Svartsjö slott is a palace situated in Svartsjö on the island of Färingsö in lake Mälaren a 30 minutes by car ride from Stockholm. The current building originate from 1739 and was built as a hunting palace for Queen Ulrika Eleonora using drawings by Carl Hårleman. The palace was extended on both short ends and a bell tower was added. It was given to the Queen dowager Louisa Ulrika of Prussia in the 1770s.
[edit]The prison period

The palace was abandoned for over a hundred years and in 1891 the palace was transformed into a prison. As more violent criminals were admitted to Svartsjö Palace, a special closed section was created with 337 cells built with steel walls. In 1966 the palace ceased to be a prison, and the prison walls were torn down.

After years of neglect the palace was restored from 1994 to 2003 by the state. The exterior has regained its light shade, made to resemble French sandstone. The windows are painted in a gold brown oak color. The interior has been replaced with copies of original wallpaper.

The palace is now used for concerts and exhibitions. It is well worth the journey.