Egeskov Castle
Europe's best-preserved Renaissance water castle, still inhabited by its noble family and surrounded by award-winning gardens.
Egeskov Castle is Europe's best-preserved Renaissance water castle, built in 1554 on oak pilings in the middle of a lake near Kværndrup on the island of Funen. This privately owned and still-inhabited fortress features grand historic chambers, award-winning gardens dating to the early 1700s, museums showcasing vintage aircraft and automobiles, and family-friendly attractions including a maze and outdoor play areas. The castle remains a living home to the Ahlefeldt-Laurvig-Bille family, descendants of the Bille lineage who have owned it since 1784.
A brief summary to Egeskov Castle
- Egeskov Gade 22, Kværndrup, 5772, DK
- +4562271016
- Visit website
- Duration: 2.5 to 5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit during weekdays in May or September for fewer crowds while still enjoying full access to the castle, gardens, and all attractions. Peak summer season (June–August) draws significantly larger visitor numbers.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and allow at least 4–5 hours to explore the castle interiors, historic gardens, maze, and museum collections without rushing. The grounds are extensive and require substantial walking.
- Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid queues, especially during summer weekends. Consider an annual pass if planning multiple visits, as it offers excellent value for repeat visitors.
- Bring a picnic or plan to use on-site cafes and kiosks for meals. The beautiful park provides ideal spots for outdoor dining, and food options are limited in the surrounding area.
- Don't miss Titania's Palace in the Riborg Room—one of the world's most extraordinary miniature dollhouses—and take time to read the tragic story of Rigborg Brockenhuus, which adds profound depth to your visit.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car from Odense
Drive south from Odense toward Kværndrup, approximately 29 kilometers, taking 35–45 minutes depending on traffic. Follow signs to Egeskov Gade. Ample parking is available on-site. This is the most flexible option for families and groups, allowing you to set your own schedule and explore the surrounding Funen region.
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Train and Bus from Odense
Take a regional train from Odense Central Station toward Svendborg or Kværndrup (approximately 30–40 minutes, around 80–120 DKK). From Kværndrup station, local buses or taxis provide the final 3–4 kilometers to the castle (10–15 minutes). This option is economical and suitable for travelers without a car, though service frequency is moderate outside peak summer season.
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Guided Tour from Odense
Several tour operators in Odense offer half-day and full-day excursions to Egeskov Castle, typically costing 300–600 DKK per person. These tours include transportation, entrance fees, and often guided commentary about the castle's history. Tours depart in the morning and return by late afternoon, ideal for those preferring a structured experience without navigation concerns.
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Bicycle from Kværndrup
For active travelers, cycling from Kværndrup town center to Egeskov is feasible via local roads, approximately 3–4 kilometers and 15–20 minutes. Funen is known for its cycling infrastructure, and this option allows you to experience the rural Danish landscape. Bike rentals are available in Kværndrup and nearby towns, typically 100–150 DKK per day.
Egeskov Castle location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Egeskov Castle
A Fortress Born from Political Turmoil
Egeskov Castle stands as a masterpiece of Renaissance defensive architecture, built in 1554 by nobleman Frands Brockenhuus following his marriage to Anne Tinhuus, whose family owned the estate. The castle's construction reflected the turbulent political climate of 16th-century Denmark, marked by the Protestant Reformation and the Count's Feud, which prompted noble families to fortify their homes against rival clans. The decision to build on an island in the middle of a shallow lake was deliberate—a strategic choice that made the castle accessible only by drawbridge, transforming it into an impregnable stronghold. According to legend, the construction required such an enormous quantity of oak timber for the foundation pilings that it took an entire oak forest to complete the work, lending the castle its name: Egeskov, meaning "oak forest."Ingenious Military Design and Hidden Chambers
The castle's architecture reveals sophisticated defensive thinking. The structure consists of two long houses connected by a thick double wall, allowing defenders to abandon the outer building if breached and continue fighting from the inner fortress. The outer walls feature machicolations and embrasures—openings through which defenders could pour boiling water or tar onto attackers below. Hidden within the central wall are a concealed staircase and a well, ensuring the castle could sustain a siege. This combination of water-based isolation and architectural ingenuity made Egeskov one of Europe's most formidable fortifications, a status it has maintained through the centuries as the continent's best-preserved moat castle.Centuries of Noble Stewardship and Family Drama
