Ericsberg Castle
Sörmland · Sweden · Castle
In the heart of Södermanland, near Katrineholm, lies the historic Ericsberg Castle. The building has stood here since the 17th century and is known for its imposing architecture, but above all for a chilling legend — the tale of the Pintorpa Lady
The Lady of Pintorp at Ericsberg Castle
In the heart of Södermanland, near Katrineholm, stands the historic Ericsberg Castle. The building has been here since the 1600s and is known for its imposing architecture — but above all for a frightening legend: the story of Pintorpafrun, the Lady of Pintorp. She is said to haunt the place still, and has become one of Sweden's best-known ghost stories.
The story behind the legend
The legend centres on Beata von Yxkull, a lady of the manor who according to tradition ruled the estate with an iron hand. Her reputation as a harsh and unjust employer has survived for centuries. She is said to have driven both servants and tenant farmers to breaking point, and accounts of her cruelty have reinforced the myth of her as an evil mistress.
The legend holds that her power and cruelty came to an abrupt end. As she travelled across the bridge by the nearby lake, the devil himself came to collect her. The carriage, the horses and Beata were dragged down into the water, and since then she is said never to have found rest. Many believe her apparition still walks the castle corridors, particularly on dark and stormy nights.
Atmosphere and strange events
Ericsberg Castle is a place where history feels genuinely present. The heavy walls, the echoing halls and the closeness of the small lake create a particular mood. Many visitors have reported unexplained events: the sound of steps in empty rooms, doors that pull against the hand, and sudden cold draughts.
For anyone open to the supernatural it is hard not to wonder — is it the Lady of Pintorp still making herself known, or is it simply the weight of the place's long history playing tricks on the mind?
A place full of mystery
The castle was built in the 1600s by Baron Erik Karlsson Gyllenstierna, but it was Beata von Yxkull who completed the building and gave it its name. It has had several owners since, but the dark legend of Pintorpafrun has been a constant companion. The castle is surrounded by a beautiful park with both a baroque garden and a maze — yet for all that beauty, the air of mystery around the place is easy to feel.
The castle is still privately owned.
FAQ
Where is Ericsberg Castle located?
Ericsberg Castle is in Sörmland, Sweden.
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- Ghost Hotel Gasten (Liseberg) Västra Götaland · Amusement park
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- The Evil One in the Smithy, Malmbäck Småland · Haunted site
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- The Protective Circle at Gammelstad Church Norrbotten · Church
- Sven the Fiddler and the Promised Girl, Mulseryd Småland · Site of legend
- The Evil One as a Servant, Västra Tunhem Västergötland · Site of legend
- The Money and the Bones in Halvard's Cottage at Dalby Värmland · Site of legend
Accounts are drawn from local folklore and visitor reports.
Image: Svenska Spökkartan (Facebook)