Feltmarskallens ånd skræmmer besøgende på Bäckaskog Slot

Skåne · Sverige · Castle

Bäckaskog Slot, beliggende på næsset mellem Ivösjön og Oppmannasjön i det nordøstlige Skåne, er et sted, hvor historiens vingeslag føles nærværende.

Bäckaskog Castle — the field marshal's spirit

Bäckaskog Castle, on the isthmus between lakes Ivösjön and Oppmannasjön in north-eastern Skåne, is a place where the weight of history is easy to feel. With roots in the 1200s, it has passed from monastery to royal residence, and is today known for its accounts of supernatural phenomena.

From monastery to castle

Bäckaskog was originally founded as a Premonstratensian monastery in the 1200s. After the Reformation of 1537 the monastery was converted into a fortified castle under Danish rule. It was during this period that it took on its present appearance, largely thanks to the nobleman Henrik Ramel and his son Henrik Ramel the Younger, who carried out substantial rebuilding between 1584 and 1653.

After the Treaty of Roskilde in 1658 Bäckaskog became Swedish and served as the residence for the colonel of the Southern Skåne Cavalry Regiment. During the 1800s the castle became a summer residence for King Oscar I and later for his son Karl XV, who stayed there every summer from 1845 until his death in 1872. Under Karl XV, Bäckaskog developed into a model farm.

Ghost stories

Bäckaskog is perhaps best known for the many accounts of ghosts and supernatural events said to occur there. One of the most talked-about figures is Karl XV's horse, Shejk. When the king died in 1872, the custom of the time meant his horse was also put down. Shejk was shot in the castle park, and since then both staff and guests have reported hearing galloping hooves at night. It is said that you should avoid meeting Shejk's gaze if you see him, as it may bring misfortune.

Another recurring account concerns Elvira, a woman who according to legend had her face injured by broken glass and thereafter wore a black veil to conceal her scars. She is said to walk the castle floor at night, and her presence has been felt by several visitors.

Room number 19 also has a reputation for being haunted. A coachman from Karl XV's time is said to visit the room. During the filming of the Swedish television programme Stjärnorna på slottet in 2012, the singer Barbro "Lill-Babs" Svensson stayed in this room and later described feeling a presence that patted her cheek during the night. She described the spirit as friendly, and also noted that windows could open by themselves.

Beyond these accounts there are stories of a monk said to walk through the castle, a fisherman's wife, an infant whimpering, a girl breaking glass, and a boy whose cries can be heard beneath the church floor.

Historical figures

Bäckaskog has been home to several prominent people. Field Marshal Johan Christopher Toll, known for his role in Gustav III's coup of 1772, lived at the castle and contributed to its embellishment. His presence is said to still be felt, and some have reported hearing his footsteps and catching the scent of his cigars.

During Karl XV's time as a summer resident, Bäckaskog became a place of recreation. The king was known for his love of hunting and nature, and often used the castle as a base for hunting expeditions in the surrounding forests.

Bäckaskog today

The castle now operates as a hotel, restaurant and conference venue. Visitors can take in the historic atmosphere, walk in the castle grounds and perhaps experience something of the phenomena the place is known for. The grounds include a herb garden with culinary and medicinal plants, offering an insight into the historical use of plants for medical purposes.

FAQ

Hvor ligger Feltmarskallens ånd skræmmer besøgende på Bäckaskog Slot?

Feltmarskallens ånd skræmmer besøgende på Bäckaskog Slot ligger i Skåne, Sverige.

Oplysningerne bygger på lokal folketro og vidneberetninger.