Holckenhavn Castle

Moated Renaissance manor on Funen’s fjord, blending centuries of noble history with an intimate, high-end setting for events, stays and guided castle visits.

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Holckenhavn Castle

Holckenhavn Castle is a beautifully preserved Renaissance manor house set by Holckenhavn Fjord just south of Nyborg on the island of Funen. Surrounded by a moat, formal courtyards and sweeping lawns, this four-winged castle blends 16th–17th-century architecture with refined modern comforts. Today it serves primarily as an exclusive venue for weddings, conferences and private stays, offering access by guided tour or during pre-booked events rather than as a classic walk-in museum.

A brief summary to Holckenhavn Castle

Holckenhavn 1, Nyborg, 5800, DK
+4565313105
Visit website
Duration: 1.5 to 6 hours
Luxury
Mixed
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

Check in advance whether guided tours or open-house days are scheduled; outside these times access is mainly limited to booked events and overnight guests.
If you join a tour, pay special attention to the chapel carvings and the knights’ hall ceilings, which showcase some of the finest Renaissance woodwork on Funen.
Allow extra time to wander the outer grounds and admire the castle’s reflection in the moat and fjord, especially in soft morning or late-afternoon light.
For events or overnight stays, book well ahead—room numbers are limited and popular dates for weddings and conferences can fill quickly.
Dress in layers; interiors can feel cool due to thick historic walls, while outdoor areas by the water may be breezy even on sunny days.

Getting There

Train + taxi from Nyborg

From major Danish cities such as Copenhagen or Odense, take an intercity train to Nyborg Station, a key stop on the main east–west line across Funen, with frequent departures and a travel time of roughly 1–1.5 hours from Copenhagen and about 20–30 minutes from Odense. From Nyborg Station, a taxi ride to Holckenhavn Castle typically takes around 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. Expect the taxi fare to be in the range of 120–200 DKK one way, varying slightly by time of day and company. This option is convenient year-round and avoids the need for parking at the castle.
Car via E20 across Funen

Driving is the most flexible way to reach Holckenhavn Castle, especially if you are exploring Funen more widely. Nyborg lies on the E20 motorway that connects Zealand, Funen and Jutland via the Great Belt Bridge. From Odense, the drive usually takes 30–40 minutes, while from Copenhagen the journey is often around 1.5–2 hours including the bridge crossing. The Great Belt Bridge charges a toll; for a standard car, budget approximately 260–300 DKK each way, with electronic payment options and occasional discounts for subscription schemes. Around the castle there is typically space for guest parking arranged in connection with events, but it is advisable to confirm parking details when you book an overnight stay, conference or wedding.
Local bus from Nyborg area

Regional buses serve the Nyborg area and can bring you within a reasonable walking distance of Holckenhavn, though services are less frequent than trains and may run on reduced timetables in the evening and at weekends. From Nyborg Station, a local bus towards the southern outskirts of town generally takes 10–20 minutes; a single adult ticket in the local zones is usually in the range of 24–36 DKK, depending on distance and ticket type. Because schedules and exact stops change over time, it is important to check the latest timetable and confirm the nearest stop to Holckenhavn Castle before travelling, especially if you are coordinating with a fixed start time for a tour or event.

Holckenhavn Castle location weather suitability

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Discover more about Holckenhavn Castle

A Renaissance stronghold by the fjord

Holckenhavn Castle sits on a square castle island just off the shore of Holckenhavn Fjord, an inlet of the Great Belt that curls south of Nyborg. Approaching across the water, you see red-brick wings, stepped gables and a tall bell tower reflected in the moat, giving the complex a storybook quality. Despite its romantic appearance, the castle grew from a medieval manor whose roots reach back to the late 14th century, when the estate was known as Kogsbølle. The present castle took shape between the late 1500s and early 1600s, when successive owners embraced the fashionable Renaissance style. The result is a cohesive four-winged residence around an inner courtyard, with symmetry, ornamented facades and careful proportions that still define the experience of entering the gatehouse today.

Noble families and a change of name

For more than two centuries the property belonged to the powerful Ulfeldt family, who moved the seat closer to the water after 1580 and gave it the name Ulfeldtsholm. Later it became known as Ellensborg under the energetic ownership of Ellen Marsvin, one of the most influential noblewomen of her age. She added an entire west wing and reshaped the complex into the four-sided layout you see now. The castle gained its current name in 1672, when Eiler Holck acquired the estate and founded the Barony of Holckenhavn. Remarkably, his descendants have held it ever since, overseeing alterations in the 18th and 19th centuries and a thorough restoration in the early 1900s that respected the original craftsmanship while updating the interiors for modern living.

Architecture, chapel and great halls

Architecturally, Holckenhavn is a showcase of Danish Renaissance design. The north and east wings and the main gate wing were completed around 1585, and the imposing bell tower soon followed. Inside, the highlight is the richly decorated chapel created in the 1630s, where intricate wood carvings by master craftsman Hans Dreier frame the altar and galleries beneath a domed ceiling. A grand knights’ hall with heavy beams, panelled walls and long views across the courtyard underlines the castle’s former role as a seat of power and ceremony. Elsewhere, elegant salons and dining rooms combine antique detailing with contemporary furniture, reflecting the building’s present life as a venue for events where historical atmosphere and modern comfort go hand in hand.

Moats, barns and landscaped grounds

Beyond the main residence, the grounds reveal layers of history in their own right. The castle platform is encircled by water, crossed by causeways that once served defensive purposes but now add to the sense of arrival. On the outer estate stands a large brick barn from 1629, the sole survivor of a farm complex destroyed by fire in the early 20th century, offering a rare glimpse of period agricultural architecture. Around the buildings, carefully maintained lawns, old trees and views towards the fjord create a peaceful parkland setting. Depending on current arrangements, parts of the grounds can sometimes be appreciated on a stroll, while guided tours and organised visits open up selected interiors to those curious about the castle’s stories and craftsmanship.

Today’s fairytale venue

In the present day Holckenhavn Castle has reinvented itself as a high-end backdrop for weddings, conferences and private gatherings. A limited number of guest rooms tucked into the wings allow multi-day stays, while flexible event spaces host everything from corporate meetings to elaborate celebrations. Rather than a public museum with fixed opening hours, it operates primarily by reservation and scheduled tours. For travellers exploring Funen, Holckenhavn offers a glimpse of aristocratic Denmark at a human scale: a family-owned estate where centuries of history, waterside scenery and well-preserved architecture combine into an intimate, highly curated experience.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Den Hvide Jomfru

2.1 km

A modest white monument on Nyborg’s old fortress embankment, Den Hvide Jomfru blends legend, landscape and history into a quiet, atmospheric pause.

Mindesmærke for kaptajn Peter Bredal

2.2 km

A solemn memorial to a 17th-century Danish captain whose frozen fleet became legend.

Nyborg Fortress

2.4 km

Medieval parliament seat where Danish kings shaped a nation's destiny and founded a Nordic empire.

Nyborg Vold

2.5 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.

Erik Ballings Plads

2.5 km

Where Danish cinema's greatest visionary is celebrated through iconic characters and cultural memory.

Nyborg St.

2.9 km

A historic rail gateway on Funen’s east coast, Nyborg Station links castle town charm with fast, modern connections across Denmark via the Great Belt.

Befrielsessten i Vindinge

3.3 km

A modest village liberation stone in front of Vindinge Church, quietly commemorating Denmark’s 1945 freedom amid the calm of rural eastern Funen.

Befrielsessten i Skalkendrup

8.9 km

A quiet memorial to Denmark's liberation from Nazi occupation in 1945

Damestenen

12.4 km

Denmark's colossal 1,200-tonne ice-age boulder, transported from Sweden 18,000 years ago.

Rolfshøj

14.4 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.

Det gamle vandtårn

26.9 km

A striking red-brick monument to Odense's industrial heritage and early 20th-century urban modernization.

Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen

26.9 km

A delicate paper boat turned gleaming sculpture, Papirbåden floats on Odense’s Fairytale Garden lake, quietly celebrating H.C. Andersen’s “Steadfast Tin Soldier.”

Odense Cathedral - St. Canute's Church

27.0 km

A luminous Brick Gothic cathedral in central Odense, where Denmark’s last Viking king, royal tombs and a masterpiece altarpiece share a serene, living sacred space.

Carl Nielsen Museum

27.0 km

Discover the life and work of Carl Nielsen at this intimate Odense museum, where music, history, and Danish cultural heritage blend in interactive exhibits.

H. C. Andersens House

27.0 km

Explore the spellbinding H.C. Andersen’s House in Odense, where world-class storytelling, innovative design, and interactive exhibitions bring fairy tales to life.

Unmissable attractions to see

Nyborg, Bagfyr

0.9 km

A compact coastal lighthouse on Nyborg’s shoreline, Nyborg Bagfyr offers a quiet glimpse of Denmark’s maritime past amid open sky, sea breeze and simple forms.

Dyrehave Mølle

1.0 km

One of Denmark’s tallest brick windmills, Dyrehave Mølle combines historic milling machinery, steep stairways and airy views over Nyborg, its harbour and the Great Belt.

Nyborg Fjord

1.7 km

A calm Funen bay where marina life, sea trout, waterbirds and views of the Great Belt Bridge come together along Nyborg’s gently curving coastline.

Nyborg Marina

1.8 km

A lively Funen waterfront where yacht masts, cafés and coastal walks meet historic Nyborg’s streets at the sheltered edge of the Great Belt.

Schønheyders Plads

2.0 km

A modest harborfront square on Nyborg’s Vesterhavnen, where everyday maritime life, open water views, and the town’s coastal character quietly meet.

Nyborg Prison

2.1 km

A century-old red-brick state prison on Funen, where imposing walls, watchtowers and hidden courtyards reveal Denmark’s evolving approach to confinement and rehabilitation.

Mindesmærke for D-Dag

2.1 km

Compact yet powerful, Nyborg’s D‑Day Memorial quietly honours Danish war sailors and links a small coastal town to the vast drama of 6 June 1944.

Nyborg Destilleri

2.2 km

Organic Danish whisky, gin and rum in a vast 1870s harbour workshop, blending industrial heritage, Nordic cuisine and hands-on distillery experiences.

Borgmestergården

2.3 km

Step through the red half‑timbered façade into four centuries of Nyborg history, where a merchant’s and mayor’s home now tells the town’s intimate story.

Mads Lerches Gård

2.3 km

Step into an 18th-century merchant's home and discover the intimate world of prosperous Nyborg.

Nyborg Lokalhistoriske Arkiv

2.3 km

Paper trails, photographs and quiet stories: Nyborg’s local history archive opens a focused window onto the town’s streets, families and everyday past.

Nyborg Castle

2.3 km

Medieval power centre and early Danish capital, where moats, ramparts and royal halls tell the story of kings, parliaments and the kingdom’s first constitution.

Tour de France-monument

2.4 km

Oversized yellow bike, big cycling memories: Nyborg’s open-air Tour de France Monument celebrates the 2022 stage finish on Funen’s windswept waterfront.

Chr. Hansens Have

2.4 km

A former pharmacist’s private refuge turned public pocket park, Christian Hansen’s Garden offers calm greenery, local history and a gentle pause on Nyborg’s Blue Clover Path.

Church of Our Lady

2.4 km

Medieval red-brick landmark founded by Queen Margrete I, Nyborg’s Church of Our Lady blends royal history, Gothic architecture and living Lutheran tradition.

Thin-crust pizza, hearty kebab and easygoing vibes in a central Nyborg pizzeria that doubles as a convenient sit‑down spot and busy takeaway hub.

Compact high-street fashion hub in the heart of Nyborg, bringing everyday basics, family essentials and seasonal trends together on lively Nørregade.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Corner Bar

2.0 km

Unpretentious neighborhood bar on Nyborg’s Strandvejen corner, serving cold drinks, easy conversation and a playful weekend wheel of fortune from late morning.

Øksendrup Cider

2.3 km

Cosy Nyborg cider bar showcasing organic East Funen apples, slow‑fermented bottles and intimate tastings in the historic heart of Denmark’s former royal city.

Phønix I/S

2.3 km

Cozy, no-frills bar and burger spot in central Nyborg, serving cold beers, simple comfort food, and relaxed local nightlife just off the town’s historic streets.

Chr. II's Pub

2.3 km

Casual Danish pub in Nyborg's historic centre, where locals gather for authentic neighbourhood hospitality.

Laboratoriet Nyborg

2.3 km

Atmospheric wine bar and bottle shop in a historic 1824 apothecary laboratory, tucked in a Nyborg courtyard and serving carefully chosen wines, snacks and coffee.

Ophav

2.4 km

Nyborg's refined casual dining hub blending bar, restaurant, and café culture with seasonal local cuisine.

Terningen Henrik Skovlykke Vedel Hansen

18.8 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.

Den Gyldne Hund

19.2 km

Smoky, harbourfront pub in Lohals where locals, sailors and visitors share simple drinks, sea air and classic Danish værtshus atmosphere.

Marina's Sportslounge

19.3 km

Laid-back village sports bar in Tranekær, mixing live matches, simple small plates and a friendly Langeland local-pub feel.

Hjallese Puben

25.5 km

Vibrant neighborhood bar where Odense locals gather for music, drinks, and authentic Danish pub atmosphere.

Den Lille Kro Odense

26.3 km

A classic Odense brown bar with history in its walls, cold beer on tap and a warmly worn, neighborhood atmosphere that feels instantly familiar.

Vandpibe Cafe Odense - Casablanca lounge cafe

26.6 km

Cozy Odense shisha lounge blending Middle Eastern café culture with Danish hygge, soft music, and long, sociable evenings over fragrant hookah and drinks.

Vandpibe Cafe Odense - Casablanca lounge cafe

Grønne Post

26.6 km

Unpretentious neighborhood beer hall on Nyborgvej, where loud laughter, low prices, and everyday Svendborg life blend over cold draughts and casual company.

Den Standhaftige Tinsoldat Af Odense

26.7 km

A small, steadfast neighborhood beer bar in Odense C where inexpensive drinks, local regulars, and a laid-back dive-bar atmosphere tell their own quiet story.

Carlsens Kvarter

26.8 km

Characterful Odense beer bar pairing old-school pub coziness with one of the city’s most impressive selections of Danish and international brews.

Nightclubs & after hour spots

Muzirkus

1.5 km

Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.

KJ's bodel

2.5 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.

Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club

22.0 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.

BUTCHERS Odense

26.8 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

27.1 km

Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.

Dansebar Odense

27.2 km

Lively central Odense nightclub with mainstream hits, colorful lights and a sociable dance floor vibe from late evening into the early hours.

The slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus

27.9 km

Experience industrial-cool nights, live music, and eclectic parties at The Slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus, Odense’s dynamic hub for nightlife and contemporary culture.

Crazy Daisy Svendborg

27.9 km

Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.

Gecco Bar & Natklub

38.6 km

Loud, colorful, and unapologetically party‑focused, Gecco Bar & Natklub is Slagelse’s straightforward late‑night spot for dancing, drinks, and familiar club hits.

Gammeltorv

38.7 km

Slagelse's vibrant weekend nightclub where locals and visitors dance until dawn.

The Upper Hill

38.7 km

A lively, well-loved pub and wine bar on Slagelse’s main square, delivering authentic Danish nightlife, craft drinks, and regular social events in a warm, modern setting.

Slagelse Jazzklub

38.8 km

Western Zealand's premier jazz venue celebrating five decades of live music, dining, and authentic club culture.

Kasket karl

39.8 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

40.1 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.

Swingergaarden

46.4 km

Discreet countryside swingers club near Slagelse, offering themed adult nights, intimate play spaces and a rules-based, consent-focused environment for open-minded guests.

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Holckenhavn Castle

A brief summary to Holckenhavn Castle

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Train + taxi from Nyborg

Car via E20 across Funen

Local bus from Nyborg area

Holckenhavn Castle location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Holckenhavn Castle

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Holckenhavn Castle

A Renaissance stronghold by the fjord

Noble families and a change of name

Architecture, chapel and great halls

Moats, barns and landscaped grounds

Today’s fairytale venue

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Den Hvide Jomfru

Mindesmærke for kaptajn Peter Bredal

Nyborg Fortress

Nyborg Vold

Erik Ballings Plads

Nyborg St.

Befrielsessten i Vindinge

Befrielsessten i Skalkendrup

Damestenen

Rolfshøj

Det gamle vandtårn

Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen

Odense Cathedral - St. Canute's Church

Carl Nielsen Museum

H. C. Andersens House

Unmissable attractions to see

Nyborg, Bagfyr

Dyrehave Mølle

Nyborg Fjord

Nyborg Marina

Schønheyders Plads

Nyborg Prison

Mindesmærke for D-Dag

Nyborg Destilleri

Borgmestergården

Mads Lerches Gård

Nyborg Lokalhistoriske Arkiv

Nyborg Castle

Tour de France-monument

Chr. Hansens Have

Church of Our Lady

Essential places to dine

Den Smalle Fish n' chips

Café Clark's

Pizza & Curry/Pizza Al Capone

Lauses Grill

Restaurant Remisen

Det Lille Vaffelbageri

Café Valde

Rio Bravo

Pizza King

Chicago burger

Nyborg Thai Food

Sneppen

Restaurant Apoli

Den Smalle Café

Pomona Pizza Nyborg

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Loppetjansen.dk

Red Cross Op Shop

Pyre Studio

Tøjeksperten

Kop & Kande

Tinga Tango v/Anette Langholm

Tippy

Helle Svansø

Havneloppen

Imerco

Linn V/Tina Rasmussen

Uldbutikken Marcusholm