Schackenborg Castle: A Royal Danish Retreat in South Jutland
Experience the historic elegance of Schackenborg Castle, where Danish nobility and royal tradition meet tranquil gardens and inviting rural landscapes in Tønder.
Schackenborg Castle sits at the edge of the charming town of Tønder, just north of the German border. For centuries, this elegant baroque-style estate has embodied both stately grandeur and rural calm, serving as a private residence for Danish nobility and, more recently, royalty. Today, visitors can stroll through its beautifully restored gardens, join a guided tour of selected rooms and halls, and soak up centuries of history against a backdrop of tranquil canals and shaded parkland.
A brief summary to Sneglemøllerne Ballum Enge
- Tønder, DK
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Book guided tours in advance, especially on weekends and during holidays, as group sizes are limited.
- Café offers local specialties—try the region's celebrated pastries or an afternoon coffee in the sunlit courtyard.
- Photography is permitted in the gardens but often restricted in castle interiors—check signage or ask your guide.
- Parking is available near the entrance, but fills quickly during events; allow extra time if attending a festival.
- The castle is partially accessible for wheelchair users; contact ahead to arrange for smooth access or assistance.
Getting There
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Driving
Travelers journeying from the center of Rømø to the castle will cross the scenic causeway to the mainland, passing broad salt marshes and the villages dotting the North Sea lowlands. The castle sits at the edge of Tønder, a short drive inland. The journey typically takes 40–50 minutes by car, with free or low-cost parking in a well-marked lot beside the castle gardens. No tolls are charged along this route.
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Public Transport
From Rømø’s main settlements, reach Skærbæk by bus—buses run a few times daily, and a single ticket is around 30–45 DKK for adults. From Skærbæk, regional trains or connecting buses run to Tønder. The castle is just outside Tønder’s center—easily accessible by a 15–20-minute walk through the picturesque old town, or by local taxi (expect 50–70 DKK from the station). Service is less frequent in winter; check local schedules in advance.
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Cycling
For the energetic, cycling from Rømø offers an immersive journey past wind-swept heath, dykes, and tiny farmsteads. Once over the causeway, follow the prominent cycling route signs toward Tønder—expect a 1.5 to 2.5-hour ride depending on wind and fitness. Bike racks are available at the castle entrance.
Discover more about Sneglemøllerne Ballum Enge
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Gamle Redningsstation
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Rømø Lege- & Labyrintpark
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Bunker und Bunkertour Römö
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Bunker
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Lakolk
13.2 km
Vast sandy expanse on Rømø's western coast, offering iconic drive-on beach access, dramatic dune landscapes, kite-friendly winds, and authentic Danish seaside energy.
Rømø Sønderstrand
13.3 km
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Famous Rømø Beach
14.0 km
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Sønderstrand Rømø
14.3 km
Experience the boundless freedom of Sønderstrand, Rømø: Europe's widest beach, where wind sports, nature, and unique coastal landscapes converge for an unforgettable escape.
Højer Sluse
19.5 km
Discover the historic Højer Sluse, a gateway to the Wadden Sea National Park, offering insights into coastal defense and the region's unique natural beauty.
Rømø-Sylt Linie GmbH & Co. KG
20.9 km
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Queen Dagmar of Bohemia
22.4 km
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Kammerslusen Ribe
23.0 km
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Tøndermarsken
24.4 km
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Museum Sønderjylland - Drøhses Hus
24.5 km
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Museum of Southern Jutland - Cultural History of Tønder
24.6 km
Explore Southern Jutland's cultural heritage through exquisite silverware, delicate lace, and iconic Wegner chairs at Tønder's captivating museum, offering a journey through time and craftsmanship.
Unmissable attractions to see
Ballum Sluse
0.8 km
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Udsigtspunkt
2.5 km
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Marsk Tower - Marsk tårnet
3.6 km
Experience the history, maritime legends, and 18th-century island luxury of Rømø’s whaling captains at Nationalmuseets Kommandørgård, set amid the wild landscapes of the Wadden Sea.
Marsk Camp A/S
3.6 km
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Rømødæmningen
5.7 km
Step into the world of 18th-century Danish whaling at Nationalmuseets Kommandørgård, where a preserved captain’s manor reveals the maritime riches and rural life of Rømø Island.
