Augustenborg Palace (Augustenborg Slot)
Ducal baroque palace on Augustenborg Fjord, with atmospheric gardens, a historic church and stories linking noble life, politics and Hans Christian Andersen.
Augustenborg Palace is a late Baroque–Rococo residence set on the shores of Augustenborg Fjord on the island of Als in Southern Denmark. Once the seat of the ducal House of Augustenborg, the yellow-walled, blue-roofed palace is now an administrative building with no general public access, but its atmospheric church, landscaped park and waterfront gardens remain open. Strolling the grounds reveals sweeping lawns, historic linden trees linked to Hans Christian Andersen and quiet paths with views across the fjord.
A brief summary to Augustenborg Palace
- Augustenborg Slot, Augustenborg, 6440, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Plan to explore mainly the park, waterfront and church; the main palace itself is an active government building and generally not open for interior visits.
- Bring comfortable shoes for walking the gardens and forest paths, which can be damp and uneven after rain, especially near the fjord and wooded sections.
- Check local information in advance for church opening times or special events, as access to the palace chapel varies and services take precedence.
- Allow time to visit the small mini‑museum at the gatehouse and, if open, the nearby Augustiana art centre to better understand the estate’s history and art.
- Pack a light picnic or snack to enjoy on the lawns with fjord views, and carry a windproof layer as breezes over the water can feel cool even in summer.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Regional bus from Sønderborg
From Sønderborg’s central area, take a regional bus toward Augustenborg; typical services run at least hourly on weekdays and less frequently on weekends. The ride usually takes around 20–30 minutes, and adult single tickets generally cost about 25–40 DKK depending on zone and purchase method. Buses stop in the town of Augustenborg, from where you continue on foot through level, paved streets to reach the palace and gardens. Services can be reduced on public holidays, so check the timetable in advance.
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Car from Sønderborg and Als region
Driving from Sønderborg or elsewhere on Als, you can reach Augustenborg in roughly 15–25 minutes via the island’s main roads. The route is straightforward and mostly on well-maintained two-lane roads with gentle curves. Parking is typically available in designated public areas in Augustenborg, within walking distance of the palace complex; some spaces may have time restrictions but are usually free of charge. The approach is flat and suitable for most drivers year-round, though winter conditions can occasionally require more caution.
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Cycling on Als
Augustenborg lies along pleasant cycling terrain on Als, making it an appealing stop on a day ride from Sønderborg or nearby villages. Expect about 45–75 minutes of cycling from Sønderborg depending on your route and pace, mostly on gentle, rolling roads and occasional cycle paths. Surfaces are generally good, but be prepared for wind from the fjord and open fields. There is no dedicated bike parking inside the palace, yet you can usually secure your bicycle near public racks or railings in town; remember lights and reflective gear if returning late.
