Schackenborg Castle
Baroque splendor and timeless beauty in Denmark's most picturesque village street.
Schackenborg Castle is a magnificent baroque château built in 1661 in Møgeltønder, Southern Jutland, Denmark. Originally a bishop's stronghold, it was transformed by Count Hans Schack into an impressive noble residence that remained in his family for eleven generations. The castle features stunning gardens open to the public during summer months, and the surrounding village of Møgeltønder is renowned as one of Denmark's most beautiful village streets. While the castle interior requires advance booking for tours, visitors can freely explore the serene castle park and picturesque surroundings year-round.
A brief summary to Schackenborg Castle
- Schackenborg 1, Tønder, 6270, DK
- +4579306900
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Book castle interior tours in advance, as they have limited time slots and can fill quickly during peak season. Garden access is free during daytime hours and requires no reservation.
- Allow time to walk through Møgeltønder village and along Slotsgaden, the village's main street, which is considered one of Denmark's most beautiful and offers excellent photo opportunities.
- Visit in summer months when guided garden tours are available and the castle hosts special events. Winter visits are possible but with limited tour availability.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions including Møgeltønder Church (400m away) and the broader cultural heritage sites of Southern Jutland within easy driving distance.
- Check the official website for special experiences such as gourmet dining events in the castle's dining hall, which are offered seasonally and require advance booking.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Restrooms
Getting There
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Car from Tønder town center
Drive south from Tønder town center toward Møgeltønder, approximately 8 kilometers via Route 407. Journey time is approximately 12–15 minutes. Parking is available at the castle grounds. This is the most practical option for visitors with vehicles.
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Bus from Tønder
Regional bus services connect Tønder to Møgeltønder village, with journey time approximately 20–30 minutes depending on route and stops. Services operate several times daily but frequency varies seasonally. Check local transport schedules in advance. Buses stop in Møgeltønder village center, approximately 400 meters from the castle entrance.
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Bicycle from Tønder
Cycling from Tønder to Møgeltønder is feasible via local roads, approximately 8 kilometers on relatively flat terrain. Journey time approximately 25–35 minutes depending on fitness and route chosen. The route passes through rural Danish landscape and is suitable for moderate cyclists. Bike parking is available at the castle.
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Guided tour from regional operators
Several regional tour operators in Southern Jutland offer guided excursions to Schackenborg Castle combined with visits to nearby attractions. Tours typically include transport from Tønder or other regional centers, guided commentary, and entrance to castle gardens. Prices range approximately 400–800 Danish kroner per person depending on tour duration and inclusions. Advance booking is essential.
Schackenborg Castle location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Schackenborg Castle
A Baroque Masterpiece on Denmark's Southern Border
Schackenborg Castle stands as one of Northern Europe's most impressive baroque châteaux, rising majestically from the fertile landscape of Southern Jutland near the German border. Built in 1661 by Count Hans Schack, a celebrated war hero and nobleman, the castle replaced an earlier medieval stronghold known as Møgeltønderhus. The original fortress had served the Roman Catholic bishops of Ribe as a strategic defense against Frisians from the south and as a guardian of the vital waterway connecting Vidå to Tønder. When the Reformation swept through Denmark, the crown confiscated the property, and King Frederick III rewarded Schack's military service by granting him the estate. Schack's vision transformed the deteriorating medieval structure into a refined baroque palace that would define the landscape for centuries to come.Eleven Generations of Noble Heritage
For over three centuries, Schackenborg remained the seat of the von Schack family, passing through eleven generations of nobility who shaped its character and expanded its influence across the region. The castle and its extensive lands became a symbol of Danish aristocratic power and cultural refinement, accumulating art, porcelain, and architectural treasures that reflected the family's prominence. In 1978, after nearly 300 years of private ownership, the property reverted to the Danish Royal Family. The castle gained international attention in 1993 when it became the residence of Prince Joachim of Denmark, the younger son of Queen Margrethe II. For his wedding in 1995, a national collection raised several million Danish kroner—known as the "Nation's Gift"—which funded a comprehensive restoration programme. Prince Joachim and his family occupied the castle until 2014, when it was transferred to a foundation that now manages it as a cultural and hospitality destination.The Enchanting Village of Møgeltønder
