Egeskov Castle, located in Kværndrup on the island of Funen, is an amazing Renaissance castle and one of the best-preserved fortifications in Northern Europe. It was first built in the late 15th century and was owned and renovated by the same family until the late 20th century. Egeskov Castle is an amazing example of traditional architecture and is known for its lush gardens, impressive moats and drawbridges, and legendary tales. In this blog, we will explore some of the interesting facts about the castle, as well as offer up a travel guide for those who are planning to visit this beautiful monument. So, come along on the journey and explore the historical and mysterious Egeskov Castle.
Table of Contents
1. Egeskov Castle is the oldest preserved water-castle in Europe, and the second-oldest in Denmark.
2. Its history dates back to 1405, when it was built as a defense against enemies of the ruling Danish king.
3. The castle is now a popular tourist attraction and hosts a number of events throughout the year, from concerts to re-enactments of medieval battles.
4. The castle is also home to an impressive collection of vintage cars and features an interactive model railway.
5. The castle and grounds also house four coffee shops, a restaurant, and an ice cream parlor.
6. The interior of the castle is filled with period furniture and artworks, as well as unique pieces of Danish craftsmanship.
7. The Egeskov has a beautiful garden with old-fashioned types of plants and flowers, including many rare species.
8. Recently, Egeskov has opened a collection of historic ships, giving visitors the opportunity to explore a range of vessels from the Middle Ages.
9. A surprise for many visitors, the castle also offers a falconry area with more than 50 species of falcon, eagles, hawks, and owls.
10. A new attraction is the Green Labyrinth, which is the world’s largest walnut maze with over two kilometers of paths.
Egeskov Castle in Kværndrup, Denmark, is one of the best preserved European castles of the Renaissance period, having been in the same family for more than 500 years.
The castle was built by Frands Brockenhuus in 1554, and contains structures from the late medieval period, as well as a moat, ramparts, and a drawbridge. The castle is filled with historic furniture and works of art from the 16th to the 19th centuries.
The main attraction is the five-storey tower, built in 1554. It is considered the most important tower from the Renaissance period in Denmark, as it is the only one which was used as a living space.
The castle was also home to the only surviving collection of 15th-century frescoes in the world. These frescoes were painted by the nobleman Oluf von Rosencrantz and depict daily life at the castle from the time period.
There is an on-site museum, the Egeskov Museumscentre which tells the history of the building and displays items collected on the estate. The museum also features a range of exhibitions including some of the frescoes.
Egeskov Castle is now a popular tourist attraction and it holds regular events throughout the year, such as the traditional Black Friday, Summer Concerts, Christmas markets and more.
The castle also boasts beautiful gardens, a café and a restaurant, making it a great place to explore and enjoy.
1. When to Visit:
Egeskov Castle is open for visitors from April to October every year. Check the official website for opening times and dates for specific events or activities.
2. Transportation:
The castle can be reached easily by car from central Funen, located about 25km from Odense and Svendborg and 14km from Kolding. Alternatively, there are regular buses from all three cities.
3. Points of Interest:
Egeskov Castle is a beautiful Renaissance-style castle surrounded by lush gardens, lakes and moats. Attractions at the castle include the Secret Garden, the Underground Cave, the Witches’ House and the rebuilt belltower and surrounding park. There are also special events such as the nationally renowned medieval market held in early August, craftsman exhibitions, theater performances and more.
4. Where to Stay:
There are several accommodation options near Egeskov Castle, including the nearby hotel, Hotel Egeskov, as well as camping options. You can also choose to stay in nearby cities Odense, Svendborg, and Kolding where there is a larger selection of accommodation to choose from.
5. What to Know Before You Go:
Egeskov Castle is a place for visitors of all ages. However, there are certain rules in place to keep visitors safe, make sure to check the official website for more information. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and shoes as some activities and events require walking or standing for long periods of time.
Q1. What is the history of Egeskov Castle?
A1. Egeskov Castle was built in the 16th century and is one of the oldest and best-preserved water-castle in Europe. It still stands on the small island skimming off the edge of Funen, Denmark. Egeskov Castle was first mentioned in 1554 and has been held and owned by members of the Ahlefeldt-Laurvig-Bille family ever since.
Q2. Does Egeskov castle offer guided tours?
A2. Yes, Egeskov Castle offers both guided and unguided tours of the castle, the grounds and the surrounding area. There are also audio guides available in several languages.
Q3. What activities are there to do at Egeskov Castle?
A3. Activities available at Egeskov castle include falconry shows, archery and clay shooting, bike rentals, horse drawn carriage rides, a vintage and classic car museum, a playground, various events and festivals, and much more.
5 Mar, 2024
4 Mar, 2024
5 Mar, 2024