Langdysserne
7.0 km
Expansive, fenced dog forest in Rømø’s peaceful woodlands—ideal for off-leash play, socializing, and relaxing in natural Danish island surroundings.
Gasse Høje
7.4 km
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Turbåden Mandøpigen
9.3 km
Gather around the bonfire at Bålpladsen on Rømø, a unique coastal site for outdoor cooking, storytelling, and Danish hygge with a view of untamed dunes.
Rømø Lokalmuseum
9.7 km
Discover Spidsbjerg on Rømø—a wild expanse of dunes and heathland, perfect for panoramic hikes, berry-picking, and experiencing Denmark’s rugged coastal nature.
Naturcenter Tønnisgård
9.7 km
Tinghule is a legendary hollow in Mols Bjerge National Park, renowned for its ancient assembly history, serene ambiance, and immersive natural beauty.
Nationalmuseets Kommandørgård
9.8 km
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Rømø Church
10.1 km
Vast heather-covered dunes, wild berry foraging, and secluded coastal views await in Spidsbjerg—Rømø’s untouched slice of windswept North Sea wilderness.
Havegærde Af Hvalunderkæber
10.1 km
Spidsbjerg is Rømø’s windswept moorland high point, offering panoramic views, seasonal berry picking, and tranquil Nordic heath walks among wild landscapes.
Hvalkæbehegn ved Hvalfangergården
10.1 km
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Rømø Redningsmuseum RRB-88
10.3 km
Bålpladsen on Rømø delivers authentic Danish bonfire tradition with coastal views, communal atmosphere, and the spirit of hygge under endless Scandinavian skies.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Marsk
3.6 km
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Café Retro Brøns Kro
7.2 km
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Otto & Ani's Fisk
9.8 km
Harbourfront seafood restaurant and fishmonger blending North Sea tradition and local atmosphere, renowned for fresh Danish delicacies and scenic marina views in Havneby.
Havnekiosken Rømø
9.8 km
Iconic harbour-side eatery in Rømø serving fresh seafood, Danish grill classics, and local specialties with harbour views in laid-back island style.
HAVNEBY KRO RESTAURANT
10.0 km
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Frankel 5
10.0 km
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Ristorante Europa Rømø
10.1 km
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Rømø Pandekagehus
10.1 km
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Restaurant Diget
10.6 km
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MEGA GRILL
10.7 km
Popular Danish grill restaurant in Havneby, Rømø, serving classic burgers, fries, and sausages in a laid-back, family-friendly setting near the island’s main attractions.
Café Fru Dax
12.9 km
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Café Hr. Dax
13.0 km
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Roland Imbiss
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Rømø Pizza & Pasta Restaurant
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KlitHus Mandø
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Cafe Hattesgaard
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Skansen - Café & Kaffebar
10.0 km
Charming waterfront café and ice cream bar in Havneby, Rømø, offering artisanal ice cream, quality coffee, and a relaxed seaside setting steps from the ferry port.
Coop Dagli'Brugsen Rømø
10.0 km
Rømø’s central hub for groceries, fresh baked goods, and Danish essentials—serving locals and island visitors from early morning till evening in Havneby.
Rømø Cykler & Legetøj
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Rømø Bageriet
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By Vicky
12.8 km
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Rømø Lys
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Metropolis Drachen
12.9 km
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Rømø Bolsjeri og Ishus
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Butik Rømø
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Lakolk Butikscenter
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Experience lively coastal shopping, local flavors, and community events at Lakolk Butikscenter, the vibrant heart of Rømø by the Wadden Sea National Park.
Ib's Gavecenter v/Mona Pedersen Ib
13.0 km
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Det Gamle Apothek
22.3 km
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Den Lille Ravbutik
22.3 km
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Sønderho Gårdbutik
29.2 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Enjoy Resorts Rømø
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Cafeteria Lakolk
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Klubben 1811
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Stenbohus
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Cafe Nanas Stue
28.0 km
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Kabyssen
38.0 km
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VadeMad
39.1 km
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Hjørnekroen
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Dokken City Beach
40.0 km
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SoHo - Bar & Cocktails
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Bjælkehytten - En Vestjysk BierBar
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King George
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Kasket Karl
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