Book “Castles Around the Baltic Sea”

The new guidebook, “Baltic Tides: Castles around the Baltic Sea,” was published in 2026. This brand-new fourth edition differs from previous versions. To clearly reveal the region around the Baltic Sea as a common cultural and historical space, we have arranged the sites in chronological order, moving away from dividing castles by modern state borders. We tried to combine explanations of the history and architecture of each castle with a story that makes the specific place special and significant for the entire Baltic Sea region. Our book includes ten poems in addition to castle descriptions. The blend of scientific and artistic texts reflects a dialogue among various perspectives on viewing and describing history: the epic and the individual, the objective and the subjective, the intellectual and the emotional. Finally, a series of European map diagrams reflect the most important time periods in which our castles existed.

Texts: Member Castles, Marek Stokowski (Poland), Mirek Lalas (Canada)
Poems: Marek Stokowski (Poland), Mirek Lalas (Canada)
Editors: Jonas Vaičenonis (Lithuania), Tõnu Sepp (Estonia), Grzegorz Stasiełowicz (Poland), Bengt
Kylsberg (Sweden)
Coordinator: Ina Line (Latvia)
English language editor: Mirek Lalas (Canada)
Design and layout: Gunda Dukure (Latvia)

You can purchase your own copy from museum shops in Member castles.

BENGT KYLSBERG AWARDED THE 2015 SKOKLOSTER CASTLE FRIENDS SCHOLARSHIP

The Association of Friends of Skokloster Castle held its annual meeting at the House of the Nobility in Stockholm on March 7, 2015.

Each year, the Association awards a prize of 20,000 Swedish kronor (approximately €2,000) to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and made valuable contributions to the organization. We are truly delighted and very proud that the 2015 prize was presented to Bengt Kylsberg by Christer Nilsson, the President of the Friends Association.

Bengt Kylsberg is a prominent Swedish historian, researcher, and cultural heritage expert, widely recognized for his decades-long dedication to preserving and promoting Sweden’s historical legacy. His career is most notably defined by his extensive work at Skokloster Castle (Skoklosters slott), where he served as Chief Curator and senior specialist. Throughout his career, Kylsberg has authored several definitive research publications and guidebooks focusing on Skokloster Castle and its role during the Swedish Empire's "Age of Greatness" (stormaktstiden). His notable works include Skokloster Slott: Ett fönster mot stormaktstiden and Skokloster: Reflections of a Great Era. Following his professional retirement, he continues to actively support the estate as a board member, lecturer, and guide for the Association of Friends of Skokloster Castle.

On an international level, Kylsberg has been a key figure in cross-border museum cooperation within the Baltic region, previously serving as the President of the Association of Castles and Museums Around the Baltic Sea.

His efforts in fostering cultural relations and integrating Finnish heritage sites into regional networks earned him the Knight's Cross of the Order of the Lion of Finland in 2009.

The official citation for the award reads as follows:“For his contributions as a cherished friend, lecturer, and travel guide, and for his consistently positive and supportive attitude toward the activities of the Friends Association.”

XXXI GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Conference “Culture Heritage for a Sustainable Future”

Sweden – Kalmar Castle

The three-day event provided a valuable opportunity for the members of the Association to convene and collaborate with the newly established castle and fortress network of the National Property Board of Sweden. The meeting served as an engaging forum for exploring the practical applications of sustainable development and examining how institutions can interact with cultural heritage, both in the present and the future. Discussions centred heavily on the three core dimensions of sustainability - economic, social, and environmental - prompting active involvement and exchange among all participants.

Programme

06.10.

31st General Assembly
Presentation of the Association of Castles and Museums Around the Baltic Sea for Swedish participants; presentation of the National Property Board of Sweden.

07.10.

Conference “Culture Heritage for a Sustainable Future”

Cornelius Holtorf, professor of archaeology at the Linnaéus University, Unesco Chair of Heritage Futures. Peter Aronsson, Vice-chancellor of the Linnaeus University, professor of Cultural Heritage and the Uses of History. WHAT DOES IT MEAN MAKING CULTURE HERITAGE SUSTAINABLE

Hélène Hanes, Cultural Heritage Specialist, National Property Board of Sweden. CULTURE HERITAGE FROM THE BEGINNING TO GLOBAL GOALS 2030

Meg Nömgård, Director, Kalmar Castle. THE VALUE OF INTANGIBLE CULTURE HERITAGE (ICH)

Kaire Tooming, Director, Haapsalu Castle. SUSTAINABILITY IN DEVELOPMENT PROJECT: CONSERVATION AND REDEVELOPMENT OF HAAPSALU CASTLE

Guided tour of Kalmar Castle, including the new exhibition The Royal Kitchen - turnspits and piemen at the heart of the castle

08.10.

Excursion to the island Oland – the agricultural landscape of southern Öland, the Iron Age ringfort of Sandby borg, and the Borgholm Castle ruin

XXXIII GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Conference “Management and maintenance of historic gardens and grounds”

Latvia – Bauska Castle, Rundāle Palace
Bauska Castle Museum, Rundāle Palace Museum

Programme

13.09.

Board meeting. Venue: Bauska Castle, meeting room at North-East tower
33rd General Assembly. Venue: Bauska Castle
Tour around Bauska Castle

14.09.

Conference “Management and maintenance of historic gardens and grounds”
Venue: Rundāle Palace

Opening speeches

Dr. Art. Laura Lūse, director of the Rundāle palace museum
Mg. Art. Ina Līne, president of the association of castles and museums around the baltic sea

SESSION I

Dr. Andrzej Hoja (Poland) IN THE SHADOW OF THE FORTRESS – AN ORAL HISTORY DOCUMENTATION PROJECT ON THE COMMUNITY OF WISŁOUJŚCIE (WEICHSELMÜNDE) IN THE 20TH CENTURY

Museum Educator Simona Rauktietė (Lithuania) CHALLENGES AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES FOR ADAPTING THE ENVIRONMENT OF KLAIPĖDA CASTLE FOR TOURISM AND RECREATION NEEDS

Mg. Hist. Artjoms Mahlins (Latvia) DAUGAVPILS FORTRESS GARDEN: THE PATH TO RESTORATION

SESSION II

Dr. Hist. Edgars Ceske (Latvia) JIŘÍ (GEORG) HOLÍK'S BOOK “THE UNIFIED GARDENING” AND ITS CULTURAL-HISTORICAL CONTEXT

Gardener Līga Eglīte (Latvia) CĒSIS CASTLE MEDIEVAL KITCHEN GARDEN: FROM POLLEN ANALYSIS TO CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND NURTURING HERITAGE CROP SEEDS

Built Heritage Curator Sini Särilahti, Regional Curator Marianna Karttunen (Finland) LAPPEENRANTA FORTRESS AS A CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT AND A PLACE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL

SESSION III

Mg. Art. Jouni Marjamäki (Finland) LOUHISAARI MANOR – MAINTENANCE CHALLENGES AND BENEFITS OF NATURAL CULTURAL HERITAGE

Dr. Marius Daraškevičius (Lithuania) THE ANGLO-CHINESE GARDEN OF PANEMUNĖ CASTLE: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE…

Architect Agnese Lāce (Latvia) THE RESTORATION OF THE FRENCH GARDEN OF RUNDĀLE PALACE AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyE06aBiWEV0OMY_i11BvirtHAafQgsu2

Visit to the Rundāle Palace French Garden and Exhibitions inside the Palace

Concert “NEWLY DISCOVERED TREASURES OF COURLAND”
Music by Franz Adam Veichtner, performed by the baroque orchestra Collegium Musicum Riga and conductor Māris Kupčs

15.05.

Excursion by buss: Riga castle - the residence of the President of Latvia and the premises of the National History Museum of Latvia that are currently being restored and prepared for a new exposition, Cēsis History and Art Museum, Cēsis Castle, Ungurmuiza Manor

Financial Health and Fee Adjustments

The Association remained in a strong financial position, noting that 37 member castles had finalized their 2017 dues. To sustain ongoing operations and growth, the Board finalized a recommendation to the General Assembly to adjust membership fees starting in 2019, proposing a rate of €100 for main members and €40 for branch members.