Over nearly five centuries, Egeskov has passed through the hands of Denmark's most prominent noble families, including the Skinkel, Brockenhuus, Ulfeldt, Krag, and Bille-Brahe families. The castle's most poignant historical episode involves Rigborg Brockenhuus, daughter of Laurids Brockenhuus, who was imprisoned in a tower room for five years after bearing a child out of wedlock with young nobleman Frederik Rosenkrantz. Her father's harsh punishment—locking her away until his death in 1604—stands as a stark reminder of the rigid social codes governing aristocratic life. Today, the Riborg Room on the first floor commemorates this tragic story and houses Titania's Palace, an extraordinary miniature dollhouse built over fifteen years by English painter and officer Sir Nevile Wilkinson and his team of craftsmen. The tiny palace was created after Wilkinson's daughter asked her father to build a house for fairies she had seen in the garden, and it remains one of the world's most intricate and celebrated dollhouses.The Krag Family's Vision and Landscape Transformation
When Privy Councillor Otte Krag purchased Egeskov in 1656, he initiated a new chapter of development that would reshape the estate's character. Under his grandson Niels Krag "The Younger," the castle underwent significant expansion and modernization. The most visible legacy of this period is the creation of the magnificent French-inspired gardens, established in the early 1700s and meticulously maintained ever since. The gardens feature a celebrated maze and an embankment to the east that established a land-based connection between the castle and its grounds. These historic gardens have been preserved to reflect their appearance in 1959, when restoration work began, with ancient trees and bushes—some centuries old—carefully tended by dedicated castle gardeners. The park remains an award-winning landscape that draws visitors from across Europe.Modern Stewardship and Living Heritage
In 1784, Henrik Bille purchased Egeskov, and his descendants have maintained ownership ever since. The most transformative period came in the 1880s when Julius Ahlefeldt-Laurvig-Bille and his wife Jessie took over the estate following their grand wedding in 1875, which united the Bille-Brahe and Ahlefeldt-Laurvig families. Under their stewardship, extensive modernization occurred, with Swedish architect Helgo Zettervall overseeing comprehensive restoration work. The couple transformed Egeskov into a model farm, adding a dairy, power station, and even a private railway line to the nearby town of Kværndrup. Today, the castle continues to function as both a private residence and a working farm, with the Ahlefeldt-Laurvig-Bille family still living within its walls. This unique status—as a genuine home rather than a museum—gives Egeskov an authenticity and vitality that distinguishes it from many other European castles.Museums, Collections, and Family Experiences
Beyond the castle itself, Egeskov hosts Europe's first Camping Outdoor Museum, showcasing vintage caravans and camping heritage. The grounds also feature impressive collections of antique automobiles, motorcycles, and rare aircraft, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into transportation history. The castle maintains extensive play areas and exhibitions designed for families, including a large outdoor maze where visitors can test their navigation skills and race to reach the tower. During winter months, when the castle and gardens close, the site remains accessible for exhibitions and parts of the play forest, ensuring year-round engagement. Special events throughout the year include the popular Christmas Market in November and the LUMINIS light festival in February, transforming the castle into an enchanting venue for seasonal celebrations.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Saint Nicolai's Church
15.1 km
Svendborg’s oldest church and a quiet seafaring sanctuary, where red-brick medieval walls and a calm, whitewashed interior meet just off lively Gerritsgade.
Rolfshøj
17.0 km
A quiet Neolithic long barrow in the fields near Ferritslev Fyn, where a simple stone chamber and grassy mound bring Funen’s prehistoric past close at hand.
Damestenen
17.2 km
Denmark's colossal 1,200-tonne ice-age boulder, transported from Sweden 18,000 years ago.
Befrielsessten i Vindinge
21.3 km
A modest village liberation stone in front of Vindinge Church, quietly commemorating Denmark’s 1945 freedom amid the calm of rural eastern Funen.
Det gamle vandtårn
22.1 km
A striking red-brick monument to Odense's industrial heritage and early 20th-century urban modernization.
Den Hvide Jomfru
23.9 km
A modest white monument on Nyborg’s old fortress embankment, Den Hvide Jomfru blends legend, landscape and history into a quiet, atmospheric pause.
Nyborg Fortress
24.2 km
Medieval parliament seat where Danish kings shaped a nation's destiny and founded a Nordic empire.
Mindesmærke for kaptajn Peter Bredal
24.2 km
A solemn memorial to a 17th-century Danish captain whose frozen fleet became legend.
Erik Ballings Plads
24.4 km
Where Danish cinema's greatest visionary is celebrated through iconic characters and cultural memory.
Bastionen Nyborg
24.6 km
Experience the fusion of contemporary art and serene nature at Skovhuset in Frederikshavn.
Nyborg Vold
24.6 km
Stroll the grassy ramparts and mirror-still moats that once guarded Denmark’s medieval power center, now a peaceful green belt wrapping historic Nyborg.
