Battles & Campaigns · 1645
Second Treaty of Brömsebro
Brömsebro, on the Blekinge–Småland border, Sweden
What happened
Sweden had attacked Denmark–Norway by surprise in 1643 and defeated its fleet at Fehmarn in 1644. In the peace, Denmark–Norway gave Sweden the provinces of Jämtland and Härjedalen and the islands of Gotland and Ösel. Sweden also held Halland for 30 years as a guarantee.
Why it matters
It ended the Torstenson War, part of the Thirty Years' War. Sweden no longer had to pay tolls to sail through the Sound, a big shift in Baltic trade.
What came next
Sweden kept Halland as a pledge for 30 years. Two border districts taken during the war were formally recognised as Swedish only in 1751.
Did you know?
The delegates met on a stone on a tiny island in a creek, reached by bridges from both banks, and signed the papers there.
Timeline
- May 1643Sweden plans a surprise attack on Denmark.
- 12 Dec 1643Swedish army enters Holstein.
- 13 Oct 1644Swedish fleet wins at Fehmarn.
- 13 Aug 1645Peace of Brömsebro.