Tureborg Castle

Tureborg Castle, known locally as Tureborgen, stands as a fascinating and enigmatic ruin in the southeastern part of Uddevalla, Sweden. Perched on a hilltop, the castle overlooks the district that shares its name, Tureborg. This remarkable structure, built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, is a testament to the national romantic style of architecture and the eccentric vision of its creator, Ture Malmgren.

The Visionary Behind Tureborg Castle

Ture Malmgren, an eccentric local politician and the founder of the newspaper Bohusläningen, was the mastermind behind Tureborg Castle. Born in 1851, Malmgren was inspired by his travels through Germany during his youth, where he marveled at the country's many medieval castles and fortresses. This inspiration led him to embark on the ambitious project of building his own castle in Uddevalla.

Construction of Tureborg Castle began in 1899 and continued until around 1912, although it appears the castle was never fully completed. Malmgren's vision was to create a medieval-style fortress complete with approximately forty rooms, a grand knight's hall with massive stone pillars, numerous towers, balconies, and high stone walls. Among the rooms were a Bedouin-style chamber, a bowling alley, a music room with three pianos, and several art rooms featuring works by renowned artists such as Anders Zorn. In true Malmgren fashion, the castle also boasted a secret passage that could be accessed by pressing a hidden button in the wooden paneling.

Interestingly, no formal blueprints were ever used to construct the castle. Instead, much of the structure was improvised, primarily based on postcards depicting the many castles of the Rhine Valley. Malmgren's close friend, the master builder J.A. Widén, played a crucial role in bringing this unconventional project to life. Despite Malmgren's considerable wealth, the construction was a significant financial burden, leading him to purchase and dismantle old timber houses in Uddevalla to obtain cheap building materials.

A Castle of Festivities and Decline

Upon its completion, Tureborg Castle became the site of numerous grand feasts inspired by the national romanticism of the time. These celebrations featured whole roasted pigs and mead served in wooden mugs, transporting guests to a bygone era of chivalry and merriment. However, Malmgren's declining health in his final six years prevented him from visiting the castle, and he could only admire it from a distance at his home, Villa Elfkullen. After his death in 1922, his widow Hilma never set foot in Tureborg Castle again, choosing to remain at the base of the hill.

In the decades that followed, the castle began to deteriorate. In 1942, the land was purchased by August Löfgren, who divided it into smaller plots. Despite several potential buyers expressing interest in the castle, none of the transactions ever materialized. Among the interested parties were two businessmen whose wives dissuaded them from living in the castle, the Swedish Writers' Association, which wanted to dismantle the castle and relocate it to the Stockholm archipelago, and a communist organization in Uddevalla. During World War II, the castle housed conscripted soldiers, further contributing to its decline.

The combination of neglect and vandalism eventually led to the castle's demise. In 1950, Kjell Stolt, a builder, purchased the castle with the intention of demolishing it to reuse the timber. However, before he could carry out his plans, Tureborg Castle was set ablaze on the night of November 26, 1950, and burned to the ground.

The Ruins of Tureborg Castle Today

Despite its tragic end, the ruins of Tureborg Castle remain one of Uddevalla's most iconic landmarks. In the 21st century, the site continues to attract visitors, drawn by its historical significance and the allure of its romantic ruins. However, the ruins have faced challenges, including overgrown vegetation, vandalism, litter, and general decay.

In September 2014, a newly formed organization called the Society of Tureborg took the initiative to care for the ruins. Their efforts included minor repairs and clearing away underbrush, helping to preserve this unique piece of Uddevalla's heritage.

Today, Tureborg Castle stands as a poignant reminder of Ture Malmgren's dream and the rich history of the region. Visitors can explore the remnants of the castle, imagining the grandeur and festivities that once filled its halls. The ruins offer a glimpse into the past, where the vision of one man brought a touch of medieval romance to the Swedish landscape. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply seeking a picturesque and evocative site to visit, Tureborg Castle is a must-see destination in Uddevalla.