Rockelstad, or Rockelsta, is a castle-like manor in Flens Municipality in the province of Södermanland in eastern Sweden. The manor is privately owned and is today used as a bed & breakfast and as a venue for conferences and private events.
A Short History of Rockelstad
Historical documents mention Rockelstad as early as the 14th century. Owners over the centuries have included Johan Persson Bååt and Hans Stuart. The manor house received its current appearance first in the first half of the 20th century. At the time, Count Eric von Rosen was its owner. Eric was married to Mary Fock and in the 1920s he was friends with Hermann Göring. Eric’s wife Mary had a sister Carin, who became the first wife of Hermann Göring. The future Nazi leader spent a lot of time at Rockelstad and the owner Eric von Rosen played an integral part in the Nazi movement in Sweden.
Things to Do and See
The castle, well manor, has an impressive history stretching back centuries. That in itself makes it an interesting destination to explore. Its history during the dark times during the first half of the 20th century might scare many, but the question is if that adds to the mysteries or if it makes it a place to stay away from.
Rockelstad Manor
Rockelstad Manor is the main attraction here and the red brick building with its round towers is an impressive sight. The entrance gate follows the same style creating a wider picture. The manor house is today a bed & breakfast and is used for private events.
Jaktstuguskogen Nature Reserve
Jaktstuguskogen Nature Reserve is located to the northwest of the manor and was established already in 1919. Eric von Rosen had his hunting cabin, which he built in 1910, here. The building is decorated with many symbols, the svastika being one of them. The reserve itself covers an area of almost 53 hectares.
How to Get to Rockelstad
- Flights: Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO) is 38 kilometers to the south.
- Car: Rockelstad is along Road 53 just south of Sparreholm.
- Bus: Buses from Sörmlandstrafiken connect Rockelstad with the surrounding region.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 104 kilometers (1 h 29 min)
- Gothenburg – 408 kilometers (4 h 55 min)
- Malmö – 551 kilometers (6 h 10 min)
- Linköping – 139 kilometers (1 h 42 min)
- Kiruna – 1303 kilometers (15 h 21 min)
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