Munke Mose Park
24.7 km
Award-winning maritime museum ingeniously sunk into a former dry dock at Helsingør, offering interactive exhibitions on Denmark’s seafaring history next to Kronborg Castle.
Munke Mose
24.9 km
Discover Slottsträdgården, Malmö's ecological garden oasis, featuring themed gardens, cultural events, and a charming café, all nestled behind historic Malmöhus Castle.
Historiske Vandringer - Slaget ved Nyborg 1659
24.9 km
Experience the harmonious blend of art and nature at Skovhuset, Frederikshavn's serene cultural retreat.
The Sea Horse
25.0 km
Discover Danish and Nordic artistic heritage at Bredgade Kunsthandel, a leading Copenhagen gallery celebrated for curated exhibitions in the city’s vibrant art district.
Unmissable attractions to see
Camping Outdoors Museum
0.3 km
A nostalgic journey through tents, caravans and holiday dreams, the Camping Outdoors Museum at Egeskov celebrates the simple freedom of life on the road.
Gorilla Park Svendborg
8.7 km
High‑rope thrills in a South Funen beech forest, with eight treetop courses, long zip‑lines and a Big Swing blending outdoor adventure, views and shared laughs.
Lykkesholm Slot
10.7 km
Moated medieval manor turned exclusive country castle on Fyn, blending historic character, forests and water views with modern facilities for private stays and grand events.
Holstenshuus
14.0 km
An elegant 18th-century rococo garden where history and horticulture meet in serene Danish countryside.
Naturama
14.5 km
Denmark's most immersive natural history museum, where dramatic design and living collections reveal nature's interconnected wonders.
Danmarks Forsorgsmuseum
14.6 km
Step inside Northern Europe’s best‑preserved poorhouse in Svendborg and explore 100 years of Danish welfare history told through original rooms, objects and human destinies.
Ørkild Slots Voldsted
14.7 km
One of Denmark’s largest medieval castle mounds, where grassy ramparts and deep ditches reveal the ghost of a lost fortress above the outskirts of Svendborg.
Cubo Nero
14.8 km
Historic glass factory turned museum celebrating two centuries of Scandinavian design mastery and innovation.
Anne Hvide's House
14.9 km
Explore Denmark's rich glass and ceramic heritage at Holmegaard Værk, featuring extensive collections and live artisan demonstrations.
Svanninge Bjerge
15.2 km
Undulating forested hills, glacial valleys and far‑reaching views over South Funen make Svanninge Bjerge a quietly dramatic corner of the so‑called Funen Alps.
Danmarks Museum for Lystsejlads
15.4 km
Denmark’s dedicated yachting museum in Svendborg Harbour, showcasing 150 years of pleasure sailing through classic boats, living workshops and rich maritime stories.
Davinde Stenmuseum
17.6 km
A cosy countryside museum where glacial boulders, sparkling minerals and ancient fossils from the Tarup–Davinde gravel pits reveal Funen’s deep geological past.
Trebjerg, Dronningeudsigten
17.6 km
A gentle Funen hill crowned by “the Queen’s View,” where rolling fields, wooded slopes and the South Funen Archipelago unfold in a calm, wide horizon.
Faaborg Clock Tower
18.1 km
Freestanding medieval bell tower and symbol of Faaborg, offering narrow-stair climbs, chiming bells and wide views over the town and South Funen coast.
Øhavsmuseet
18.3 km
A sensory, barefoot museum journey in Faaborg where sound, light and touch reveal how the South Funen Archipelago’s nature has shaped human lives through the ages.
Essential places to dine
Christians madhus
14.4 km
Handcrafted sandwiches and daily hot meals with genuine Danish hospitality in central Svendborg.
Pams African Restaurant
15.0 km
Ghanaian warmth, jollof rice and slow-cooked stews bring a slice of West Africa to the historic streets of Svendborg’s compact old town.
Kong Volmer Svendborg
15.0 km
Cosy Danish lunch spot on Svendborg’s Møllergade, serving classic smørrebrød, cold beer and aquavit in a narrow oak‑lined dining room with a sunny terrace.
Under Uret
15.0 km
All-day café and brasserie under the clock on Svendborg’s main pedestrian street, serving cozy comfort food, quality coffee and relaxed drinks from morning to late night.
Restaurant Børsen
15.0 km
Central Svendborg gastropub blending Danish comfort cooking, specialty beers and a colourful terrace under floating umbrellas in a set of characterful vintage rooms.
