Krenkerup Estate & Brewery

A centuries-old manor in Lolland’s soft landscape

Krenkerup is one of Denmark’s oldest estates, recorded as far back as the 1330s, lying a short distance southwest of Sakskøbing on the island of Lolland. Set amid gently rolling fields and sheltering woodland, the estate stretches across thousands of hectares of farmland, forest, and hunting grounds. The approach is rural rather than grandiose, but as you draw closer the red-brick silhouette of the manor, framed by water and trees, leaves no doubt that this is an old seat of power. Over nearly seven centuries Krenkerup has belonged to some of Denmark’s most influential noble families, passed on through marriage and inheritance. The continuity is striking: the estate is still family-run, now in the hands of a later Reventlow generation, linking present-day life directly with medieval origins. That sense of lineage gives the whole place a quiet, confident character, more lived-in than museum-like.

Moated brickwork and evolving architecture

At the heart of the estate stands the manor house itself, a three-winged complex on a raised, rectangular mound surrounded by a broad moat. The oldest stone core dates from the late 15th century, later expanded in red brick by statesman Mogens Gøye to form an enclosed courtyard. Towers were added over the following centuries, including an octagonal corner tower that adds a distinctive flourish to the otherwise sober, Northern European lines. Fires, rebuilding, and renovations have subtly reshaped the building. One wing was lost to a blaze in the 17th century and never reconstructed, leaving an open side that offers excellent views of the water and façades. An 18th-century renovation smoothed some of the medieval roughness without erasing it, so details such as stepped gables, mullioned windows, and varying rooflines still tell of different eras layered on top of one another.

From fields and forests to glasses and barrels

Krenkerup remains a fully active agricultural estate, its extensive lands used for crops, forestry, and managed hunting. That working character is part of the appeal: tractors move between fields, stacks of timber appear in season, and barns and outbuildings cluster around the core. The landscape is quietly productive rather than manicured, with fields broken by hedgerows, tree lines, and small lakes that attract birdlife. A more recent chapter in the estate’s story is its brewery, housed within historic structures close to the manor. Here barley from the surrounding fields is turned into characterful lagers and ales, drawing on German-inspired brewing traditions. The brewing rooms themselves are not all on show, but copper and steel equipment, the smell of malt, and the sight of branded barrels underline that this is a serious, small-scale production, rooted in the estate’s own harvest.

Polo fields and leisurely rural experiences

One of Krenkerup’s surprises is its full-size polo field, the only professional facility of its kind in Denmark. The carefully kept turf and open surroundings look almost British or Argentine at first glance, yet the low Lolland skyline and Danish barns on the horizon make it unmistakably local. At certain times the grounds host polo events and training, adding an unexpected sporting dimension to the otherwise tranquil estate. For most visitors, though, the experience is gentler. On opening days you can linger over freshly tapped beer, sample seasonal specialties, and look out toward paddocks and fields. Families spread out at outdoor tables, couples walk short loops by the water, and cyclists on Lolland’s back roads use Krenkerup as a restful stop. The atmosphere balances conviviality with rural calm.

Atmosphere of continuity and quiet indulgence

What makes Krenkerup distinctive is how seamlessly history and contemporary life sit together. The manor is still a private residence, so access is limited, but its presence dominates the scene: red brick reflected in the moat, mature trees casting shifting shade, and the distant sounds of estate work carrying on. At the same time, the brewery welcomes guests, inviting them to taste the estate’s output in a relaxed, informal setting. There is no sense of rush here. Instead, time stretches: you might spend an hour simply watching the play of light on the water, or tracing the line of ownership through names you may recognize from wider Danish history. With its blend of architectural heritage, working countryside, quality beer, and occasional equestrian drama, Krenkerup offers a quietly rich snapshot of rural Denmark at its most grounded and gracious.