Clausholm Castle & Baroque Park

A moated Baroque manor where royal intrigue, painted ceilings and formal terraces meet the quiet fields of eastern Jutland.

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Clausholm Castle

Set in the rolling countryside between Aarhus and Randers, Clausholm Castle is one of Denmark’s finest Baroque estates. Built in the late 17th century and once owned by King Frederik IV, the moated manor combines ornate stucco ceilings, richly decorated panelled rooms and a chapel with one of the country’s oldest preserved organs. Outside, a formal Baroque garden of terraces, avenues and water features creates a theatrical approach and a peaceful place to stroll in summer.

A brief summary to Clausholm Castle

Clausholmvej 316, Hadsten, 8370, DK
+4586491655
Visit website
Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
Mid ranged
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 a summer visit if you want both the park and interior: the garden usually opens for the season, while the castle itself often has more limited opening, typically around July.
Wear comfortable shoes; exploring the terraced Baroque garden and long avenues can involve quite a bit of walking on grass, gravel and gentle slopes.
Photography is especially rewarding from the lower terraces and canals, where you can capture symmetrical views of the castle reflected in the water.
Accessibility is limited inside the castle; visitors with reduced mobility may find the park paths more manageable than the historic interior staircases.
Check in advance for special events such as Christmas or seasonal markets, which can change opening hours and add a different atmosphere to the estate.

Getting There

Regional train and bus from Aarhus

From central Aarhus, take a regional train towards Randers and get off at Hadsten station; the journey usually takes 20–25 minutes and standard adult tickets are around 40–70 DKK one way in standard class. From Hadsten, continue by local taxi for roughly 10–15 minutes through the countryside to the castle; expect to pay in the region of 120–200 DKK depending on time of day and waiting time. Train services are frequent throughout the day, but onward taxis should be pre‑booked, especially on weekends and public holidays.
Car from Aarhus or Randers

Driving from Aarhus city centre typically takes 35–45 minutes, while the route from Randers is usually around 20–30 minutes, using major regional roads for most of the way. There is dedicated visitor parking near the estate included in the visit, and no motorway tolls apply. This option offers flexibility for combining Clausholm with other attractions in eastern Jutland, but be aware that access follows rural roads and lighting can be limited outside daylight hours.
Bicycle from Hadsten

Active travellers can cycle from Hadsten to the castle in roughly 30–40 minutes, following country lanes through gently rolling farmland. The route includes a few modest hills and mixed surfaces, so a road or touring bike with gears is recommended. There is no dedicated cycle lane for the entire distance, and weather can change quickly, so bring waterproofs and lights; this is best attempted in the lighter months between late spring and early autumn.

Clausholm Castle location weather suitability

Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures
Any Weather
Cold Weather

Discover more about Clausholm Castle

Baroque grandeur in the Jutland countryside

Clausholm Castle rises from gentle farmland east of Hadsten, a broad, pale Baroque manor framed by lawns, canals and old trees. Built around 1690 for Chancellor Conrad Reventlow, it is considered one of Denmark’s most complete Baroque ensembles, with a three‑winged main building, courtyards and a formal garden aligned in strict symmetry. The moated setting and long approach give it a stately, almost theatrical presence in the landscape. Inside, the castle reveals its aristocratic ambitions. A series of reception rooms unfolds along enfilades, with polished floors, tall sash windows and walls densely lined with painted panels. The ceilings are a particular treasure: no fewer than 14 rooms are crowned with elaborate painted stucco, swirling with Baroque ornament and allegorical scenes that hint at power, piety and the pleasures of courtly life in the early 18th century.

Royal drama and the story of Anna Sophie

Clausholm is closely tied to one of Denmark’s most famous royal love stories. In the early 1700s the estate passed to King Frederik IV, who had fallen for Anna Sophie Reventlow, the chancellor’s daughter. From here, he abducted her and later made her his queen, in defiance of convention and court politics. Their controversial relationship left a lasting imprint on the castle, adding a layer of intrigue to its elegant halls. As you move through the rooms, it is easy to imagine the tension of that era: discreet staircases used for secret meetings, guarded chambers where decisions were made, windows that once framed the arrival of royal carriages. Today, the drama survives mainly in the stories told on guided tours, yet it colours the atmosphere, turning Clausholm from a beautiful mansion into a setting for historical theatre.

Interiors, chapel and restored details

A highlight of any visit is the castle chapel, an intimate space where pale walls, carved woodwork and gilded details frame an organ considered among the oldest preserved in Denmark. Its pipes rise above the gallery, a reminder that music once marked ceremonies for the estate’s noble residents. The chapel, like much of the house, has benefited from careful 20th‑century restoration that respected historic materials while making the building viable as a lived‑in home. Elsewhere, period stoves, heavy doors, carved stair balustrades and the dense pattern of tiled roofs reveal layers of craftsmanship. The castle holds one of Denmark’s largest collections of decorated wooden wall panels, many painted in textured colours that have mellowed over centuries. Although Clausholm remains a private residence, a sequence of rooms is opened on summer tours, offering a focused glimpse rather than a museum’s exhaustive display.

