Stjärnorp Castle Ruins

Since 1789, Stjärnorp Castle Ruins, located just north of Linköping, stood unprotected following a devastating fire. Through extensive restoration and modernization, it has been safeguarded against further decay and prepared for future generations. Today, the ruins play a significant role in the cultural and tourism landscape of Östergötland.

Award-winning craftsmanship

The restoration of Stjärnorp Castle Ruins has received widespread recognition, earning the Östergötland Architecture Prize in 2023. The jury commended it for “exploring the boundary between restoration and architecture and how we approach our cultural heritage.” Indeed, the restoration has been characterized by exceptional craftsmanship, with every detail executed with great care and respect for history.

 “The work at Stjärnorp is about more than preserving walls and building components. It’s about creating an experience and breathing new life into the ruins—without losing their historic character.”

Erik Wikerstål, Lead Architect

Protective roof and elegant interiors

The ruins have been fitted with a discreetly integrated roof that shields the historic walls without impacting the exterior aesthetics. Inside, visitors are greeted by an elegant interior where modern materials such as wood, corten steel, and glass emphasize the original architectural features.

The large window openings now feature individually designed glass panels. Each panel is precisely tailored to fit the uneven shapes of the walls. The balance between history and modernity is both striking and subtle. This is evident in the newly added spiral staircase in the tower and the carefully crafted corten steel details.

“We aimed to create something that feels contemporary while rooted in the ruin’s history. The goal was for the old and the new to enhance one another, and I’m very pleased with the result,” explains Wikerstål.

Good architecture makes cultural heritage accessible

The restoration of Stjärnorp Castle Ruins shows how architecture can make cultural sites more accessible. Careful interventions have given the ruins a new function as a destination. More visitors are drawn to the area, while the project demonstrates sustainable restoration in practice.

“We hope that Stjärnorp Castle Ruins will become a place where people can meet and experience both the past and present in a unique way,” Wikerstål concludes. “By securing the ruins for the future, we ensure that coming generations can share in our collective cultural heritage.”