The Golden Fields of Ulvåsa Castle
The Golden Fields of Ulvåsa Castle: A Springtime Gem in Middle Sweden
Springtime in Sweden is a magical season, and one of the most stunning sights you'll encounter is the blooming rapeseed fields. If you travel in May, just outside Motala in middle Sweden, the historic Ulvåsa Castle stands majestically in front of brilliant yellow fields, a true feast for the eyes and the camera lens. They bloom on the both sides on the road and its a magnificent scene to see and place to visit!
The Beauty and Significance of RapeSeed Fields
Rapeseed, is a plant cultivated primarily for its oil-rich seeds. The vibrant yellow flowers that blanket the fields in spring are not only beautiful but also an essential crop for producing rapeseed oil, animal feed, and even biodiesel. The plant thrives in the cool climates of northern Europe, making Sweden an ideal location for its cultivation. The rapeseed bloom typically occurs from the middle of May ti beginning on June, so if you can visit during this time, you're in for a real treat!
Important fact:
It’s not every year you can see the blooming like that is a specific locations! This year 2024 - we were lucky to experience this in that place. Check with the locals before you decide to travel.
The Rondalen: A Hidden Gem
Just before reaching Ulvåsa Castle, we came upon the "Rondalen," a ring of majestic Lind trees creating a natural portal on the road. This hidden gem offers a perfect vantage point to capture the beauty of the blooming fields. The contrast of the yellow flowers against the green canopy of Lind trees is a sight that feels almost magical.
How to Photograph RapeSeed Fields at Ulvåsa Castle
Capturing the beauty of Ulvåsa Castle amidst the stunning yellow rape seed fields is a photographer’s dream. This can be done in second half of May best, lates in the summer the field looses their colour. Here are some tips to get the best shots:
Timing is Key: The best time to photograph this amazing place is in the morning or early daytime when the castle is beautifully lit by the sun. The closer you come to sunset, the more orange the flowers become, in the early day they are more greenish.
Optimal Location: Drive halfway down the road towards the ”Rondalen”, the trees in front of the castle. This vantage point allows you to frame the trees surrounding the castle in the distance.
Using Zoom: Stand a bit further away and use a zoom lens to capture a more focused shot. Including a subject like a person or a car in the foreground can add depth and interest to your photos.
Drone Photography: If you are a drone pilot, take advantage of aerial shots. Capture images from straight above the tree-portal, especially around midday when the lack of shadows highlights the symmetrical beauty of the scene. In the evening you get gorgeous colours from any directions, for instance you can record yourself walking or you car driving? Be careful about the power line around the height of the tree tops! Other than that, there are no specific restrictions on drone photography in this area, provided you follow the standard laws and local regulations.
Action camera: If you have an action cam, like this Insta 360, don’t miss out on filming in the middle of the crops, that stand as high as a person! Just be aware not to disturb the nature and use the path without plants to walk.
Exploring Ulvåsa Castle
This historic manor, located by Lake Boren, began construction in the 16th century and received its neoclassical appearance in the early 19th century. The original medieval Ulvåsa, located a few kilometers west, was once home to Saint Birgitta (Saint Bridget of Sweden) in the 14th century.
Today, Ulvåsa Castle is a private residence and is not open to the public, but visitors can enjoy the lush surroundings. If you see the sign - PRIVATE just don’t enter there. The manor is encircled by a beautiful English park, featuring an array of tree species and designed to reflect the elegance of Renaissance landscape painting. We hoped to see some more flowers but we did not find them, but we saw some swan and little sheeps and very beautiful light trough the trees, so it was worth to take the walk. Tip: bring something to scare the mosquitos away!
How to get there
To get to Ulvåsa Castle from Stockholm, you can follow these steps:
By Car
1. Route: Take the E4 highway south from Stockholm.
2. Exit: Exit at Linköping and continue on Route 35 towards Motala.
3. Local Roads: Follow the signs to Ulvåsa Castle, which is located near Motala.
The drive is approximately 200 kilometers and typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic.
By Public Transport
1. Train: Take a train from Stockholm Central Station to Linköping Central Station. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
2. Bus: From Linköping, take a regional bus towards Motala. Check the latest bus schedules for the most current routes and times.
3. Taxi/Local Transport: From Motala, you may need to take a taxi or a local bus to Ulvåsa Castle. The castle is situated in the countryside, so taxi might be more convenient
Make sure to check current train and bus schedules for any updates or changes before you travel.
We of course traveled there by our Camper. So we could also stay in the nearby camping place. Traveling by Camper in Sweden is very easy and convenient. But about that- we will write in some other blog post.
Happy exploring!