Terraced gardens and Baroque perspectives

Stepping outside, the mood shifts from intimate rooms to expansive geometry. Clausholm’s garden terraces step down from the castle towards avenues of lime and beech, with canals and fountains punctuating the views. Straight paths draw the eye towards distant tree lines, while clipped hedges and broad lawns emphasise the strict symmetry. From certain angles, the house appears perfectly mirrored in water, an effect carefully choreographed by its Baroque designers. The park is especially attractive in summer, when the foliage is full and light filters through the avenues. It invites leisurely circuits along the main axes as well as detours into quieter corners where birdsong and the rustle of leaves replace courtly bustle. The garden’s restoration has been recognised for preserving a rare, coherent example of Baroque landscape design in Denmark, making it as significant as the house itself.

Living estate and seasonal visitor experience

Despite its historic aura, Clausholm is no frozen relic. It is still run as a working estate and private home, with agriculture and forestry continuing around the core of house and park. This gives visits a particular character: you are stepping into a place that balances heritage with contemporary life. In summer, the park opens for independent walks, while the castle itself typically welcomes visitors for a limited period, often in July, with guided tours bringing the rooms and stories into focus. Across the year, selected events make use of the setting, from photo sessions to seasonal markets. Practical facilities remain deliberately limited, preserving the rural feel: you come here primarily to absorb architecture, landscape and atmosphere. For many travellers exploring eastern Jutland, Clausholm is a rewarding detour—a chance to experience Baroque Denmark in a tranquil, pastoral frame.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Hotel Randers

11.8 km

Explore the rich tapestry of Danish and international design at Copenhagen's Designmuseum Danmark.

Sven Dalsgaards Plads

12.3 km

Randers' cultural epicentre honouring a Dadaist pioneer, where art, performance, and community converge.

Randers St.

12.6 km

Historic East Jutland railway hub connecting Denmark's east coast with modern InterCity services and comprehensive traveler amenities.

Randers Railwaystation

12.6 km

Historic rail gateway of Randers, linking East Jutland’s river town with Aarhus, Aalborg and Copenhagen from a compact, practical 19th‑century station hub.

Gravhøjen i Fladbro Dyrehave

14.5 km

Stone Age burial mound in a serene deer forest, where ancient history meets wild nature.

Trøjborg Beboerhus

23.7 km

Experience the vibrant community spirit of Aarhus at Trøjborg Beboerhus, a hub for cultural events, workshops, and local gatherings.

Nordisk Film Cinemas Trøjborg

23.8 km

Experience local Danish cinema culture at Nordisk Film Cinemas Trøjborg—an atmospheric neighborhood movie house blending modern comfort with classic charm in Aarhus.

Folkehuset Trøjborg

24.2 km

Folkehuset Trøjborg blends Danish hygge, vibrant community life, and affordable culture, making it a beloved gathering place in the heart of Aarhus’ Trøjborg district.

Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden

24.3 km

Explore contemporary art at Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden, Aarhus' premier gallery showcasing local and international talent.

The Old Town

25.1 km

Experience Danish urban life through the ages at The Old Town in Aarhus, an immersive open-air museum showcasing historical buildings and authentic cultural experiences from the 16th to 20th centuries.

Klostertorvet

25.1 km

Klostertorvet is Aarhus’s vibrant plaza, fusing historic monastery grounds with a lively social scene, independent cafés, and open-air city life in the heart of Denmark.

Our Lady Church

25.1 km

Medieval layers of faith: from Viking-era crypt to Dominican monastery, Aarhus' oldest sacred space.

Latin Quarter

25.1 km

Winding cobblestone streets, historic facades, and a creative spirit fill Aarhus’s Latin Quarter, the city’s oldest district and its cultural heartbeat.

Lille Torv

25.2 km

Charming central square in Aarhus’ historic district, Lille Torv blends centuries-old architecture, local life, and a vibrant social atmosphere for visitors.

Store Torv

25.2 km

Medieval marketplace transformed into Aarhus's iconic civic square, where eight centuries of history meet contemporary urban life.

Unmissable attractions to see

Genforeningssten i Ølst

5.2 km

Embark on a captivating journey through Denmark's history at Tidsrejsen, Randers Regnskov's immersive outdoor exhibition.

Memphis Mansion

9.0 km

A full-scale Danish homage to Elvis Presley’s Graceland, blending museum, 1950s diner and live event venue on the outskirts of Randers.

Vorup Dam

9.8 km

Embark on a captivating journey through Denmark's prehistoric eras at Tidsrejsen in Randers Regnskov Tropical Zoo.

