Valdemars Slot (Valdemar’s Castle)
Seaside baroque manor on Tåsinge, where royal ambitions, naval heroism and family life meet amid lakeside lawns, a chapel, museums and a gentle maritime breeze.
Set on the island of Tåsinge near Svendborg, Valdemars Slot is a grand 17th‑century manor house commissioned by King Christian IV for his son, Count Valdemar Christian. Rebuilt in baroque style by naval hero Niels Juel after the Danish‑Swedish wars, the castle today combines stately interiors, chapel and museums with a serene coastal park, ornamental lake and tea pavilion. In summer, its rooms, collections and grounds open to visitors for a leisurely, history‑soaked day out.
A brief summary to Valdemars Slot
- Valdemars Slot, Slotsalleen 100, Svendborg, 5700, DK
- +4562225004
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Plan your visit for the summer season, when the castle, museums and ornamental park are most likely to be open; at other times access to interiors may be restricted.
- Allow extra time to explore the grounds around the lake and tea pavilion, which offer some of the most atmospheric views of the castle and coastline.
- Families may want to start with the toy museum and hunting trophies, then move on to the quieter chapel and salons once younger visitors have explored.
- Check locally for any temporary closures or private events, especially if you hope to visit the chapel or specific museum rooms.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for both indoor floors and outdoor paths, as the most rewarding visit combines house, park and shoreline.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Bus from central Svendborg
From central Svendborg, local buses toward Troense and Tåsinge typically take around 20–30 minutes to reach stops within walking distance of Valdemars Slot. Services usually run at least hourly during the day, with more frequent departures on weekdays and fewer in the late evening. Expect a one‑way adult ticket to cost in the region of 25–35 DKK, depending on zones and discounts. From the nearest stop, you follow a short, level walk along local roads to the castle grounds, suitable for most visitors but less ideal in heavy rain or strong wind.
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Taxi from Svendborg
Taxis from Svendborg to Valdemars Slot generally take 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic and the exact pick‑up point in town. Fares for the roughly 7–8 km journey are usually in the range of 150–250 DKK one way, with higher prices in the evening, at weekends or on holidays. This is the most straightforward option if you are travelling in a small group, carrying luggage or visiting outside regular bus hours. Taxis can normally drop you close to the main approach, reducing walking distance for those with limited mobility.
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Cycling from Svendborg and Tåsinge
For a more scenic approach, many visitors choose to cycle from Svendborg across the bridge to Tåsinge and onward to Valdemars Slot. The ride from the town centre typically takes 25–40 minutes at a moderate pace, following a mix of dedicated cycle lanes and quieter local roads. Standard city bike rentals in Svendborg usually cost around 100–200 DKK per day, with e‑bikes slightly more. The route involves some gentle inclines but is manageable for reasonably fit cyclists, and it is best enjoyed in dry, calm weather.
Valdemars Slot location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Valdemars Slot
A royal manor on the shores of Tåsinge
Valdemars Slot occupies a peaceful stretch of coastline on the island of Tåsinge, just south of Svendborg. Commissioned by King Christian IV and built between 1639 and 1644, it was conceived not as a fortress but as a modern country residence for his son, Count Valdemar Christian. The structure rose partly from the stones of an older medieval estate, creating a fresh statement of royal power in the gently rolling island landscape. Although it carries his name, Valdemar Christian never settled here, spending his short life campaigning abroad before dying in battle in Poland. The manor stood at a strategic moment in Danish history: within a few decades it would be caught up in the conflicts of the Danish–Swedish wars, occupied and damaged by invading troops.Saved by a sea hero and reshaped in baroque style
The castle’s second great chapter begins with Admiral Niels Juel, a naval commander whose victories over Sweden culminated in the Battle of Køge Bay in 1677. As part of his reward, he received Tåsinge and Valdemars Slot, and with the prize money from captured warships he set about restoring and transforming the damaged manor. The original Renaissance building was reworked into a more fashionably baroque residence, with altered rooflines, grand stairways and refined interiors. Today’s ensemble owes much to these 17th‑ and 18th‑century redesigns. Stately gatehouses frame the approach, an artificial lake mirrors the pale façades and a neat axis runs from the main house towards a tea pavilion by the beach. Over time, later generations modernised details without losing the baroque core, so the castle now tells a layered architectural story spanning several centuries.Interiors, chapels and curious collections
Inside, Valdemars Slot feels more like a lived‑in family home than a museum, with furnished salons, portraits and period details preserved across the wings. A highlight is the two‑storey castle church, consecrated in the late 17th century, its star‑vaulted ceiling and tall windows adding a quiet, maritime light to the space. It remains closely tied to the estate’s history and ceremonies. Several small museums are gathered under the same roof. One space showcases big‑game hunting trophies collected by the owning family, another focuses on maritime heritage, nodding to the region’s seafaring traditions. A toy museum presents more than a century of playthings, from model cars to dolls and books, giving the castle an unexpectedly playful side that contrasts with its formal reception rooms.Gardens, shoreline and a summer atmosphere
The grounds are as much a draw as the house itself. To one side, an ornamental park is laid out with lawns and mature trees, designed for gentle strolls and framed views back towards the water. The artificial lake in front of the castle provides picture‑perfect reflections on still days, while the pavilion near the shore doubles as a charming vantage point over the narrow strand. In the summer season, when the estate opens more fully, the mood is leisurely. Visitors drift between shaded garden paths, the small beach strip and the internal exhibitions. With its combination of architecture, landscape and light sea breezes, the estate feels markedly different from inland Danish castles, offering a softer, maritime character.A living estate with changing access
Valdemars Slot remains in private hands and is still very much an active estate. For decades parts of the manor have opened to the public from roughly May to October, often with art exhibitions that dialogue with the historic rooms. The estate has also been used for weddings and events, taking advantage of its chapel, halls and coastal setting. Access to the house and park can vary from year to year, and some seasons have seen only limited opening or temporary closures. When open, the visit is best enjoyed unrushed: wandering from chapel to museum, pausing at the lake’s edge and taking time to absorb how royal ambition, naval glory and family life have shaped this distinctive Danish manor.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Saint Nicolai's Church
4.9 km
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Tranekær Castle
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Damestenen
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Denmark's colossal 1,200-tonne ice-age boulder, transported from Sweden 18,000 years ago.
Monument for Danske Sømænd
20.3 km
A modest harbourfront memorial in Marstal that quietly honours generations of Danish sailors who left this island port and never returned from the sea.
Langdyssen "Kong Humbles Grav"
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A 55‑metre Stone Age long dolmen in the fields north of Humble, where legend, prehistoric engineering and soft Langeland landscapes meet in quiet simplicity.
Ærø Turist & Erhverv
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Ærøfærgerne
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Experience the scenic ferry ride to Ærø Island via Ærøfærgerne, where Danish charm meets breathtaking coastal views.
Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps
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Hotel Ærøhus
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På Torvet
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Danish Island Weddings
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Andelen Guesthouse
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Discover the charm of Ærøskøbing at Andelen Guesthouse, your cozy retreat in the heart of Denmark's picturesque island.
Rise Kirke
24.7 km
A quietly beautiful 12th‑century countryside church on Ærø, where whitewashed walls, historic graves and open fields tell the island’s rural and seafaring story.
Bregninge Kirke
26.1 km
Medieval island church on a gentle Ærø hillside, where whitewashed stone, quiet fields and seafaring stories meet in a calm, contemplative setting.
Ærø Museum
26.3 km
Explore Ærø Museum: A captivating journey through the unique history and culture of Ærø Island, Denmark.
Unmissable attractions to see
Ambrosius's Oak
0.9 km
A 400‑year‑old oak in Tåsinge’s Nørreskov forest, where poetry, castle history, and quiet woodland atmosphere meet beneath one vast crown.
Elvira Madigan og Sixten Sparre
2.3 km
A modest forest memorial in Nørreskoven on Tåsinge, where a quiet clearing and simple stone mark the dramatic 1889 fate of Elvira Madigan and Sixten Sparre.
Tåsinge
4.4 km
Romantic South Funen island of skipper villages, castle landscapes, hilltop views and the enduring love story of Elvira Madigan and Sixten Sparre.
Beautiful Beach
4.5 km
Sheltered island sands, shallow waters and simple seaside fun on Thurø’s Smørmosen Beach, just off Svendborg in the heart of the South Funen Archipelago.
Danmarks Museum for Lystsejlads
4.6 km
Denmark’s dedicated yachting museum in Svendborg Harbour, showcasing 150 years of pleasure sailing through classic boats, living workshops and rich maritime stories.
Anne Hvide's House
5.1 km
Explore Denmark's rich glass and ceramic heritage at Holmegaard Værk, featuring extensive collections and live artisan demonstrations.
Cubo Nero
5.2 km
Historic glass factory turned museum celebrating two centuries of Scandinavian design mastery and innovation.
Ørkild Slots Voldsted
5.4 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.
Danmarks Forsorgsmuseum
5.4 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.
Naturama
5.5 km
Denmark's most immersive natural history museum, where dramatic design and living collections reveal nature's interconnected wonders.
Vornæs havn
8.4 km
Small, scenic harbour on the Vornæs peninsula where woodland meets the South Funen coast, offering quiet moorings, coastal walks and peaceful fishing waters.
Langelands Museum
10.6 km
Compact island museum in Rudkøbing tracing Langeland’s story from Stone Age barrows to world wars, GDR plastics and everyday life on a Baltic outpost.
Simmerbølle Church
11.1 km
A small medieval church on Langeland, where fieldstone walls, an east-end tower and quirky frescoes – including a playful Danish coat of arms – invite quiet exploration.
Souvenirmuseet Souvenariet
13.1 km
A whimsical museum celebrating the art of souvenir collecting in a historic Danish castle town.
Tobaksladen
13.1 km
A tiny former village shop in Tranekær, Tobaksladen preserves the feel of a historic tobacconist and general store on the Danish island of Langeland.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Bregninge Mølle
2.6 km
Historic village mill on Tåsinge serving hearty Danish classics and hosting celebrations in a cosy countryside setting near Svendborg.
Thurø Stuen ApS
3.1 km
Hearty Danish comfort food in a thatched village house on Thurø, blending island coziness, classic recipes and a relaxed, local pub-like atmosphere.
Restaurant Øret
3.7 km
Unpretentious Danish dining where fresh local ingredients and skilled kitchen craft create honest, memorable meals.
Restaurant
4.4 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 Hotel Ærø i Svendborg
4.7 km
Historic harborfront restaurant serving traditional Danish cuisine in a colonial-styled setting steeped in maritime heritage.
Frederiksøens Madbar
4.7 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 Svendborgsund
4.7 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.
Jettes Diner
4.7 km
Cozy harbor-side diner in Svendborg serving generous burgers, changing daily specials and comforting Danish-style dishes in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
Thude's Restaurant & Vinbar
4.8 km
Intimate seafood-focused restaurant and wine bar in central Svendborg, pairing seasonal Danish cooking with thoughtful wines and a charming hidden garden terrace.
Salig Simons Gaard
4.8 km
French-inspired bistro flair in a historic Svendborg courtyard, where candlelit beams, local Funen produce and relaxed service turn meals into lingering occasions.
Restaurant Børsen
5.0 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
5.0 km
Gourmet cuisine rooted in South Funen, delivered at remarkable value in Svendborg's finest restaurant.
Kong Volmer Svendborg
5.0 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
5.0 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.
Pams African Restaurant
5.1 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Storms Hjørne
1.3 km
A volunteer-run village gem where Danish tradition, local pride, and waterfront views converge.
Thi Ti Ting
4.8 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.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
4.9 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.
Kop & Kande
4.9 km
Warmth, comfort, and inspiration for your home in the heart of Svendborg
Phigo, Fine Luxury
5.0 km
A three-floor Scandinavian fashion house in central Svendborg, showcasing refined designer clothing, accessories and leather goods in an elegant, relaxed setting.
Shop Dot & Flower Corner Svendborg
5.0 km
Svendborg's premier florist and lifestyle boutique, where fresh blooms meet curated gifts and fine wines.
Dansk
10.2 km
A contemporary clothing boutique in Rudkøbing offering wearable Scandinavian style, seasonal collections and practical wardrobe updates in a relaxed, local setting.
Kaj Hansen
10.2 km
Intimate goldsmith’s atelier and art-filled gallery in Rudkøbing, where handcrafted jewellery and local creativity capture the quiet spirit of Langeland.
Shop Louise Mary
10.3 km
Charming gift shop on Rudkøbing's central square, offering curated Scandinavian home décor and souvenirs.
Skovhus Keramik
10.3 km
Handcrafted Nordic ceramics inspired by Langeland's natural beauty, created by artist Trine Steffensen.
Købmandsgården-Tingstedet- v/Torbjørn Brun Madsen
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Characterful antique shop in an 18th‑century merchant’s house in central Rudkøbing, where Langeland’s history is stacked on shelves, tables and timeworn beams.
Butik Knag I/S
10.4 km
Cosy Rudkøbing specialty shop with liqueurs, gourmet treats and beautifully arranged gift baskets that add local flavour to your Langeland visit.
Books & Paper Rudkøbing
10.4 km
Cosy island bookshop on Rudkøbing’s main street, combining Danish literature, games and stationery with local-flavoured gifts and practical supplies for everyday life.
Imerco
10.4 km
Compact Danish homeware store on Rudkøbing’s main street, blending everyday kitchen essentials, stylish tableware and gift ideas for locals and island visitors.
Tøjmanden Langeland
10.4 km
Expert menswear styling in the heart of Rudkøbing's charming island center.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
tøsingen ivs
3.6 km
Discover Tøsingen IVS, Svendborg's cozy bar offering a diverse selection of drinks in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Spillestedet Kammerateriet
4.7 km
Creative cocktail bar and live venue in a converted harbor warehouse on Frederiksø, blending industrial charm, Nordic drinks and Svendborg’s waterfront nightlife.
Strandbar
4.7 km
Harbourside beach bar on tiny Frederiksø, pouring sunset drinks, live music vibes and laid-back island atmosphere in the heart of Svendborg’s working waterfront.
Bogholderiet - Ølbar på Værftet
4.7 km
Industrial shipyard heritage meets one of Denmark’s biggest beer selections and organic burgers in a characterful harborfront bar on Frederiksø in Svendborg.
Strandlyst Svendborg ApS
4.7 km
Cozy, maritime-flavored bar in central Svendborg, known for its spirits, live music nights and intimate courtyard that comes alive on long summer evenings.
Loftet
4.8 km
Late-opening neighborhood bar in central Svendborg, blending pool, darts and affordable drinks with an easygoing, social atmosphere into the small hours.
Rasmus
4.8 km
Intimate live music, specialty beers and a relaxed, bohemian bar atmosphere in the heart of Svendborg’s old town.
Kahytten Svendborg
4.8 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.
Den Høje Stue
4.8 km
Cosy, inexpensive neighbourhood bar in central Svendborg, blending daytime calm with intimate, pub-style evenings in a warm, unpretentious setting.
The Drunken Sailor
4.8 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.
Trier's Corner
4.8 km
Intimate non-smoking bar on Svendborg’s Klosterplads, serving specialty beers, wine, cocktails and coffee in a warm, Scandinavian-inspired atmosphere.
Vinsted
4.9 km
Intimate Svendborg wine bar with shelves of bottles, simple seasonal plates and a warm, candlelit atmosphere on historic Klosterplads.
Hemingway's Svendborg
4.9 km
Late-night Nordic bar in historic Svendborg's medieval heart, open weekends until dawn.
Svendborgsund Bryghus - Svendborg
4.9 km
Family-run South Funen microbrewery in a compact Svendborg tasting room, serving small-batch beers and organic lemonades with a relaxed, local feel.
HANSTED
5.0 km
Cozy neighborhood bar and intimate live stage bringing late-night music, craft drinks, and local Svendborg atmosphere together on lively Vestergade.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Crazy Daisy Svendborg
4.8 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
Ommel
19.9 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.
Ærø Golf Klub
29.1 km
Distinctive links course on Ærø’s northwest cape, blending historic lighthouse views, Nordic coastlines, and a classic Danish golfing challenge.
Muzirkus
32.5 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
KJ's bodel
33.5 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.
CLUB ZANZI
37.1 km
High‑energy waterfront nightclub bringing big‑city beats, flashing lights and late‑night dancing to the heart of coastal Nakskov.
Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club
40.1 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.
Carlsens Kvarter
44.3 km
Atmospheric pub in Odense C, offering unmatched hygge, an impressive selection of craft beers, and a welcoming local vibe in a characterful historic setting.
Den Brølende And
44.7 km
Experience the heart of Odense's nightlife at Den Brølende And, where music, dance, and camaraderie come alive.
Heidi's Bier Bar Odense
44.9 km
Dance on tables, drink large beers, and celebrate Alpine-style year-round in Odense's most uninhibited nightclub.
BUTCHERS Odense
44.9 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.
The Flower and the Bee
44.9 km
Odense's vibrant weekend dance bar where the city comes alive after dark.
Dansebar Odense
44.9 km
Lively central Odense nightclub with mainstream hits, colorful lights and a sociable dance floor vibe from late evening into the early hours.
Boogie Dance Café
45.0 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
Grand Bar & Lounge
45.0 km
Experience timeless elegance and expertly crafted cocktails at Odense's Grand Bar & Lounge, nestled within the historic First Hotel Grand.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Business Friendly