What brought the King of Sweden to Ekerö? This archipelago municipality, nestled in the waters of Lake Mälaren, west of Stockholm, holds more than just picturesque islands. Ekerö is the only municipality in the Lake Mälaren region made up entirely of islands. It’s also the only Swedish municipality boasting two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One such site answers our initial question: Drottningholm Palace, the King’s residence. Originally a Renaissance palace built for Queen Catherine Jagellon, Drottningholm’s current baroque splendor arose from the ashes of a devastating fire in 1661. Queen Dowager Hedvig Eleonora commissioned its rebuilding, using the original walls and cellars. Architects Nicodemus Tessin the Elder and Younger, Carl Hårleman, and Jean Eric Rehn contributed to its grandeur. While the royal family resides here, much of the palace and surrounding park remain open for public exploration.
Ekerö’s history stretches back far beyond royalty. The name Ekerö itself means “Oak Island,” hinting at a landscape once rich with these majestic trees. The municipality encompasses approximately 140 islands and skerries. This number has decreased over time due to land elevation. Imagine, 2000 years ago, during the Roman Iron Age, the island of Färingön was actually an archipelago of twenty islands! The story of Ekerö’s governance is one of consolidation. Beginning with eight rural municipalities in 1863, mirroring old parish boundaries, the area underwent reforms in 1952 and 1971. These reforms ultimately shaped the present-day Ekerö Municipality.
Ekerö’s second UNESCO World Heritage site, Birka, transports us back to the Viking Age. Founded in the mid-eighth century, Birka stands as Sweden’s oldest urban settlement. Excavations, ongoing since 1871, have unearthed over 1,100 graves. Each artifact whispers tales of trade and daily life. While Birka’s decline and eventual abandonment in the tenth century remain a mystery, its legacy lives on. A dedicated museum, opened in 1995, showcases these discoveries. During summer, boats ferry visitors to this island, offering a glimpse into Sweden’s vibrant past.
Beyond Birka and Drottningholm, Ekerö holds a wealth of hidden gems. Hovgården on Adelsö, also part of the Birka World Heritage site, showcases ancient barrows, sturdy walls, and rune stones. Alsnö hus, the ruined summer residence of Magnus Barnlock, stands as a reminder of the Ordinance of Alsnö, a pivotal moment in the formation of Swedish nobility. Remember Kungshatt, the “King’s Hat”? Legend tells of King Erik Väderhatt (“Eric Weather Hat”), known for his uncanny ability to predict the winds using his hat, who supposedly escaped enemies by leaping from this rocky island’s cliff with his horse. Ekerö’s tapestry of stories continues to unfold, woven with threads of royalty, Vikings, and the echoes of everyday life through the ages. As you leave Ekerö, carry these stories with you, a reminder of the rich history held within these tranquil islands.