Website Modernization and Tourism Route Planners

Under the leadership of Ina Line, the Association’s website underwent major updates. To boost tourism across the Baltic region, a newly formed working group, consisting of Grzegorz Stasielowicz, Jouni Marjamäki, and Kristine Ozola, focused on developing interactive content. The upcoming features planned during this meeting included: Curated route planners for one-day and multi-castle tours. A dedicated "Conferences" section to aggregate regional research, seminars, and presentations.

Regional Growth and New Publications

The Association’s regional footprint continued to expand, with eight potential new member candidates announced across the Baltic states: Kwidzin Castle and the Historical Museum of Gdańsk (Poland), Louhisari Manor and the Hamina fortification (Finland), Kuressaare Castle (Estonia), Āraiši Lake Castle and the Medieval stonecastle (Latvia), Medininki Castle (Lithuania). All candidate venues were invited to attend the next General Assembly. At the same time, production was launched for a revised edition of the Association's book, featuring an introductory text by Marek Stokowski outlining the organization's updated mission and goals.

Looking Ahead to Elbląg

To wrap up the meeting, the Board finalized the dates for the General Assembly and Conference in Elbląg, Poland, scheduled for September 19–21, 2018. The upcoming event program was set to feature a presentation of the Elbląg Museum, a specialized conference titled "Museum of the Future," and a cultural excursion day. The Board also initiated plans to present the next recipient of the prestigious Amber Award during the assembly.

BOARD MEETING OF THE ASSOCIATION

Board Meeting and Cultural Program in Skokloster Castle and Uppsala

On May 4–6, 2026, the Board of the Association of Castles and Museums Around the Baltic Sea convened in Sweden for its meeting.

During the working sessions, the Board addressed several key institutional matters. The Board finalized the arrangements for the 2026 General Assembly and conference, which took place at the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle in Szczecin, Poland, during the second week of September.

Participants reviewed the status of the publication "Baltic Tides. Castles around the Baltic Sea", examining recent progress updates, estimated printing costs, and available delivery options. Discussions were held regarding potential improvements to enhance the association's overall online presence and digital communication.

The Board evaluated ongoing and prospective initiatives, focusing on the current phase of the DABS Project and reviewing a new collaboration proposal submitted by the Trakai History Museum. Members had the opportunity to explore an extensive and very well-organized study tour.

Programme

04.05.

Guided tour at Uppsala Cathedral and the Treasury

05.05.

Guided tour at Sigtuna
Board meeting in Skokloster Castle
Guided tour of the old lime alley of Skokloster and around the castle

06.05.

Guided city tour of Uppsala with Bengt Kylsberg, in Museum Gustavianum, in Uppsala Castle Museum and Uppsala Art Museum

XXXV General Assembly

Programme

02.09.

Board meeting. Venue: Priest’s Chamber, Olavinlinna Caste
35th General Assembly. Venue: Congress Hall, Olavinlinna Castle
Guided tour to Riihisaari – Savonlinna Museum

03.09.

Boat tour on the lake Saimaa on a Historic Steamship S/S Saimaa from 1893 in the collections of the National Museum of Finland
Free time to visit Riihisaari - Savonlinna Museum, Olavinlinna Castle or town of Savonlinna
CONFERENCE “Audience Development”, in collaboration with the Finnish Museums Association’s Museum. Venue: Conference Hall, Olavinlinna Castle

SESSION I Good, Bad Money in Audience Engagement

Heidi Aho.  EXPERIENCE FIRST – WHAT MUSEUMS CAN LEARN FROM SPORTS AND FESTIVALS

Heidi Aho worked as the Business Director for HC TPS Turku Oy and Turku Live from 2018 to 2024, as the CEO of Fullsteam Agency from 2014 to 2018, and as the Production Manager from 2008 to 2013. From 2003 to 2008, she was the Production Coordinator at Vantaan Festivaalit Oy (Ruisrock & Ankkarock festivals). Additionally, Aho serves as a board member of Job to Do Oy and as a member of the Finnish Ice Hockey Association's council.

Events are no longer just events – they have evolved into immersive experiences where services, atmosphere, and brands come together to create one cohesive experience built around music. Similarly, in ice hockey, game events have expanded beyond the game itself, offering the audience more than just 60 minutes of action. In this talk, I’ll explore how new business models have been developed with a customer-centric approach, and how experience-driven thinking can fuel growth and differentiation. Case examples include how ice hockey and music festivals are being enhanced with new services and experiences that enrich the core event.