Augustenborg Palace location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Augustenborg Palace
A ducal residence beside the fjord
Augustenborg Palace anchors the small town of Augustenborg with its long, pale-yellow façades and blue-tiled roofs stretching along the edge of Augustenborg Fjord. Built between 1770 and 1776 in a late Baroque and Rococo idiom, the three-winged main building replaced an earlier half‑timbered manor raised in the 1660s. From the formal courtyard you sense the palace’s former status as one of Southern Denmark’s most important noble residences, the heart of a self‑contained ducal town whose streets and houses were laid out to complement the castle. The palace takes its name from Duchess Augusta, wife of Duke Ernst Günther, and it lent that name in turn to the House of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Augustenburg. Generations of dukes used this as their principal seat, shaping both the surrounding landscape and the town’s identity. Even viewed only from the outside, the long, symmetrical wings and gently rising central section convey an air of authority softened by elegant proportions.Layers of history and changing purposes
The palace’s story mirrors the shifting politics of the Schleswig-Holstein region. In the mid‑19th century, Duke Christian August II sided with the German cause during the First Schleswig War. When conflict broke out, the ducal family left Augustenborg and the Danish army took control of the estate. In the decades that followed, the once-private residence became a barracks and later a women’s seminary, its grand rooms adapted to much more utilitarian lives. After the First World War and the border plebiscites, the complex eventually came under Danish state ownership. In the late 1920s, the buildings were converted into a psychiatric hospital, a role they held for more than 75 years. Today, the wards are gone and the palace houses the Danish Agricultural Agency, reflecting yet another chapter in the building’s evolution from aristocratic home to administrative hub. This succession of uses is still legible in the outbuildings and courtyards, which bear traces of both baroque formality and institutional practicality.Gardens shaped by fashion and imagination
Behind the palace, the formal Baroque garden that once extended in strict geometric patterns has long since softened into a landscape park. In the 19th century, tastes shifted toward more naturalistic design, and the grounds were reshaped into sweeping lawns, scattered groves and meandering paths that blend almost seamlessly into the waterscape of the narrow fjord. From many viewpoints, the fjord appears as an elongated garden canal, its surface reflecting both sky and palace. Among the most evocative corners is the area around the old linden trees. One of these is closely associated with Hans Christian Andersen, who visited Augustenborg and is said to have sat here working on stories. A plaque recalls this link, inviting you to imagine the writer looking out over the water. Elsewhere in the park, earth mounds, terraces and remnants of garden structures hint at earlier design phases, including an ice hill that once concealed a deep ice cellar for the ducal household.Art, anecdotes and quiet discoveries
The northern part of the gardens hosts Augustiana, an art centre that occupies former estate buildings and uses the park as an outdoor gallery. Scattered sculptures appear between trees and on grassy knolls, creating small moments of surprise along the paths. Some pieces are subtly integrated into the landscape, while others stand out vividly, including playful works that appeal to children and inject a note of whimsy into the otherwise stately setting. Close to the gatehouse you find a tiny mini‑museum that presents the ducal family’s history and the development of the town and estate. Its compact displays are rich in portraits, plans and objects, giving context to the buildings you see outside. Taken together, the art centre, museum and park create a cultural landscape where stories of power, architecture and everyday life overlap in a relatively small, walkable area.The palace church and the atmosphere today
Although the main palace is not open for casual visits, one wing houses the palace church, which serves as Augustenborg’s parish church. When open, the light-filled interior combines baroque decoration with a sense of restrained dignity, reflecting its origins as a ducal chapel. Even from the courtyard, the church’s tall windows and discrete tower elements add vertical rhythm to the otherwise horizontal composition of the wings. In the present day, Augustenborg Palace feels simultaneously grand and understated. Office workers cross cobbles where carriages once rolled; joggers and dog‑walkers trace routes that were designed for courtly promenades. For visitors, the appeal lies less in lavish interiors and more in ambience: long sightlines to the fjord, the interplay of architecture and greenery, and the knowledge that this quiet corner of Als has played a part in regional history for more than three centuries. A slow circuit of the gardens, with occasional pauses at the water’s edge, is enough to sense why this site was chosen as a residence of dukes.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Mindesten for korporal Hammerström og konstabel Frederiksen
5.9 km
A modest stone on Sønderborg’s former shooting range honouring two fallen wartime servicemen, inviting a brief but powerful pause for remembrance and reflection.
Sønderborg Kommunale Kommandocentral
6.1 km
Hidden beneath Kongevej lies Sønderborg’s former Cold War nerve center, an underground command bunker built to keep the city running in times of crisis.
Memory stone
6.4 km
A modest monument on Sønderborg’s town-hall square, the Memory Stone offers a quiet pause for reflection amid the everyday bustle of this historic border town.
Papirgalleriet v/Gitte Kristjansen
6.4 km
A vibrant family-friendly playground in central Roskilde, Byparkens Legeplads offers open-air fun, creativity, and relaxation in the heart of the city’s beloved Byparken.
Iskonditoriet
6.6 km
Byparkens Legeplads in Roskilde fuses creative play equipment and green park scenery for a free, family-friendly experience in the heart of the historic Danish city.