The castle's setting within Møgeltønder village creates an unparalleled atmosphere of historical authenticity and visual beauty. Slotsgaden, the main street leading to the castle, is widely regarded as one of Denmark's most beautiful village streets, lined with meticulously preserved period buildings that transport visitors back to the 18th century. The street's elegant proportions, charming architecture, and harmonious streetscape create an immersive historical experience that complements the castle itself. Møgeltønder Church, located just 400 meters from the castle, is one of Southern Jutland's largest village churches, originally constructed around 1180 and representing centuries of spiritual and community life. Walking through this village offers visitors a complete sensory journey through Danish heritage, with each building contributing to a cohesive narrative of regional identity and cultural continuity.Gardens, Parks, and Seasonal Experiences
The castle's surrounding park represents one of its greatest attractions, offering visitors a serene oasis of manicured gardens, mature trees, and carefully designed landscapes. The castle gardens are accessible to the public during daytime hours, providing a peaceful environment for contemplation and exploration. The park's design reflects centuries of aesthetic refinement, with pathways, plantings, and vistas carefully orchestrated to enhance the castle's architectural presence. During summer months, guided tours of the gardens and castle interior are available by advance booking, allowing visitors deeper insight into the property's history, art collections, and architectural details. The interior tours reveal rooms adorned with historical furnishings, fine art, intricate plaster ceilings, and decorative porcelain that illustrate the castle's role as a center of Danish cultural life.Archaeological Significance and Ancient Prosperity
The land surrounding Schackenborg holds profound historical significance extending far beyond the castle itself. The fertile landscape has attracted human settlement since ancient times, and the region was clearly prosperous during the Germanic Iron Age. Just kilometers from the castle, Denmark's most sensational and richest gold find was discovered—two elaborate and beautiful gold horns dating to the 4th century, found almost 100 years apart. These artifacts testify to the area's wealth and importance in antiquity, suggesting that the strategic and agricultural advantages that made Schackenborg valuable to medieval bishops and noble families had been recognized for millennia. This archaeological heritage adds layers of meaning to the landscape, connecting the castle to a continuum of human civilization spanning thousands of years.Contemporary Hospitality and Cultural Offerings
In recent years, Schackenborg has evolved beyond its role as a private residence to become a destination for cultural experiences and luxury hospitality. The Schackenborg Castle Inn, located nearby, offers visitors accommodation and dining options. Most notably, the castle has begun hosting exclusive culinary experiences, including gourmet dinners in the iconic dining hall—a rare opportunity to dine within the castle's historic walls. The foundation's stewardship has balanced preservation of the property's heritage with thoughtful public access, creating opportunities for visitors to engage with the castle's history while respecting its character as a significant cultural monument. These initiatives reflect a modern approach to heritage management that honors the past while creating meaningful contemporary experiences.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Kanonenhügel
22.4 km
A modest grassy mound above Havneby harbour where two 17th‑century cannons, wide Wadden Sea views and Rømø’s maritime past quietly meet.
Morsum-Kliff
23.3 km
Explore the breathtaking cliffs and diverse wildlife at Morsum-Kliff, a hidden gem on Sylt Island, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Frisia Historica
23.4 km
Discover the lively nightlife and cultural richness of Frisia Historica in Stedesand, where music and community come together.
Rømø-Sylt Linie GmbH & Co. KG
25.0 km
Experience the stunning Rømø-Sylt Ferry journey, connecting two beautiful islands with breathtaking views of the North Sea.
Gamle Redningsstation
25.3 km
Compact red-brick lifeboat station turned firehouse, telling Rømø’s quietly dramatic story of storms, shipwrecks and island resilience along the Wadden Sea.
Bunker
29.1 km
A concrete relic of World War II occupation, standing silent in Denmark's westernmost forest.
Schlüttsiel Badestrand
29.3 km
Experience the tranquil beauty of Schlüttsiel Badestrand in Ockholm, where outdoor swimming meets serene relaxation amidst stunning landscapes.
North Frisian Island Sylt (NFI-Sylt)
32.5 km
Explore North Frisian Island Sylt: A Coastal Paradise with Stunning Beaches, Local Culture, and Unforgettable Experiences Await!
Friedhof Bredstedt
37.8 km
Discover the history and tranquility of Friedhof Bredstedt, a serene cemetery in the heart of Bredstedt, offering a unique glimpse into the past.
Foundation country Schäferhaus
41.4 km
Explore the serene beauty of Foundation country Schaeferhaus, a nature preserve in Flensburg, perfect for relaxation, education, and wildlife observation.
Beltringharder Koog view hut for bird watching
42.4 km
Experience the beauty of nature at Beltringharder Koog, a premier birdwatching destination in Wadden Sea National Park.
Taarnborg
42.8 km
Renaissance residence of Ribe's last Catholic priest and Bishop Brorson, now a cultural landmark.
Faldne fra Sønderjyske Krige, Ribe
42.9 km
A solemn memorial to soldiers lost in Denmark's 19th-century Schleswig Wars, set in historic medieval Ribe.
Det Gamle Rådhus Ribe
42.9 km
St Alban’s Church in Copenhagen: A unique English Gothic gem beside Kastellet, offering tranquil grounds, striking architecture, and rich 19th-century history.
Kannikegaarden
42.9 km
A Neo-Gothic English church set by Copenhagen’s historic fortress, famed for its soaring spire, stained glass, and peaceful parkland setting.
Unmissable attractions to see
Slotsgaden Møgeltønder
0.2 km
A cobbled castle street of linden trees and thatched cottages, linking church and royal estate in one of Denmark’s most atmospheric village walks.
Museum of Southern Jutland - Cultural History of Tønder
3.9 km
Craftsmanship, lace and silver in a historic borderland town museum, crowned by a former water tower with sweeping views over Tønder and the surrounding marshes.
Tøndermarsken
4.0 km
Endless sky, weaving dikes and swirling starlings: Tøndermarsken is Denmark’s great marshland, where water, wildlife and centuries of borderland culture meet.
Museum Sønderjylland - Drøhses Hus
4.0 km
Historic baroque townhouse turned lace museum, where intimate interiors and a patterned garden reveal centuries of Tønder’s craft and architectural heritage.
Nolde museum
6.9 km
Explore the Nolde Museum in Neukirchen, where the vibrant art of Emil Nolde comes to life amid stunning natural landscapes.
Højer Sluse
8.2 km
Historic sea lock on the Højer marshes, where dikes, tides and wide Wadden Sea skies reveal Denmark’s enduring struggle and partnership with the sea.
Trøjborg Castle Ruins
9.4 km
Evocative moated ruins of a former Renaissance manor, Trøjborg offers quiet marshland scenery, layered borderland history and plenty of room for imagination.
Vidåslusen
9.6 km
Experience the natural beauty and historical significance of Vidåslusen, a serene Danish tourist attraction perfect for nature lovers and history buffs.
Sølsted Mose
9.9 km
A restored Southern Jutland raised bog of big skies, rare birds and quiet trails, where peat, water and wind shape an intimate yet expansive nature experience.
Süderlügumer Binnendünen
10.7 km
Explore the tranquil beauty of Süderlügumer Binnendünen, a nature preserve showcasing stunning sand dunes and diverse wildlife in Germany's scenic countryside.
Langdysserne
16.5 km
Neolithic long dolmens on a quiet Jutland marsh, where weathered stones, big skies and the Brede Å valley reveal 5,000 years of landscape and ritual.
North Sea Cycle Route
19.5 km
A quiet, wind-swept slice of the world’s longest signed coastal cycle route, where dikes, marshland and big North Sea skies frame gentle riding by the Wadden Sea.
Sneglemøllerne Ballum Enge
22.2 km
Historic drainage mills in the open marshes of Ballum Enge, where quiet dikes, wide skies and bird-filled meadows reveal Denmark’s long battle with the sea.
Strandpromenade
22.3 km
A modest seaside promenade in Havneby, where harbor life, low dunes and Wadden Sea horizons create a gentle, everyday slice of Rømø’s coastal charm.
Ballum Sluse
22.3 km
Historic sea lock on the Wadden Sea edge, where red-brick engineering, wide marsh views and rich birdlife meet in a quietly dramatic South Jutland landscape.
Essential places to dine
Café Glass
4.0 km
A cosy living-room-style café and wine bar in Tønder, serving carefully prepared comfort food and organic wines in an intimate, homely setting.
Otto & Ani's Fisk
22.3 km
Fresh-caught seafood by the harbor where fishing boats unload their daily catch.
Havnekiosken Rømø
22.3 km
Authentic harbour kiosk serving grilled burgers and fresh fish with Wadden Sea views.
Frankel 5
22.4 km
Cosy seaside café-restaurant on Rømø serving fresh fish and Danish comfort dishes with wide Wadden Sea views and a relaxed, coastal atmosphere.
HAVNEBY KRO RESTAURANT
22.5 km
Hearty Danish inn fare and island hospitality at a traditional kro by the harbor in Havneby, gateway to Rømø’s wide beaches and the Wadden Sea.
Hansens pølser
22.5 km
Casual harbor-side hot dog stand on Rømø serving classic Danish sausages and ice cream to beach-goers, cyclists and locals in laid-back Havneby.
Ristorante Europa Rømø
22.5 km
Casual Italian pizzas and hearty plates in the harbour town of Havneby, a relaxed refuelling stop between Rømø’s wild beaches and the Wadden Sea.
Rømø Pandekagehus
22.6 km
Casual island café in Havneby serving generous sweet and savoury pancakes, ideal for a relaxed break between Rømø’s vast beaches and harbour walks.
Restaurant Diget
22.8 km
Panoramic golf-course views, generous brunches and flexible gourmet dining inside Enjoy Resorts Rømø, with terrace seating and on-site leisure activities next door.
MEGA GRILL
23.2 km
Straightforward Danish grill bar in Havneby, serving hearty fast food and takeaway for hungry beachgoers exploring the windswept island of Rømø.
Restaurant Marsk
23.8 km
Relaxed Nordic dining at the heart of Marsk Camp, where local South Jutland flavors meet wide marshland skies and a breezy terrace overlooking the Wadden Sea landscape.
Frieseneck Sande
24.7 km
Discover Frieseneck Sande: A culinary haven in Enge-Sande offering delicious local dishes in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Café Retro Brøns Kro
28.5 km
Retro-themed Danish inn and café celebrating 1970s nostalgia with fresh local cuisine and vintage charm.
Siel59 - Hotel | Restaurant
29.3 km
Experience authentic German flavors at Siel59 – your cozy hotel and restaurant retreat in Ockholm.
Asia kitchen(Sushi , Wok, Buffet)
30.1 km
Casual sushi, wok and buffet dining at Lakolk Butikscenter, pairing Asian comfort food with the windswept dunes and wide beaches of Rømø’s North Sea coast.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Dagmar Garbe
22.4 km
Small, harbour-side clothing boutique on Rømø offering practical Nordic-inspired garments and friendly, personal service in the heart of Havneby.
WestWind Outlet
22.5 km
Practical harbor-side outlet on Rømø, stocking discounted surf, outdoor and family clothing built for the windswept Danish west coast.
Havneby Shopping
22.5 km
Compact island shopping hub in Havneby, combining groceries, gear and casual browsing between beach days and Wadden Sea adventures on Rømø.
Skansen - Café & Kaffebar
22.5 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.
Stenhuset Rømø
22.5 km
Cosy island shop in Havneby blending Nordic wool, handmade Danish soaps and coastal home décor into a warm, hygge‑filled stop on windswept Rømø.
WESTWIND Rømø
22.5 km
Surf, wind and coastal style under one roof on breezy Rømø, your practical hub for wetsuits, boardsport gear and laid-back North Sea clothing.
Rømø Cykler & Legetøj
22.6 km
Bikes, toys, and kites for exploring Rømø's windswept island landscape.
Coop Dagli'Brugsen Rømø
22.6 km
Rømø’s central supermarket hub in Havneby, supplying islanders and visitors with fresh food, daily essentials, and holiday necessities from early morning to evening.
Ny Form Havneby
22.6 km
Harbour‑side sports and outdoor store on Rømø, perfect for last‑minute layers, beachwear and practical gear tailored to the island’s wind, sand and sea.
Rømø Manufaktur ApS
23.9 km
A North Sea island fabric haven where shelves of textiles, yarn and notions turn Rømø’s coastal light and colors into tangible, take-home creative projects.
Rømø Bageriet
23.9 km
Island bakery treasured for handcrafted rye breads and a welcoming café garden.
Den Gamle Købmandsgård
24.0 km
A homely island supermarket in historic farm buildings, blending fresh groceries, bakery treats, ice‑cream and garden minigolf into one easy Rømø stop.
Skærbæk Antik & Design
24.1 km
A cozy blend of antiques and everyday design on Skærbæk’s main street, offering vintage finds, homeware and small gifts with a distinctly Danish small-town charm.
Atzen Honning Rømø
24.2 km
Small island honey farm turning Rømø’s heather, flowers and sea breeze into distinctive honeys and sweet souvenirs just outside the harbor town of Havneby.
Elisabeth
25.9 km
A cozy Fanø clothing boutique offering understated Scandinavian style, curated island-ready outfits, and a calm coastal atmosphere in an intimate setting.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
TimeOut Bar
3.7 km
Unpretentious bodega-style beer hall in central Tønder, pouring simple drinks and late-night conversation for locals and curious travelers alike.
Gerrit's
21.7 km
Discover Gerrit's in Achtrup: a cozy bar where locals and tourists come together over refreshing drinks and warm hospitality.
VersenkBar
22.3 km
Experience the charm of Stedesand at VersenkBar, where great drinks and friendly atmosphere meet for an unforgettable evening.
Bodega Pubs v/ Kim
24.1 km
Cozy local bodega in Skærbæk serving cold beer, simple drinks, and laid-back Danish bar culture in a friendly, down-to-earth neighborhood setting.
Mødestedet
24.1 km
Cozy wine bar on Skærbæk’s main street, where locals and visitors share unhurried glasses of wine, simple snacks and relaxed conversation from day to evening.
Clubhaus MF Native Trail
25.2 km
Experience the charm of Clubhaus MF Native Trail, a delightful bar in Enge-Sande offering local drinks and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Teddy’s Corner
32.6 km
Unpretentious local bar in Toftlund offering simple drinks, small‑town hygge and an easygoing glimpse into everyday South Jutland nightlife.
Fox and Hounds
40.7 km
Candlelit Scottish-style basement pub in central Aabenraa, pairing serious beer and whisky choice with hearty gastropub comfort and an easygoing evening vibe.
Termansens
42.9 km
Intimate jazz and live music in a centuries-old townhouse, where Ribe’s historic charm meets cozy, small-scale culture house vibes after dark.
Klubben 1811
42.9 km
Casual, spacious bar in Ribe’s old town, mixing sports, pool and cold beer in a bright, easygoing setting just steps from the city’s medieval streets.
Strygejernet
42.9 km
Intimate corner pub in Ribe’s old town, pairing rustic coziness, smoke-free comfort and friendly bar life with simple drinks, games and unhurried evenings.
Stenbohus
42.9 km
Cosy, timeworn bar in the heart of Ribe, blending historic surroundings with easygoing drinks, local character and relaxed late‑night atmosphere.
Café Valdemar
43.1 km
A compact late‑night bar and disco in the heart of historic Ribe, blending casual drinks, chart‑driven beats and a friendly weekend crowd on Sct Nicolaj Gade.
Vin For Dig Ribe
43.2 km
Cosy neighbourhood wine shop and intimate vinbar in Ribe, pairing curated bottles with generous takeaway tapas and relaxed Danish hygge.
Sportsbar im Sportheim Arlewatt
48.2 km
Join fellow sports enthusiasts at Sportsbar im Sportheim Arlewatt, where thrilling live games meet delicious snacks and a friendly atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
P2 Champagne & Cocktail Tønder
3.9 km
Intimate champagne and cocktail lounge bringing late-night sparkle and city-style glamour to the historic heart of Tønder.
Al Capone
4.0 km
Tønder’s intimate late-night nightclub, blending rustic bar vibes, mainstream dance tracks and a grown-up party crowd in the heart of the old town.
Rotes Kliff
29.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Rotes Kliff in Sylt, a premier disco club and cocktail bar perfect for unforgettable evenings.
Fanø Blokart
57.3 km
Experience high-speed land sailing on the scenic sands of Fanø, where wind, adventure, and stunning North Sea landscapes converge at Fanø Blokart.
Dance All Over
57.3 km
Sønderborg’s sociable dance hub, where fitness, swing and party-ready moves come together in energetic, community-driven classes across the city.
Club Fanø Rindby
59.8 km
Vital hub for kite sports, fatbiking, and Nordic coastal adventure on Fanø, pairing local expertise with welcoming spirit in the island’s scenic Rindby beach area.
No.31 - Bar & Natklub
62.5 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, blending late-night bar vibes, loud DJ sets and a youthful dance floor in the heart of the city.
Vinbaren
62.6 km
Vinbaren is Esbjerg’s stylish city-center wine bar, offering global selections, expert recommendations, tasting flights, and a relaxed atmosphere for locals and visitors.
Kaizen ApS
62.7 km
Compact disco-style nightclub in central Sønderborg, pulsing with late-night beats, colourful lights and a straightforward bar for an unpretentious night out.
Crazy Daisy Vejen
62.7 km
High-energy disco club in central Vejen, bringing late-night music, dancing and big-city nightclub vibes to a compact South Jutland town.
Old Danish Pub
62.7 km
Central Sønderborg institution blending classic Danish pub ambiance, affordable drinks, and lively atmosphere—perfect for experiencing Southern Denmark’s warmth and social life.
Fishi
67.0 km
Compact, no-frills nightclub in Vejen with loud beats, simple drinks and a friendly small-town crowd that keeps the dance floor moving late into the night.
Bilka-søen
67.0 km
Esbjerg's energetic nightclub delivering vibrant music, dancing, and social entertainment in a lively atmosphere.
Ela-Ela Schleswig
67.1 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Schleswig at Ela-Ela, where music and dancing come alive in an unforgettable disco experience.
VILLA PRESTIGE Schleswig
67.2 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at VILLA PRESTIGE Schleswig, a lively night club perfect for dancing and socializing until dawn.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Unique
- Tranquil
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Baroque Styles
- Historic Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Wheelchair Access