The Castle Tournament and Fairy-tale Land
June 28th - August 15th  2010

What are the smells the King’s old Castle kitchen? Will I become a real princess in the glimmering gold dress? What does it feel like to touch the rough castle walls? What is it like to wear a ring-mail made of 40 000 rings of steel? How heavy is a three -meter long lance?
Is there a castle dungeon? You can find answers to all these questions this summer at the Children’s Castle!

It is the beginning of the 16th century. It is in the ‘here and now’ that brave medieval knights will meet lovely Renaissance princesses and that you will take stride with the enemies of the Castle…

As soon as you don your squire’s apparel you will step into another time period. To begin with you are only a simple squire, but just wait, important tasks await you!
In the cobble-stone courtyard and in the castle’s well preserved halls you will be presented with various challenges which will lead you to carry out grand heroic deeds. Just imagine meeting the Black Knight, riding horseback, lance in hand, chasing rats in the castle kitchen, preparing the table for the Matron of the Castle, or escaping through Gustav Vasa’s tolet chamber!

After having successfully completed a number of challenging tasks you will be presented one last challenge, the test of honour! The renowned Sword in the Stone! Who is strong enough to pull the sword from the stone? Only those who have made their way this far will be strong enough to attempt this feat.

It will then be time for the auspicious final ceremony in which you will be dressed in the finest clothing. Now you will be made Knight, Duke or Princess. The choice is yours!
A stately herald will show you the way to the Knight’s Hall. Parents and other rabble may come along but must wait outside the barrier. When the fanfare is heard the Princess will take her place on her throne and you will kneel before her. You will then receive your ring and your diploma before it is time to be photographed.

There are of course many things to do at a real castle. If you do not wish to take part in the Castle Tournament, you can, if you dare, go up to the Ghost tower and meet a real life hag of a ghost…! For the smaller children there is a Fairy who sometimes appears in the Fairy tale Tower, among the pillows. The fairy is a children’s fairy and therefore invisible to adults… You can also go on a tour of the castle with a real princess or join in activities in the Vasa workshop. There is something for each age group. Make a money pouch of leather or a princess crown, paint a knight’s shield or make a photo frame or lovely piece of jewellery!  
 

DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE

WELCOME TO THE CHILDREN’S CASTLE!

Updated by: Brita Andrée

Last updated: 6/17/2010