Tronholmparken

11.2 km

Sporty riverside lawns, sand courts and waterside paths where Randers meets the Gudenå and fjord, perfect for open-air workouts, casual games and relaxed strolls.

De Nordiske sten

11.3 km

A vibrant hub for Danish classic and contemporary art in the architecturally distinct Kulturhuset, Randers Kunstmuseum is a must-visit for culture seekers.

Storkeengen - Randers

11.4 km

A pioneering climate park where flood protection, open meadows and the broad Gudenå River come together on the quiet southern edge of Randers.

Rosenholm Castle

11.4 km

A moated Renaissance manor of the Rosenkrantz family, where Italian-inspired architecture, baroque gardens and ghostly legends bring 450 years of Danish nobility to life.

Mindesten for Danmarks Veteraner

11.5 km

Embark on an interactive journey through Denmark's natural history at Tidsrejsen, Randers Regnskov's expansive outdoor exhibit.

Monte Antico

11.5 km

Embark on a captivating journey through Denmark's natural history at Tidsrejsen, Randers Regnskov's expansive outdoor exhibit.

Den Blå Bro, Randers

11.6 km

Experience Danish art from the 19th century to today in the architecturally striking Randers Kunstmuseum, the cultural heart of Randers.

Gaia Museum Outsider Art

11.6 km

Bold, emotional outsider art in a welcoming Randers museum where self-taught artists and unconventional voices take centre stage.

Museum Østjylland - Håndværksmuseet

11.6 km

East Jutland's authentic crafts heritage preserved in 24 reconstructed workshops—reopening 2027.

Flodbyen Randers

11.6 km

A transforming waterfront where Randers turns to face its river and fjord, blending climate protection, green spaces and future city life along the water’s edge.

Museum Østjylland

11.7 km

Denmark's oldest local museum preserves 100,000 years of East Jutland heritage through free, interactive exhibitions.

Randers Stadsarkiv

11.7 km

Quietly tucked inside Randers Kulturhus, Randers Stadsarkiv is the city’s memory bank, preserving documents, photos and stories for curious minds and family sleuths.

Spacious, modern café-bar in the heart of Randers serving generous brunches, classic comfort dishes and colourful cocktails from early morning to late night.

Long-established Danish women’s fashion boutique in central Randers, offering curated Scandinavian styles, calm surroundings and personal wardrobe advice since 1969.

Relaxed local pub in central Randers, pouring cold beer, showing the big games and offering unfussy, down-to-earth nightlife on cosy Slotsgade.

Discover Aarhus' vibrant nightlife at ZenZa Cocktailbar, where expertly crafted cocktails and lively atmosphere await you.

GBAR

25.5 km

Experience the vibrant nightlife at GBAR in Aarhus, a welcoming dance club where everyone can enjoy an unforgettable night out.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Clausholm Castle & Baroque Park

A brief summary to Clausholm Castle

Local tips

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

Getting There

Regional train and bus from Aarhus

Car from Aarhus or Randers

Bicycle from Hadsten

Clausholm Castle location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Clausholm Castle

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Clausholm Castle

Baroque grandeur in the Jutland countryside

Royal drama and the story of Anna Sophie

Interiors, chapel and restored details

Terraced gardens and Baroque perspectives

Living estate and seasonal visitor experience

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Hotel Randers

Sven Dalsgaards Plads

Randers St.

Randers Railwaystation

Gravhøjen i Fladbro Dyrehave

Trøjborg Beboerhus

Nordisk Film Cinemas Trøjborg

Folkehuset Trøjborg

Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden

The Old Town

Klostertorvet

Our Lady Church

Latin Quarter

Lille Torv

Store Torv

Unmissable attractions to see

Genforeningssten i Ølst

Memphis Mansion

Vorup Dam

Tronholmparken

De Nordiske sten

Storkeengen - Randers

Rosenholm Castle

Mindesten for Danmarks Veteraner

Monte Antico

Den Blå Bro, Randers

Gaia Museum Outsider Art

Museum Østjylland - Håndværksmuseet

Flodbyen Randers

Museum Østjylland

Randers Stadsarkiv

Essential places to dine

Cocco Bello

Restaurant NOK Grill & Grønt

Bone's Randers

Hos Anne Marie

Restaurant Dragon City

Restaurant Tronborg

Fiskerestaurant Pakhuset

Restaurant Sejlklubben

Pincho Nation

Joci Sushi

The Cabin

Garage Burgerbar Randers

Cafe Konrad

Restaurant Mad Og Vin

Café K

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Randers Storcenter

Miomio

AXEL W. NIELSEN A/S

Aaskov Modetøj Randers

Skriver Collection Showroom

CC: CHRISTENSEN Randers

Retail ApS

Uldfisken

Wunderwear Randers

Søsterne Grene Randers

Mr Randers City

Esprit