Hanna Forssell, Head of Exhibitions and Events. REVENUE MODELS FOR AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF FINLAND

This presentation explores how the National Museum of Finland develops sustainable revenue models that supports meaningful audience engagement. By aligning cultural value with financial viability, the museum seeks to create inclusive, high-quality experiences through innovative programming and cross-sector collaboration.

SESSION II Creativity, Courage, and Innovation in Audience Engagement,

Meg Nömgård, Director of Kalmar Castle. THE BEST-PRESERVED RENAISSANCE CASTLE IN THE NORDICS – A VIBRANT CASTLE

At Kalmar's most timeless attraction, most things are still as they were in 1592. But there is still plenty to discover! explains how to bring the castle to life and engage with its visitors and the civil society of Kalmar Sweden.

Maciej Flis, Manager, Wisłoujście Fortress, Poland. INTERACTION AND IMMERSION, EXPLORATION AND DISCOVERY – THE LEITMOTIFS OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE WISŁOUJŚCIE FORTRESS - A BRANCH OF THE GDANSK MUSEUM

Wisloujście Fortress is the oldest coastal fortification on the Polish coast. Its oldest architectural elements date back to the 15th century, but it has only recently been functioning as a museum. In 1974, the fortification became a branch of the Gdansk Museum; difficulties in maintaining the facility meant that it was not opened to the public until 2009. It is now open year-round, with an exhibition on Gdańsk's militaria presented in the renovated barracks building and events conducted from spring to autumn. From the beginning of the fortress' operation as a museum, innovative ways to interest the public have been resorted to. Among others, historical re-enactments, multimedia shows, educational workshops of old culinary traditions have been realized, and in the last eight years an electronic music festival has become increasingly popular.

Mari Vadén, Museum Educator. COURT JESTER´S HALL – A PLACE TO CREATE AND EXPERIENCE IN HÄME CASTLE

The recently opened Court Jester´s Hall in Häme Castle, Finland, is a place for children and their adults to experience medieval times of Häme Castle.

Ilona Ozola, Museum Educator, Bauska Castle, Latvia. CONCEPT OF BAUSKA CASTLE ANCIENT DANCE GROUP “GALMS”

Presentation about Bauska Castle’s early dance group "Galms" -  concept, why it was founded, dance reconstruction, costume concept, repertoire and concert concept. "Live museum " concept in reality and dance group participants as big support in museum work.

Moderated discussion about today´s topics, moderator Curator of Education Sanna Valoranta, National Museum of Finland

04.09.

Excursion Day: Savonlinna – Kerimäki Church – Lappeenranta Fortress – Maritime Center Vellamo in Kotka – Suur-Sarvilahti Manor in Loviisa – Helsinki

XXXVI GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Castle of the Pomeranian Dukes in Szczecin
Szczecin, Poland
September 8–10, 2026

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Castle of the Pomeranian Dukes in Szczecin (Poland, West Pomeranian Voivodeship), once the main residence of the Duchy of Pomerania ruled by the Griffin dynasty, has the honor to invite you to the 36th General Assembly and Seminar of the Association of Castles and Museums around the Baltic Sea in Szczecin.

The preliminary program of the General Assembly is provided below.

The seminar will be held on September 9, 2026 (Wednesday).

The seminar’s theme is: “Castles as Spaces of Cultural Heritage. Conservation, Renovation, Modernization: Challenges and Experiences.”

We kindly invite the Association members to submit papers that address issues related to this topic and facilitate the exchange of current knowledge and experiences.
Submissions (title and abstract) along with the speaker’s name and the name of the institution they represent should be sent by June 21, 2026, to: zamek@zamek.szczecin.pl.
Please include “Baltic Castles. Seminar” in the subject line of the email.

By July 5, 2026, we will announce the selected speakers and the detailed seminar program.
Speakers are exempt from participation fees for the General Assembly and the seminar.

Accreditation for General Assembly participants – by July 10, 2026
at: zamek@zamek.szczecin.pl. Please include “Baltic Castles” in the subject line of your email.

