Siege of Älvsborg (1563)
The siege of Älvsborg (1563) was a quick Danish victory at the start of the Northern Seven Years’ War. In August 1563, Danish King Frederick II led a large force—about 28,000 soldiers and many ships—with more troops arriving from Copenhagen. The goal was to control the Göta älv river and cut off Sweden’s trade, making the important Älvsborg Fortress a huge strategic target.
On 22 August, the Danish army reached Älvsborg, set up camp, and surrounded the fortress. The Swedish garrison, about 700 men with 32 cannons under Erik Kagge, could not get supplies or reinforcements.
From 1 September the Danes began bombarding the fort. After three days, the walls were breached. Before a direct assault was needed, Kagge surrendered. The Danes then captured the fortress along with its 32 cannons and two ships, which were added to the Danish fleet.
Frederick II appointed Jørgen Rantzau to command the now Danish-held fortress, with a small garrison initially stationed there. The Danish army then moved south to Halland to face Eric XIV’s army.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 15:54 (CET).