We really liked the town of Laholm, even though there wasn’t a lot there. As it happens, the motorhome parking was full when we arrived, so we ended up staying in the small, free parking lot not far from Lagaholm castle, just on the other side of the river. Laholm is one of the oldest towns in Sweden, with a charter dating all the way back to 1231. Its strategic location on the Lagan River, right on the border between what was then Denmark and Sweden, made it a vital trading post in the Middle Ages. However, this prime location also made it a frequent battleground during the many wars between the two nations. It changed hands multiple times until the Treaty of Roskilde in 1658, when it permanently became part of Sweden. A testament to this turbulent history is Lagaholm castle. The ruins we saw across the river were once a formidable fortress, built in the 13th century to control the road traffic crossing the river. It was modernized over the centuries, with the Danish King Christian IV adding five bastions in the 17th century. However, with the changing political landscape after 1658 and the advancement of artillery, the castle quickly became obsolete. By order of the Swedish King Charles XI, it was torn down in 1675. Today, the town has a much more peaceful feel, combining its rich historical tapestry with modern amenities. It’s a quiet place, but one where every cobblestone street and historical building tells a story of a long and storied past.
