Peace of Stettin

Swedish history

Also known as: Treaty of Stettin

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

The Peace of Stettin, signed in 1570, concluded a war between Sweden and Denmark. This conflict arose from Sweden's ambition to control trade in the Baltic Sea, a vital region for resources like grain, iron, and timber. Despite seven years of fighting, the treaty resulted in no border changes. However, Sweden was compelled to pay a significant ransom to regain the fortress of Älvsborg, its sole western stronghold.1

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John III
…against Denmark by signing the Treaty of Stettin (1570), in which he formally renounced Sweden’s Estonian acquisitions, though he actually intended to keep them; the territories were largely regained by the end of his reign.
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…against Denmark by signing the Treaty of Stettin (1570), in which he formally renounced Sweden’s Estonian acquisitions, though he actually intended to keep them; the territories were largely regained by the end of his reign.
Read More

Sweden
The early Vasa kings (1523–1611)
…a peace was signed at Stettin (now Szczecin, Poland) in 1570, without change to any of the borders. Sweden was forced, however, to pay a large ransom to retrieve the fortress of Älvsborg, its only stronghold in the west. Before the peace was concluded, Erik XIV, accused of lunacy after…
Read More
…a peace was signed at Stettin (now Szczecin, Poland) in 1570, without change to any of the borders. Sweden was forced, however, to pay a large ransom to retrieve the fortress of Älvsborg, its only stronghold in the west. Before the peace was concluded, Erik XIV, accused of lunacy after…
Read More