Rumlaborg

Right next to the E4 highway, where the Huskvarna River flows into lake Vättern, once stood the mighty Rumlaborg fortress. Strategically important, the fortress spanned from Brunstorp in the north to the Huskvarna River in the south.

Originally named Humlaborg, the fortress derives its name from the bishop's manor Humblarum, established in the late 1200s or early 1300s. Why the name later changed to Rumlaborg remains uncertain.

Rumlaborg was built in the 1360s by Albert of Mecklenburg to replace Jönköping Castle, which was burned down by Duke Eric in 1309. Located where waterways and roads converged, Rumlaborg connected Holavedsvägen (northward to Uppland) with Nissastigen and Lagastigen (leading southward into Denmark). At the time, regions like Blekinge, Skåne, Halland, and Bohuslän were part of Denmark, and Jönköping and Småland formed the borderland between the two nations. The fortress became a key defense point for Holavedsvägen and a vital stronghold.

Diplomats met here, the fortress was besieged by foreign powers, Gustav Vasa's sister was kidnapped here, and Dacke’s rebels laid siege during their uprising. Today, the remains consist of a core area with an irregular hill, two ramparts, and three moats.

A strategic fortress with a turbulent history

Rumlaborg’s design was intended to ensure the fortress and its two outer strongholds, or "skansar," absorbed the initial impact of any attack.

• Varpa Skans: Located below Brunstorp farm in the north.
• Garpa Skans: Positioned at the narrowest part of the Huskvarna River in the south, now home to Huskvarna’s burial chapel.

In the 1400s, the power of castle bailiffs grew, leading to the Engelbrekt Rebellion in 1434, during which many castles, including Rumlaborg, were captured and burned.

In the late 1440s, King Charles Knutsson restored Rumlaborg in preparation for conflict with the Danes. In 1452, the Danes besieged the fortress, and its commander, Eggert Krummedige, switched allegiance to them. The fortress was later retaken by Eric Nipertz. In 1464, during Charles Knutsson’s renewed power struggle, Kettil Karlsson (Vasa) captured the fortress and appointed his brother Erik Karlsson (Vasa) as its commander.

By the mid-1500s, Gustav Vasa began constructing Jönköping Fortress. Rumlaborg was abandoned, leaving grass-covered ruins. The region of Rumlaborg, which encompassed what is now Jönköping County, also ceased to exist under his rule.

Rumlaborg today and its distinct pavilion

The pavilion atop one of the hills was built in 1845 by estate owner C.F. Mörk, who landscaped an English-style park and added the pavilion to complete the design.

In the 1930s, archaeological excavations were conducted during restoration of the ruins. Artifacts discovered at the site are now housed at Jönköping County Museum, while a small selection can be seen at Huskvarna City Museum in the Kruthuset building.

To the west of Rumlaborg flows the Huskvarna River, previously known as Humlarumlaån. Along the river are other attractions, including Husqvarna Museum, Smedbyn, and the Pustaleden walking trail.

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