Højriis Castle

Moated manor on an island in the Limfjord

Højriis Castle sits quietly in the countryside near Sallingsund, a few kilometres south of Nykøbing on the island of Mors in north‑west Denmark. Surrounded by fields, sheltering trees and the shimmering waters of the nearby Limfjord, the castle appears almost dreamlike as you approach along the long avenue and glimpse its towers reflected in the encircling moat. Although its romantic silhouette feels timeless, the present castle is a relatively young expression of a very long story. The estate’s history reaches back to the early 15th century, when it was an important manor in the region. Over the centuries the property changed hands many times, mirroring the shifting fortunes of Danish nobility and the agricultural landscape around the Limfjord.

From medieval estate to Historicist showpiece

The buildings you see today largely date from the second half of the 1800s, when Højriis was reshaped in the Historicist style that swept Danish architecture at the time. The first major stage was completed in 1859, when architect Hans Jørgen Holm designed the north‑west wing and the distinctive tower that now anchors the ensemble. A second architect, August Klein, added the north‑east and south‑west wings in 1876, completing the three‑winged plan around the main courtyard. Red brick, stepped gables, bay windows and small decorative turrets borrow freely from earlier periods, creating a picturesque, storybook profile rather than a strict reconstruction of any one era. The surrounding moat underlines the impression of an aristocratic refuge set apart from the everyday world, even though its defensive role has long since disappeared.

Years of decline and careful revival

Like many Danish manor houses, Højriis fell on hard times in the 20th century. Changing economics and upkeep costs meant that the main building deteriorated, eventually standing empty and weather‑worn for years. For a long period it was an elegant but fading landmark, more ghost story than grand residence. That trajectory began to change when new private owners took over in the 1990s and initiated a gradual restoration. Brickwork was stabilised, roofs repaired and interiors carefully revived, always with an eye to preserving original details where possible. The process is ongoing, and part of the castle’s character today lies in this sense of a place still being gently brought back to life rather than polished into perfection.

Parkland, rare beech tree and Limfjord light

Beyond the moat, the estate opens into an inviting park that softens the formal architecture. Lawns slope gently towards groups of old trees, and paths curve between shrubberies and flower beds designed to frame views of the castle and its water. One particular highlight is a striking weeping beech, often described as among the most beautiful of its kind in Denmark, with long branches that trail towards the grass like a natural green pavilion. The wider setting adds another layer of appeal. The island of Mors is known for its varied landscapes and the special light over the Limfjord, and from the castle park you sense that coastal atmosphere even without direct sea views. On still days, the reflection of clouds in the moat and the calls of birds from nearby fields make the estate feel surprisingly secluded.

Immersive mysteries inside historic rooms

During the main summer season the castle periodically opens for themed experiences that transform its interiors into a living stage. Costumed actors move through the halls and chambers, improvising scenes that gradually reveal a fictional mystery linked to the house and its imagined residents. Visitors are invited to eavesdrop, read scattered letters, examine objects and piece together clues as they wander at their own pace. This format allows you to explore richly furnished rooms while also feeling part of a unfolding story. Grand halls, intimate parlours and bedrooms are all used as backdrops, and the interplay between scripted drama and the genuine historic setting gives the visit an unusually playful tone. Families, in particular, find the combination of light suspense and gentle humour an engaging way to connect with the building’s atmosphere.

Planning a visit to this seasonal castle

Højriis Castle functions primarily as a private estate, so public access is generally limited to a defined season from late spring through summer, often with specific date ranges for each year’s mystery concept. On open days the programme is typically organised so that you can arrive within set hours and spend several unhurried hours exploring both the interiors and the surrounding park. Facilities tend to focus on the essentials: simple places to sit, basic refreshments and clear information about the current storyline and practicalities. The atmosphere remains informal and relaxed, with plenty of space outdoors for children to run off energy between scenes inside. Allow enough time not only to follow the mystery but also to linger by the moat, appreciate the craftsmanship of the 19th‑century architecture and enjoy the quieter corners of the grounds once the dramatic moments have passed.