Christmas at Tjöloholm Castle

Anita

Written by Anita

24 Nov 2016

It’s officially 30 days to Christmas! I’m starting to learn that no one does Early Christmas like the Swedes do. Shop windows are laden with Christmas wreaths and mistletoe and lights are strung on trees across the city. It’s easy to be carried away with the spirit of Christmas.

20161118_173309
Clarion Hotel in Gothenburg during the Christmas opening

In this festive mood, the Welcome Services at the University of Gothenburg decided to take an eager group of international students on a day trip to Tjolöholm Castle also knows as Tjöloholms Slott in Swedish to experience a little Swedish Christmas magic.

Tjolöholm Castle

The Castle is open to the public for tours during the summer and over all weekends throughout the year. It has gardens that face the Sea which make for a breathtaking view.

 Tjöloholm castle view
The view from the Castle looking out to the Sea

Interesting Fact: The castle was built for James Fredrik Dickson and his wife Blanche in 1904, but sadly James never lived to see its completion as he died from blood poisoning shortly after construction began.

The tour takes you to various parts of the castle and my favorite part of the tour was seeing the instant hairdryer that was used by Blanche, Frederik’s wife and the shower that sprayed water from all directions. I noted that Blanche had a flair for the most interesting contraptions even if it was the 1900’s. She must have been one cool lady.

20150101_130842
Blanche’s instant hair dryer

Christmas fever

After all that walking a hot cup of cocoa and some churros covered in chocolate were in order. The atmosphere was enchanting with all the Christmas trees and lights strung on the trees and all over the castle, however if you’re not such a fan of the cold, I suggest visiting during the summer.

20150101_154323
My first Churros

However, despite the weather, I loved the authentic feeling with horse carriage rides for the kids and the Christmas markets filled with all sorts of wares from animal hides, handmade chocolate, home brewed Julmust to baubles and tinsel.

20150101_154504

Keep warm and keep checking in to learn about all the fun Christmas and Lucia festivities in the weeks to come!

Christmas fever

Follow Study in Sweden on Snapchat for more updates

From Sweden with Love!

Anita

Written by Anita

24 Nov 2016