces brought from northern Germany, a set of burial chapels, and a chapter library in the tower holding early printed books. The town below is small, with wooden houses along the streets that run down to the harbour.
What you actually see
- A brick Gothic cathedral - built over two centuries.
- The site of the 1523 election - of Gustav Vasa as king.
- North German altarpieces - medieval work brought in.
- A chapter library in the tower - early printed books.
When to go
Year round; hours vary with services. An hour.
Honest expectations
The library is not always accessible. Services close the church to visitors. Strangnas is quiet and empties in the evening. The interior is plain by continental standards.
Nearby
Mariefred and Gripsholm are east; Enkoping is north across the lake.
What to pack for Strangnas Cathedral
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
