Every royal palace in Sweden has its own unique history. Ekolsund Castle is known for its enormous arboretum with some 140 different tree species.
– Working with trees is good for heart and soul, says Börje Drakenberg.
Current property owner Raija Ohlin leaves everything in his hands when it comes to taking care of the castle’s arboretum, maintaining the tree collection, and even undertaking the construction of such things as bridges and benches.
-One day I might decide I want to have a new bridge in a certain spot. And then the very next morning, it’s already in place, she says.
In just a few hours, Börje Drakenberg managed to use the Logosol M7 to cut timber from a larch with which he then built a new bridge. Simple as that!
– Here we have every Swedish tree species in cuttable dimensions, as well as many foreign species, says Börje Drakenberg.
The favourite castle of King Gustav III
Large parts of Ekolsund’s arboretum, approximately 30 hectares, today consist of dense mixed forest. 140 tree species are identified with signs bearing their Latin nomenclature. Ekolsund Castle has also had many different owners over the course of the years. Originally, it was the favourite castle and summer residence of King Gustav III in the 1700s. During the 1800s, there was extensive planting of silver spruce and Norway spruce, which today have grown to enormous size.
Ekolsund is Sweden’s only privately owned royal castle. Börje Drakenberg coordinates tours through the arboretum. Only a few years ago he had 70 oaks felled, which were sold for wood flooring. As a result, other tree species previously hidden below the oaks began to come into the light.
– Ekolsund is very well known among forestry- and tree specialists around the country. It’s a privilege for me to get to show around all the interested people who come here, says Börje Drakenberg.