Restaurant Resumé
15.0 km
Gourmet cuisine rooted in South Funen, delivered at remarkable value in Svendborg's finest restaurant.
Salig Simons Gaard
15.2 km
French-inspired bistro flair in a historic Svendborg courtyard, where candlelit beams, local Funen produce and relaxed service turn meals into lingering occasions.
Thude's Restaurant & Vinbar
15.2 km
Intimate seafood-focused restaurant and wine bar in central Svendborg, pairing seasonal Danish cooking with thoughtful wines and a charming hidden garden terrace.
Jettes Diner
15.3 km
Cozy harbor-side diner in Svendborg serving generous burgers, changing daily specials and comforting Danish-style dishes in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
Restaurant Svendborgsund
15.3 km
Classic Danish cooking and hearty portions served right on Svendborg’s harborfront, with wide views across Svendborgsund and a relaxed, maritime atmosphere all day long.
Frederiksøens Madbar
15.3 km
Casual harbourfront burger and seafood bar on Svendborg’s old shipyard island, pairing organic burgers and fried fish with laid-back maritime views.
Restaurant Hotel Ærø i Svendborg
15.3 km
Historic harborfront restaurant serving traditional Danish cuisine in a colonial-styled setting steeped in maritime heritage.
Stella Maris
15.7 km
An intimate seaside boutique hotel on Svendborgsund, blending Nordic design, gourmet dining and tranquil garden-and-water views on the edge of South Funen.
Restaurant
15.9 km
Waterfront hotel restaurant in Svendborg serving seasonal Danish cuisine with a strong seafood focus, framed by wide sea views and a spacious terrace by the beach.
Restaurant Øret
16.3 km
Unpretentious Danish dining where fresh local ingredients and skilled kitchen craft create honest, memorable meals.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Fun Fyn
6.4 km
A cheerful one-stop party shop in Ringe, stocking balloons, decorations, costumes and tableware for everything from kids’ birthdays to elegant Funen celebrations.
Høkildegård
13.8 km
Family-run South Funen farm and country shop overlooking Syltemade Valley, where free-range animals, quality meat and gentle rural landscapes meet in one stop.
Shop Dot & Flower Corner Svendborg
15.0 km
Svendborg's premier florist and lifestyle boutique, where fresh blooms meet curated gifts and fine wines.
Phigo, Fine Luxury
15.1 km
A three-floor Scandinavian fashion house in central Svendborg, showcasing refined designer clothing, accessories and leather goods in an elegant, relaxed setting.
Kop & Kande
15.1 km
Warmth, comfort, and inspiration for your home in the heart of Svendborg
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
15.1 km
Colourful, low-cost Danish design and quirky gifts in the heart of Svendborg’s main shopping street, ideal for quick souvenirs, party supplies and everyday essentials.
Thi Ti Ting
15.2 km
A cozy little gift shop on Korsgade in Svendborg’s old town, where playful Danish design and easygoing small-town charm meet on every shelf.
Storms Hjørne
18.8 km
A volunteer-run village gem where Danish tradition, local pride, and waterfront views converge.
Red Cross Op Shop
21.0 km
Volunteer-run Danish Red Cross thrift shop in Bellinge, Odense, where low-priced second-hand finds and everyday treasure hunts help fund vital humanitarian work.
Gårdbutik Verningelund
21.3 km
Organic Jersey dairy farm and small farm shop on Funen, selling carefully matured meat, sausages and occasionally fresh milk straight from the source.
Odense Jagt & Fritid
22.1 km
Specialist 1,000 m² hunting, fishing and outdoor store in Odense SV, equipping you for Fyn’s forests, coasts and everyday life in nature.
Rosendal Retro
22.8 km
Curated vintage and secondhand treasures in historic Nyborg, Denmark.
Skovsted Nyborg
22.9 km
A friendly neighborhood toy shop on Fynsvej, Skovsted Nyborg adds a splash of color, games, and playful souvenirs to a family visit in historic Nyborg.
GenbrugsHallerne
23.1 km
A vast indoor thrift hall in Odense where hundreds of private stalls turn second-hand shopping into an urban treasure hunt of everyday finds and quirky curios.
StiLia ApS
23.1 km
Curated Scandinavian gifts and homeware where design meets everyday living.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Kompasset
11.8 km
Cozy village bar on South Funen offering Danish hygge, local drinks, and an authentic small-town atmosphere along the main road through Vester Skerninge.
Tingvalla 2013 ApS
14.3 km
Electric nightlife and quality drinks in the heart of Svendborg's vibrant social scene.
