Valdemars Slot (Valdemar’s Castle)
Seaside baroque manor on Tåsinge where royal ambition, naval heroism and intimate family life meet amid gardens, shoreline paths and characterful historic interiors.
Valdemars Slot is a grand baroque manor on the island of Tåsinge near Svendborg, built between 1639 and 1644 by King Christian IV for his son Valdemar Christian. Set beside the water with an ornamental lake, tea pavilion and surrounding estate, it combines royal architecture with an intimate family home atmosphere. Inside, historic salons, a chapel, toy and maritime collections, and big‑game trophies reveal centuries of Danish aristocratic life, framed by sea views and gentle parkland walks.
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 a summer visit if you want to see the castle interiors and museums, as public opening is typically limited to the warmer months and selected holidays.
- Allow time to explore both the ornamental park and the shoreline near the tea pavilion; the best photographs of the castle come from across the lake and from the water’s edge.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for mixed surfaces, as you will likely move between historic floors indoors and gravel or grass paths around the estate.
- Check in advance if any special exhibitions or events are on during your visit, as these can add extra layers of context to the castle’s history.
- Bring a light layer even on sunny days; the sea breeze around the castle and along the shoreline can feel noticeably cooler than in Svendborg town.
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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Bus from Svendborg
From central Svendborg, take a local bus towards Troense or Tåsinge; typical journeys to stops near the castle take around 25–35 minutes, with services usually running at least hourly on weekdays and less frequently on weekends. A single adult ticket generally costs about 25–35 DKK depending on zones. From the nearest stop, expect a short, level walk along local roads, suitable for most visitors but less ideal in heavy rain or strong winds.
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Car or taxi from Svendborg
Driving from Svendborg town centre to Valdemars Slot typically takes 15–20 minutes via the bridge to Tåsinge. Taxis cover the same route in a similar time, with fares usually in the range of 150–250 DKK one way depending on traffic and time of day. Parking options are available close to the estate, but spaces can fill on sunny summer weekends and during events, so arriving earlier in the day offers the best chance of finding a convenient spot.
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Seasonal passenger ferry
In the summer season, the veteran passenger boat that operates in the Svendborg Sound often includes a stop near Valdemars Slot. The crossing from Svendborg harbour usually takes about 35–50 minutes, functioning both as transport and a scenic cruise among small islands. One‑way tickets are commonly priced around 60–100 DKK per adult. Services are weather‑dependent and may run only a few times per day, so checking the timetable and last return sailing before setting out is essential.
Valdemars Slot location weather suitability
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Valdemars Slot
A royal dream house on the shores of Tåsinge
Valdemars Slot stands low and elegant above the water on the island of Tåsinge, just south of Svendborg. Commissioned by King Christian IV and built between 1639 and 1644, it was never meant as a fortress but as a comfortable, representative manor for his son Valdemar Christian. The older medieval estate of Kærstrup was dismantled to supply bricks, literally building a new residence from the bones of the old. Although Valdemar Christian died on campaign in Poland and never settled here, the castle that bears his name still feels like a lived‑in home. Its long, pale façades, hipped roof and symmetrical wings create a measured, almost theatrical approach, softened by lawns, ancient trees and the gleam of the nearby sea. You arrive into a world that is aristocratic yet surprisingly human in scale.From war-torn manor to baroque showpiece
The calm scene hides a turbulent past. During the Danish‑Swedish wars in the 17th century, Valdemars Slot was occupied and badly damaged, its copper roof even stripped for use as munitions. The turning point came in 1677, when naval hero Admiral Niels Juel won a decisive victory over Sweden and was rewarded the estate in lieu of prize money. Juel set about transforming the property from a scarred Renaissance manor into a baroque residence. The roofline was simplified, ornate gables disappeared, and a broad ceremonial staircase replaced the old entrance tower. Later, the Holstein architect G.D. Tschierscke helped shape the wider ensemble: stately gatehouses, the ornamental lake in front of the main building, carriage and stable ranges along the water and a delicate tea pavilion positioned as a visual full stop near the beach.Interiors layered with stories and collections
Inside, the castle unfolds as a sequence of richly furnished rooms that trace changing tastes over nearly four centuries. High‑ceilinged salons hung with portraits and tapestries open into more intimate studies and bedrooms, filled with antique furniture, polished wood floors and details such as Venetian glass and hidden cupboards. A small powder room concealed in a window frame and traces of old secret storage spaces hint at the playful and practical sides of earlier residents. Several wings are dedicated to collections. A toy museum gathers generations of dolls, model cars, games, books and comics, creating a time capsule of childhood. Elsewhere, a hunting and trophy display reflects the country‑house tradition of big‑game expeditions, while a maritime section showcases local yachting and seafaring history, connecting the estate to the surrounding waters of the South Funen Archipelago.The castle church and living family legacy
In the south wing, Valdemars Slotskirke adds a quieter, devotional note. Consecrated in the late 17th century after Niels Juel’s renovations, the two‑storey chapel is covered by star vaults and lit by tall, Gothic‑style windows, creating a gentle, filtered light over the pews and family monuments. It has served both as a private chapel and a place of local worship, knitting the estate into island life. Remarkably, the castle has remained in the extended Juel and Iuel‑Brockdorff family for generations and is still privately owned today. That continuity is visible in family photographs, personal objects and the subtle blend of museum‑like rooms with corners that feel recently used. Even when parts of the house are closed outside the summer season, the estate’s story reads as a living thread rather than a frozen relic.Gardens, shoreline and relaxed island atmosphere
Step back outside and the appeal of Valdemars Slot widens beyond its walls. The ornamental park west of the castle, with its formal layouts and framed views, contrasts with the freer lawns, old trees and breezy shoreline to the east. The tea pavilion near the beach offers a classic baroque "point de vue", aligning architecture, water and sky in a single composition. On a still day you may hear only distant boat engines and the rustle of leaves, while on breezier afternoons the wind drives small whitecaps across the bay. Paths loop between the lake, stables and shoreline, inviting unhurried strolls and plenty of photo opportunities. Whether you come for the architecture, the collections or simply the sense of space and sea air, Valdemars Slot captures a distinctly Danish blend of royal history and relaxed coastal charm.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Saint Nicolai's Church
4.9 km
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Tranekær Castle
13.1 km
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Damestenen
19.0 km
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"
20.9 km
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
21.2 km
Explore the beautiful island of Ærø with expert insights and resources from Ærø Turist & Erhverv, your local tourist information center.
Ærøfærgerne
21.3 km
Experience the scenic ferry ride to Ærø Island via Ærøfærgerne, where Danish charm meets breathtaking coastal views.
Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps
21.3 km
Discover the sweet artistry of traditional Danish liquorice at Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps in scenic Ærøskøbing.
Hotel Ærøhus
21.4 km
Historic hotel in the heart of Ærøskøbing known for its authentic Danish charm, lush gardens, and local island cuisine—a perfect base for exploring Ærø.
På Torvet
21.5 km
Experience the unique charm of På Torvet in Ærøskøbing, where historic beauty meets modern comfort in the heart of Denmark.
Danish Island Weddings
21.5 km
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Andelen Guesthouse
21.5 km
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
10.3 km
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
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Relaxing
- Romantic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
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
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- 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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly