Löfstad slottspark

The English Park at Löfstad Castle

Work on the English park at Löfstad Castle began in 1801, and the park has remained largely preserved ever since. At the turn of the 19th century, the English park style rose to popularity in Sweden as a reaction against the strict symmetry and straight lines of the baroque era, as well as the ornate exuberance of the rococo style. Instead, designers sought to let nature govern the landscape—even if a helping hand was often needed to achieve the English ideal. Where the native flora fell short of providing the right interplay of light and shadow, additional plantings were made; where growth proved too dense, trees and shrubs would be selectively thinned. The style featured romantic elements, such as gently arched bridges, grottoes, and small temples, giving the grounds a picturesque appeal.

Romantic Influences and Exotic Species

During this period, there was a keen interest in exotic plant species, and new varieties were imported from afar. Tradition holds that the two hemlock firs and the larch tree in the Löfstad park were brought from North America in 1783 by Axel von Fersen the Younger, who had participated in the American Revolutionary War. However, historic records show that Axel did not return to Sweden until August 1784, raising the question: could the plants really have survived the journey and the wait?

Tragedy struck in 1810, when Axel von Fersen was brutally murdered by a mob in Stockholm. To honor her brother’s memory, his sister Sophie Piper—who herself was instrumental in establishing the English park—had a marble monument erected on a peninsula in the castle’s pond in 1813. This pond, a central and romantic feature of the park, has appeared on every map and drawing of Löfstad’s grounds since at least 1652. Over the centuries, the pond’s shape has changed from a rectangular basin, often outside the formal grounds, to its current, gently curving, and more naturalistic form nestled within the park itself.

Historical Evolution of the Gardens

Origins and Early Layouts

The gardens at Löfstad have a long and storied history. As early as 1652, in the time of Axel Gustafsson Lillie, a nearly square walled garden lay to the west of the newly constructed castle; a pond occupied its northern section. Contemporary records indicate that work was underway on the garden’s enclosing wall in spring 1651.

In addition to these pleasure gardens, there was also a kitchen garden, or nyttoträdgård, northwest of the castle. During the 17th century, this area provided radishes, lettuce, carrots, beans, several types of cabbage, celery, parsnips, as well as fruits and vegetables for the household and for sale. The castle gardener tended these plots, sometimes assisted by one or two garden hands.

Proposals and Preservation

Over time, numerous proposals for altering Löfstad’s English park have surfaced. At the beginning of the 20th century, Rudolf Abelin submitted particularly radical plans. His 1903 designs for "Löfstads förskönande" would have transformed the grounds into an elaborate formal garden with carefully arranged flower beds, marble statues, and balustrades. Had these proposals been realized, Löfstad's castle park would likely have lost the peaceful, romantic atmosphere and tranquility that characterize it today.

Visiting Löfstad Castle Today

Today, Löfstad Castle—with its historic English park—is managed by Östergötlands länsmuseum. The grounds remain largely as they were conceived over two centuries ago and are open to the public for guided tours, exhibitions, and events. Each year, a Park Day is held in August, featuring guided park tours, lectures by gardening experts, plant sales, and other activities. In keeping with tradition, Midsummer’s Eve is celebrated in the English park every year, making Löfstad a cherished destination for both history enthusiasts and garden lovers.

Löfstad Castle is conveniently located by the E4, about 10 km south of Norrköping. For further information, visitors can contact the castle by phone at 011-33 50 67 or 013-23 03 00.