Terningen Henrik Skovlykke Vedel Hansen
14.4 km
Cozy neighborhood bar in Årslev with billiards, hearty Danish comfort food and a relaxed local atmosphere from late morning coffee to late-night beers.
Skrumpklunk Institute
14.8 km
An unfussy neighbourhood bar with a quirky name, Skrumpklunk Institute offers laid-back drinks, local colour and easygoing evenings in everyday Svendborg.
Ørkild
14.8 km
Authentic Danish beer hall where locals gather for genuine hospitality and convivial atmosphere.
Grønne Post
14.9 km
Unpretentious neighborhood beer hall on Nyborgvej, where loud laughter, low prices, and everyday Svendborg life blend over cold draughts and casual company.
HANSTED
15.0 km
Cozy neighborhood bar and intimate live stage bringing late-night music, craft drinks, and local Svendborg atmosphere together on lively Vestergade.
Hemingway's Svendborg
15.1 km
Late-night Nordic bar in historic Svendborg's medieval heart, open weekends until dawn.
Svendborgsund Bryghus - Svendborg
15.1 km
Family-run South Funen microbrewery in a compact Svendborg tasting room, serving small-batch beers and organic lemonades with a relaxed, local feel.
Vinsted
15.1 km
Intimate Svendborg wine bar with shelves of bottles, simple seasonal plates and a warm, candlelit atmosphere on historic Klosterplads.
Trier's Corner
15.2 km
Intimate non-smoking bar on Svendborg’s Klosterplads, serving specialty beers, wine, cocktails and coffee in a warm, Scandinavian-inspired atmosphere.
The Drunken Sailor
15.2 km
Cozy nautical pub in Svendborg’s harbor quarter, pouring affordable drinks, hearty Danish tartlets and a generous measure of maritime atmosphere late into the night.
Den Høje Stue
15.2 km
Cosy, inexpensive neighbourhood bar in central Svendborg, blending daytime calm with intimate, pub-style evenings in a warm, unpretentious setting.
Kahytten Svendborg
15.2 km
Dimly lit, smoky and disarmingly honest, Kahytten is Svendborg’s cabin-like pub where cheap beers, local regulars and harbor-town character meet under one low ceiling.
Rasmus
15.2 km
Intimate live music, specialty beers and a relaxed, bohemian bar atmosphere in the heart of Svendborg’s old town.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Crazy Daisy Svendborg
15.2 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club
21.0 km
Community-driven square dancing in a cozy Odense neighborhood hall, where callers, patterns and shared rhythm turn an ordinary evening into a friendly social event.
Muzirkus
23.1 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
KJ's bodel
24.3 km
Laid‑back local nightspot on Nyborg’s main square, mixing simple drinks, sociable bar chatter and a compact dance floor in an unpretentious setting.
Dansebar Odense
25.3 km
Lively central Odense nightclub with mainstream hits, colorful lights and a sociable dance floor vibe from late evening into the early hours.
BUTCHERS Odense
25.4 km
High-energy nightclub on Odense’s Overgade, mixing pounding bass, lights and late-night drinks in a central old-town setting steps from major sights.
Boogie Dance Café
25.5 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
The slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus
25.8 km
Experience industrial-cool nights, live music, and eclectic parties at The Slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus, Odense’s dynamic hub for nightlife and contemporary culture.
Ærø Golf Klub
29.2 km
Distinctive links course on Ærø’s northwest cape, blending historic lighthouse views, Nordic coastlines, and a classic Danish golfing challenge.
Kasket karl
30.2 km
Discover authentic Danish hospitality and local color at Kasket Karl, Rudkøbing’s beloved bodega on Langeland—a lively gathering spot offering drinks, history, and community.
Langelands Jazzklub
30.9 km
Experience the vibrant local jazz scene at Langelands Jazzklub in Rudkøbing, where live music and island hospitality meet in one of Denmark’s most charming settings.
Ærø Jazzfestival
32.1 km
Experience the soul of Danish jazz at Ærø Jazzfestival, where international rhythms meet island heritage in the historic harbor of Ærøskøbing each summer.
Landbogården
32.4 km
A cherished hub in Ærøskøbing where island tradition and contemporary culture meet over local food, craft drinks, and memorable music-filled evenings.
Ærø Whiskey Destilleri
32.4 km
Experience the artisanal charm of Ærø Whisky Distillery in Ærøskøbing, where local ingredients and traditional methods create unique island whiskies.
Ommel
33.9 km
A small, sociable island nightspot near Marstal where locals and travelers share quiet drinks, simple music and the easygoing charm of Ærø after dark.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Unique
- Fun-filled
- Entertaining
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Historic
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly