Egeskov Castle
A 16th‑century water castle in rural Funen, blending fortified Renaissance architecture, historic gardens and playful museums into a full day of Danish heritage.
Set on an island in a mirror-still moat on the island of Funen, Egeskov Castle is one of Europe’s best-preserved Renaissance water castles. Built in 1554 as a fortified noble residence, it now combines atmospheric historic interiors with beautifully composed gardens, hedge mazes, treetop walks and a cluster of family-friendly museums featuring classic cars, aircraft and curiosities. It is still privately owned and lived in, yet welcomes visitors for full days of exploring, play and quiet wandering.
A brief summary to Egeskov Castle
- Egeskov Gade 22, Kværndrup, 5772, DK
- +4562271016
- Visit website
- Duration: 2.5 to 6 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
- Plan at least half a day; with castle rooms, gardens, mazes and multiple museums, visits easily stretch to three or more hours.
- Check seasonal opening: in winter the gardens and castle interiors may be closed while play areas and exhibitions remain accessible.
- Wear comfortable shoes for extensive walking between the castle, museums and playgrounds across varied outdoor surfaces.
- Bring layers and a light rain jacket; much of the experience is outdoors and the Funen weather can change quickly.
- Families with young children may want to start with the playgrounds and treetop walk before exploring the castle interiors at a calmer pace.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train and bus from Odense
From Odense, take a regional train towards Svendborg and get off at Kværndrup; the journey typically takes 25–30 minutes. Outside the station, local buses run towards Egeskov in around 10–15 minutes, operating mainly during the day and more frequently in the main season. A combined one-way trip usually costs about 60–90 DKK per adult depending on ticket type and discounts. Services are less frequent on weekends and public holidays, so checking timetables in advance is important.
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Car from Odense and central Funen
Driving from Odense to Egeskov Castle generally takes 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic and the chosen route across Funen’s main roads. The approach uses standard paved roads suitable for all vehicles. On busy summer days parking areas near the entrance can fill up, so arriving earlier in the morning helps. There may be a small parking fee or designated paid zones, usually under 50 DKK for the day; bring a payment card or local payment app.
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Guided excursion or day tour
Several tour operators based in Odense or Copenhagen include Egeskov Castle in full-day excursions by minibus or coach. Travel time from Odense is about 30–40 minutes each way; from Copenhagen it is typically 2–2.5 hours. Tours usually bundle transport with admission and guiding, with prices often in the 700–1500 DKK per person range depending on departure city and inclusions. These options remove the need to navigate tickets or parking but run on fixed schedules with limited flexibility.
Egeskov Castle location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
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Cold Weather
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Egeskov Castle
A Renaissance stronghold rising from the water
Egeskov Castle appears almost weightless, its red-brick towers reflected perfectly in the broad moat that surrounds it on all sides. In reality, the entire structure rests on thousands of oak piles driven into the lakebed in the mid-16th century, a feat that gave rise to the legend that an entire forest was sacrificed to keep it standing. Built in 1554 by nobleman Frands Brockenhuus during a turbulent era of religious conflict, it belongs to a rare group of true water castles, conceived from the outset as a defensive refuge. Look closely at the façades and you can still read the building’s military purpose. The twin longhouses are joined by a thick central wall pierced with narrow openings and machicolations from which defenders could pour boiling liquids or drop stones on attackers. The only access once was via a drawbridge. Today those harsh details are softened by neatly clipped lawns, beds of flowers and the tranquil waters of the moat, but the utilitarian logic of the layout remains clear.Stories woven into noble walls
Within the castle, the atmosphere shifts from martial to intimate. High-ceilinged halls display portraits, tapestries and antique furniture that trace the fortunes of the noble families who have called Egeskov home. Since 1784 it has belonged to the Bille line and their descendants, now the Ahlefeldt-Laurvig-Bille family, who still reside here, lending the rooms a lived-in, personal feel beneath the historical grandeur. Among the many rooms, the so‑called Rigborg chamber stands out. Here Laurids Brockenhuus is said to have confined his daughter Rigborg for years after she became pregnant outside marriage, a story that adds a human, if somber, note to the otherwise stately surroundings. Elsewhere, cabinets of curiosities, old toys and the intricate Titania’s Palace dolls’ house highlight a taste for craftsmanship and fantasy, balancing the darker tales with moments of whimsy.Gardens shaped by centuries of care
Stepping back outside, you enter an estate where landscape design has been refined over generations. From the 17th century onwards, successive owners laid out formal gardens, tree-lined axes and water features that today form a patchwork of distinct spaces. There are French-inspired parterres with precise box hedges, rosaries heavy with scent in summer, and long vistas framing the castle’s profile. One of the most engaging features is the historic hedge maze, where tall green walls hide dead ends and shortcuts and the castle periodically appears between gaps. Beyond the formality, arboreta and wilder corners showcase rare trees and seasonal colour, while wide lawns invite picnics and free play. The careful balance between geometry and softness makes the grounds appealing in different ways throughout the season.Museums, collections and playful corners
Egeskov is more than a castle-and-garden duo; it has grown into a small world of collections. Former farm buildings and exhibition halls house classic cars, motorbikes, vintage aircraft and agricultural machinery, charting the technological leaps of the last century. Each hall has its own focus, from glistening chrome and fins to robust tractors and fire engines that once served local communities. Younger visitors are well catered for with extensive playgrounds, rope courses and a treetop walk that lifts you into the canopy above the parkland. Interactive elements and open spaces encourage hands-on exploration rather than hushed observation. Yet, even amid the activity, there are always quieter corners by the water or under old trees where you can pause and simply absorb the setting.A living estate in Denmark’s green heart
Despite its many visitor facilities, Egeskov remains a working estate at the core of rural Funen. Fields and woodlands surround the main complex, and the farm origins of the property are still evident in outbuildings and the broader landscape. Occasional seasonal events, from light festivals to midsummer celebrations, add another layer of life without overshadowing the sense of continuity that defines the place. Spending time here is less about ticking off sights and more about moving between moods: from cool stone interiors to sunlit gardens, from the polished surfaces of vintage vehicles to the dappled shade of the moat-side paths. Egeskov’s enduring appeal lies in this variety, anchored by the improbable castle in the lake that first drew the estate into being.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
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
- Romantic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Festival / Event Nearby
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly