Beard Hunt at Gripsholm Castle

Discover hundreds of historical portraits at Gripsholm Castle with our Beard Hunt activity. Goatee beards, full beards, wigs and moustaches – there have been many facial hair fashions for men throughout history.

The 500th anniversary of Gustav I's election as King of Sweden is being marked at Gripsholm Castle with events for all ages. As well as the country's best preserved settings from the time of the House of Vasa, Gripsholm is also home to the Swedish National Portrait Gallery. See Sweden's famous faces! From King Gustav Vasa to the king of pop, Benny Andersson. Do they have anything in common?

The new Beard Hunt activity for children is available from the ticket office, ensuring a fun and educational visit. The images on the activity sheet are taken from some of the castle's hundreds of portraits, which feature a great variety of follicle fashions!

Daily children's activity

This children's activity can be carried out independently every day during regular opening hours Opens in new window.. It is suitable for children of all ages, and is included in the ordinary admission price.

All children who complete the task will receive a reward at the ticket office.

Those who have already searched out the beards and hair fashions can try the Fashion Safari with Leo the Lion Opens in new window..

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ABOUT MEN'S HAIR FASHIONS

During the 16th century – the time of King Gustav Vasa – a fashionable gentlemen would boast an impressive full beard. The bigger the better! Towards the end of the 16th century and the beginning of the 17th century, beards grew smaller and more elegant, with goatees being the height of fashion. However, beards fell out of favour during the latter half the 17th century. Instead, fashion-conscious men wore wigs – in natural colours to begin with, and later powdered in white. Powdered wigs remained on trend throughout the 18th century, gradually becoming smaller and often with a knot at the neck. For much of the 20th century, beards were mostly associated with artists and thinkers. Beards have now come back into fashion in the 21st century.

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You can walk around Gripsholm Castle by yourself, but taking a guided tour can make your visit extra special.

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Dungeons, armouries, canons, a stuffed lion. Hundreds of portraits, following you with their eyes down the winding corridors... bring you...

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Events

Easter at Gripsholm 29 Mar – 1 Apr

During Easter weekend, we will be opening the gates to Gripsholm Castle. Take a trip to Mariefred and visit one of our most popular castl...

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Gripsholm Castle is home to the world's oldest national portrait gallery. This is also one of the world's largest portrait galleries, and...

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Articles and movies

Gripsholm was originally built as a secure fortress during a turbulent time, but it was also more than that. The castle was also the roya...

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