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We visited Gripsholm Slott back in 2021. We took a weekend trip to Strängnäs, stopping off at the castle on the way. It was a most satisfying visit. Because of this, we decided that Lisa would enjoy it as well. When we told her, her reaction was, “I do love a castle!” so that was a good call.
We took the girls with us, the intention being that I would walk them around while Mirinda and Lisa explored the royal palace. Back in 2021, I didn’t get to see the castle grounds so I was more than happy to enjoy myself while keeping the dogs company.
There was a slight concern about the weather. The sky was a bit threatening at times but there was no rain and the very occasional burst of sunshine. The ground was squishy in parts but, generally speaking, it was actually quite good wandering weather.
Lisa was on the hunt for a cardamom bun so our first stop was at a handy café in the pedestrianised high street, where her desire was appeased. They then headed off for the castle while I finished my coffee then set off for the other end of town.
The last time we were in Mariefred, we visited the church but didn’t go any further so I decided that’s what we would do. There is a little park on the bank of the lake so we headed for that. It was not very big but had a few odd kiddie playthings and an interesting building under renovation with a self-service kayak machine next to it.
We then followed the boardwalk around to the marina.
Sitting at a bench and table, three old men were chatting. One of them had a big, thick luxurious beard. I’ve mentioned the Secret Society of Bearded Men before and, this guy was definitely a member.
As I walked by and, unseen by his friends, he gave me the secret sign. Obviously, I returned it. It was a sublime moment.
Just before the marina, I came across the 1888, Mariefred steamboat station, looking lovely with stained-glass windows and a deserted air of yesteryear. Sadly, there were no steamboats in evidence. Maybe they’d been retired for the season.
The steamboat pier, upon which the station stands, was built in 1834 and a railway line connected the steamboat station with Mariefred railway station. Today, both the pier and the little office are still used by ferries coming from Stockholm. Though not while we visited. In fact, there was little boat action on the water.
Eventually, we made it to the castle where we continued our walk around the perimeter along with a few other local people taking their daily constitutionals. I think if I lived in Mariefred, I’d be tempted to do the same.
The grounds are a delight and the castle looks quite amazing from the outside.
Twice, as we walked and stopped to read information boards, I received texts from Mirinda and Lisa who were waving frantically from upstairs windows.
Eventually, we reached the front door of the castle and sat on a handy bench waiting for them to rejoin us.
I also took a photo of the rather pretty drawbridge and posted it on the Weasel WhatsApp group for Tom to enjoy. Apparently, Tom rather likes drawbridges. I was not particularly surprised by this unexpected revelation.
Having met up at the bench, we headed over to the Pavilion for a delicious lunch. The Pavilion doesn’t just allow dogs, it also has a special dog menu. I order the girls a korv each, which arrived in two little dog bowls. They eagerly ate them in about 22 seconds. The Pavilion is truly a wonderful place.
But we had to make tracks for home. Tonight was moussaka night and I had to make salads and dessert.
I’d invited Nicoline to come over and we spent a lovely night eating, laughing and chatting about all manner of things. At one point, Mirinda said something to which Lisa countered with “Age has not softened her.” I managed to remember the quote but have no idea what it referred to because we don’t have technology at the dining table in Chez Gaz so I couldn’t use my phone to jot anything down.
It was splendid company with lots of lively chat. There was also discussion of the creation of a new English language book group. I’d be up for that.
