Vallø Slotspark

A Royal Gift and Noble Foundation

Vallø Castle's story begins in the 14th century, but its transformation into one of Denmark's most distinctive estates came in 1708 when King Frederick IV acquired the property and gifted it to Anne Sophie Reventlow, who later became queen. Following the king's death in 1730, Queen Sophie Magdalene received the estate from her husband, King Christian VI. On November 28, 1737, she established the Vallø Foundation—a groundbreaking institution that provided housing and support for unmarried daughters of Danish noble families. This visionary act created a sanctuary where women of noble birth could live independently, supported by the foundation and government social programs. The foundation remains active today, with Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II serving as its patron.

Architectural Evolution and the Great Fire

The castle's distinctive red-brick structure evolved over centuries. The south wing and portions of the west wing were constructed between 1580 and 1586 by Mette Rosenkrantz, one of Denmark's wealthiest women of her era, establishing the castle's characteristic robust corner towers. Subsequent owners expanded the building to three storeys, and in 1721, the north wing was added. A three-winged courtyard building designed by the renowned architect Lauritz de Thurah was constructed between 1735 and 1738, further enhancing the estate's grandeur. The castle's most dramatic moment came in 1893 when a devastating fire swept through the structure. However, the outer walls proved resilient, and between 1893 and 1904, architect Hans Jørgen Holm meticulously restored the castle largely to its original design, preserving its historical integrity.

The English Landscape Garden

The 15-hectare park surrounding Vallø Castle represents a masterpiece of romantic landscape design. Originally laid out in the early 18th century with formal French garden elements, the park was transformed into its current English landscape style in 1830. This transformation created the serene, naturalistic aesthetic that visitors experience today—expansive manicured lawns interspersed with carefully positioned groupings of ancient trees. The park's botanical collection is particularly noteworthy, featuring rare heritage specimens including the heart tree (hjertetræ), dove tree (duetræ), ginkgo, winged walnut, true tulip tree, and manna ash. These arboreal treasures reflect the 19th-century fashion for collecting exotic and unusual species. A picturesque lake, created as an employment project between 1878 and 1880, adds another dimension to the landscape, its waters reflecting the surrounding woodland and sky.

From Formal Gardens to Wild Nature

The park's character transitions gradually from cultivated elegance near the castle to increasingly wild woodland as visitors venture further into the estate. The formal slotspark (castle park) with its maintained pathways and open lawns gives way to Vallø Dyrehave, where nature is permitted to flourish on its own terms. This intentional gradient creates a journey through different landscapes within a single visit, allowing visitors to experience both the refined horticultural vision of centuries past and the untamed beauty of Danish woodland. The estate encompasses 4,109 hectares in total, of which 1,860 hectares are woodlands, making it a significant natural and cultural landscape.

Historic Surroundings and Living Heritage

Beyond the castle and park lies a cluster of historic buildings arranged around Vallø Castle Street (Vallø Slotsgade), creating an authentic herregård (manor house) landscape. The Vallø Castle Inn, which received royal privilege in 1784, continues to operate as a restaurant and cultural landmark. The surrounding countryside, protected as a heritage landscape, features tree-lined avenues and historic structures that transport visitors back through Danish history. The estate remains actively managed, with revenues derived from agriculture, forestry, house rentals, the inn, a nearby campground, and hunting areas—ensuring that Vallø continues to function as a living, working estate rather than a museum piece.

Access and Visitor Experience

While the castle itself remains a private residence for its noble inhabitants, the public is invited to experience the magnificent grounds. The park opens daily at 8 AM and remains accessible until sunset, with free admission for all visitors. Between 10 AM and 6 PM, visitors may also peer into the castle courtyard to admire its architectural features and the moat filled with lily pads and croaking frogs. The park's well-maintained pathways accommodate leisurely walks, picnics, and quiet contemplation, making it an ideal destination for those seeking natural beauty combined with historical significance.