On the shores of Lake Mälaren, whispers of “wolf” linger in the air. Ulvsunda, meaning “wolf’s island,” stands as a testament to a time when these creatures roamed freely. Ulvsunda Castle, the heart of this district, has witnessed centuries of history unfold. Originally built in 1644 by Field Marshal Lennart Torstenson, the castle we see today reflects an 1830s renovation. Imagine Torstenson, fresh from his triumphs on the battlefield, overseeing the construction of his grand residence. The castle’s current appearance, however, dates back to the 1830s.
Ulvsunda is more than just a castle. It is a district rich with history, nestled in the western part of Stockholm, in the Bromma area. The very name, one of Stockholm’s oldest recorded place names, echoes back to a runestone from the 1000s. The stone, found in nearby Riksby, commemorated a farmer named Björn who lived in Ulvsund. This “Ulvsund” originally referred to the narrow outlet from Lillsjön to what is now Ulvsundasjön. The actual farm of Ulvsunda has existed since the 14th century.
The castle itself passed through many hands. From Torstenson’s descendants, it went to Count Ture Gabriel Bielke, Baron Fredrik Preis, and industrialist Count Eric Ruuth. Even the Åkerhielm family, whose last noble owner, Baron Gustaf Åkerhielm, resided here until his death in 1900. The Stockholm County Council later purchased the castle and grounds, using it as a nursing home for a considerable period. Now, Ulvsunda Castle serves as a venue for courses and conferences, its halls echoing with the discussions of the present while whispering stories of the past.
But the story of Ulvsunda extends beyond the castle walls. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the surrounding area transformed. From the summer houses built on the Lillsjönäs estate in the 1800s, a villa town emerged. Plots of land, carved from the castle’s grounds, became homes. This burgeoning settlement, initially called “Kungsholms villastad,” officially became Ulvsunda in 1926.
This transformation continued as Stockholm acquired much of the Bromma property in 1904. The city’s purchase of Lillsjönäs in 1908 led to the demolition of parts of “Kungsholms villastad.” From its remains rose “Ulvsunda trädgårdsstad” (Ulvsunda Garden City), a planned community reflecting the vision of city planners like Per Olof Hallman and Albert Lilienberg. Today’s road network originates from this era. To enhance this garden city, public projects followed. The Ulvsunda fire and police station, a parsonage, and housing for tramway workers all appeared.
Even the streets of Ulvsunda tell a story. Fältmarskalkens Väg, Forstenavägen, and Hamrabacken all connect back to Field Marshal Torstenson and his estates. Bielkevagen honors Count Ture Gabriel Bielke. Åkerhielmsgatan commemorates Baron Gustaf Fredrik Åkerhielm. Ulvsunda, a place where the whispers of wolves and the echoes of history intertwine, invites you to explore its rich tapestry of stories.