The fee for participation in the off-site General Assembly (100 euro/person) should be paid to the account of the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle in Szczecin:

SWIFT: GOSKPLPW
IBAN: PL 54 1130 1176 0022 2047 7820 0037

In your request, please provide the following information for invoicing:

• Institution name
• Address
• EU VAT number

The theme of the Conference will be "Audience Development" and it will be done in collaboration with the Finnish Museums Association.
Olavinlinna, the historic castle in Savonlinna, will celebrate its 550th anniversary in 2025.

PRELIMINARY AGENDA FOR THE MEETING IN SZCZECIN:

Tuesday, September 8th, 2026

9:30 AM-1:00 PM Participant registration

10:00 AM-12:00 PM Meeting of the Association’s Board of Directors at the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle in Szczecin (board members or their alternates)
Location: The Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle in Szczecin

12:00-12:30 PM Informal discussions over coffee.
Location: The Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle in Szczecin

12:30-2:30 PM The General Assembly
Location: The Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle in Szczecin

2:30-3:30 PM Lunch for the General Assembly participants
Location: The Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle in Szczecin

3:30-5:30 PM Guided tour of the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle in Szczecin (tour language: English)

7:00–8:00 PM Concert by Zuzanna Sejbuk, finalist of the 53rd National F. Chopin Competition in Warsaw.
Location: Bogislaw X Hall, the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle in Szczecin

After the concert – refreshments in the Conference Hall of the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle in Szczecin

Wednesday, September 9th, 2026

9:45 AM Meeting at the Castle Bell Tower – walking together to the National Museum in Szczecin

10:00 AM-12:00 PM Guided tours for two groups on a rotating basis:
Tour of the exhibition “The Golden Age of Pomerania. Art at the Court of the Pomeranian Dukes in the 16th and 17th Centuries” at the National Museum in Szczecin.
Tour of the National Museum in Szczecin – Center for Dialogue “Przełomy”

12:00-12:30 PM Coffee break

12:30-1:30 PM Official opening of the conference
Presentation of the guidebook to the Castles
Inaugural lecture by Professor Rafał Simiński of the University of Szczecin presenting the history of the House of Griffins, the Duchy of Pomerania, and Szczecin Castle. (lecture in English)

1:30-2:45 PM Lunch
Location: The Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle in Szczecin

2:45-4:45 PM Seminar: “Castles as Spaces of Cultural Heritage. Conservation, Renovation, Modernization: Challenges and Experiences.”
Presentations by speakers.

4:45-5:15 PM Moderated discussion

5:15-6:00 PM Coffee break

8:00 PM Gala dinner

Thursday, September 10th, 2026

A tour of Szczecin, its historic sites, and museums, including:

The August Lentz Villa, once the residence of an industrialist, serves as a microcosm of the fate of Szczecin’s historic bourgeois villas. It was restored with extraordinary care in 2018-2019. Today, it functions as a cultural institution.
Wały Chrobrego/ Bolesław I the Brave Embankment/ Haken Terrace - considered one of the most beautiful viewing terraces in Europe, offering a sweeping panorama of the Oder River and the port of Szczecin.
The building of the famous Szczecin Philharmonic – the first Polish structure to receive the European Union Mies van der Rohe Award for contemporary architecture.

Detailed program – coming soon

Days after World War II around Baltic Sea (D.A.B.S.)

It is clear that the Second World War had a significant impact on the cultural heritage, cultural institutions and museums in the European countries around the Baltic Sea. After this event, we will have both a unifying and a unique experience.

The Post-Teutonic Order Heritage Centre of the Malbork Castle Museum and the Association of Castles and Museums around the Baltic Sea are collaborating on a new project: “Days after World War II around the Baltic Sea (D.A.B.S.)”.

The D.A.B.S. project can be seen as an exploration of the history of our association, namely the post-war situation in our countries and how it led to the creation of ACMABS in 1991.

This is not a project about war, but about its effects and how to overcome them.

It is hoped that the project will encourage intensified research into museums and castles in the northern regions of Europe, and that this research will be carried out in collaboration with a range of participants. We are determined to gain new knowledge and establish new connections.  We are committed to facilitating the exchange of knowledge in the fields of history, art history, archaeology, architecture, conservation and economics and management.

The project, the result of a collaborative effort, will produce concrete results in the form of workshops, publications and conferences.