• Picture hunt map from the front desk turns the portrait collection into a search, and every kid who finishes gets a reward at the ticket office
• Train and bus from Stockholm: take the train toward Eskilstuna to Läggesta (about 40 minutes), then a bus about 4 km into Mariefred. Parking at the castle is free if you drive
• Steam train and steamboat options: a steam train runs from Läggesta in spring, summer and autumn, and the S/S Mariefred sails from Stockholm in summer

Gripsholm Castle was built in the 16th century for King Gustav Vasa, in Mariefred by Lake Mälaren. Inside are dungeons, armories, cannons, a stuffed lion known as Leo, and Gustav III's 18th-century theater in one of the round towers.

The Swedish State Portrait Collection fills the winding corridors. Kids pick up a map at the front desk for a picture hunt and claim a reward at the end.