The Russian Cemetery

Arriving on Visingsö on a bright summer’s day, with lake Vättern calm like a mirror, it is hard to imagine that this island was once home to Sweden’s largest prisoner-of-war camp in the early 18th century. Today, around a hundred Russian soldiers are buried at The Russian Cemetery.

Sweden’s largest prisoner-of-war camp

During the Great Northern War, Sweden captured a vast number of prisoners, many of whom left a significant mark on Visingsö—particularly around Visingsborg Castle, where they were held. At the time, Visingsö was Sweden’s largest prisoner-of-war camp, housing Russians, Saxons, Danes, Poles, Englishmen, and Dutch prisoners. However, Russians were by far the largest group. Up to 2,000 prisoners may have been held in the castle at the same time.

Disease and starvation

Conditions at the prison in Visingsborg Castle were dire. Disease spread rapidly among the thousands of captives, and many also died from starvation, as food supplies were scarce due to poor connections with the mainland.

Several prisoners attempted to escape, trying to reach Gränna to beg for food or even to Jönköping to appeal for better conditions at the Visingsö camp.

Memorial and burial site: The Russian Cemetery

Many prisoners spent their final days on the island, falling victim to starvation and disease. They were buried at The Russian Cemetery, which is believed to have been in use between 1716 and 1719.

The graves are unmarked, but two memorial monuments have been erected in more recent times. It is estimated that around 200 Russians are buried here. According to legend, one should avoid the cemetery at night.

By day, however, it is a peaceful and picturesque place, especially in summer when the open glade attracts butterflies. There are also picnic tables available for visitors.

The Great Northern War

The Great Northern War (1700–1721) was a conflict fought in Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe. It saw Sweden, the Duchy of Holstein-Gottorp, and, between 1710 and 1713, the Ottoman Empire on one side, against a coalition consisting of Saxony-Poland, Denmark-Norway, and Russia on the other.

The war officially ended with the Treaty of Nystad in 1721, although Sweden had already made peace with several nations before then. The war had lasted for years and drained Sweden's resources. With the signing of the treaty, Sweden lost its dominance over the Baltic Sea region.

How to get here

The Russian Cemetery is located in the middle of Visingsö, approximately 1.5 km from the harbour, near the central burial ground.