Windmill
6.6 km
Denmark's iconic windmill and national symbol of resilience, rebuilt after war and transformed into a living museum of history.
Gedenkstein für hingerichtete Widerstandskämpfer
6.8 km
Discreet harborfront memorial in Sønderborg honoring eleven young German sailors executed for mutiny in 1945, inviting quiet reflection on conscience and war.
Mindesten for Røde Kors
8.4 km
A quiet memorial to the world's first Red Cross observers amid Denmark's most historic battlefield.
King's Redoubt
8.5 km
A preserved 1864 military fortress symbolizing Danish resilience and regional heritage.
Tysk skanse X
8.5 km
Stille jordvolde på Dybbøl Banke, hvor en tysk skanse fortæller om tiden efter 1864 og fæstningsringen, der engang omklamrede Sønderborg.
Genforeningsmærke på Dybbøl Skanse II
8.9 km
Memorial marker honoring Danish reunification and the 1864 battle's fallen defenders on a historic fortification site.
Befrielsessten i Vester Sottrup
11.0 km
A quiet stone marking Denmark's liberation and Vester Sottrup's wartime legacy.
Bregninge Kirke
28.8 km
Medieval island church on a gentle Ærø hillside, where whitewashed stone, quiet fields and seafaring stories meet in a calm, contemplative setting.
Forladt skorsten
29.9 km
A haunting brick ruin marking Ærø's vanished industrial era, standing silent on the island's edge.
Holstenshuus
33.3 km
Discover Holstenshuus, a historic estate near Faaborg, Denmark, offering a serene Rococo garden, rich history dating back to 1314, and a tranquil escape into nature's beauty.
Unmissable attractions to see
Augustiana Kunstpark & Kunsthal
0.4 km
A historic white palace turned contemporary art hub, surrounded by a free, all‑day sculpture park that flows from manicured lawns to the shores of Augustenborg Fjord.
Vollerup
2.3 km
Relaxed, family-friendly hostel with play areas and mini-golf in the quiet suburb of Vollerup on Sønderborg’s green eastern fringe.
Kongevejsparken
5.7 km
A small historic neighborhood park in central Sønderborg, where former hospital gardens, mature trees and a playground create a relaxed everyday green escape.
Mølleparken
5.7 km
Grassy amphitheatre and open-air stage, where Sønderborg’s quiet green slopes transform into a vibrant summer concert arena under the evening sky.
Lysvang Vandtårn
5.8 km
A modest 1930s water tower in a quiet Sønderborg neighborhood, blending industrial heritage, wartime stories and occasional panoramic views over town and fjord.
Center for Verdensmål
5.9 km
Open-air sustainability landscape in Sønderborg where nature, simple installations and Kær Vestermark’s big skies bring the UN’s 17 Global Goals to life for all ages.
Rønhaveplads
5.9 km
A peaceful, local-favorite park offering tranquil ponds, leafy lawns, and family-friendly relaxation just outside Sønderborg’s city center. Free, welcoming, and authentic.
Deutsches Museum Nordschleswig
6.0 km
Explore the rich cultural heritage of Sønderborg at Deutsches Museum Nordschleswig, where history and interactive exhibits come to life.
Sønderborghus
6.0 km
Cosy cultural house in central Sønderborg, blending live music, creative workshops and a welcoming café into one relaxed, community-focused venue.
Selfiebænken - Big yellow
6.1 km
Sønderborg's cheerful yellow bench—a playful symbol of local creativity and the perfect photo moment.
Støvlen
6.1 km
A 12‑metre‑high boot‑shaped picnic house and lookout tower born from a giant scout camp, blending quirky design, open countryside views and cosy shelter.
Rønhaves museum
6.2 km
A cosy attic museum on a 14th‑century farm, where tools, toys and grain samples bring everyday rural life on Als vividly back to life.
Ringridermuseet i Sønderborg
6.3 km
Danmarks eneste ringridermuseum i et bindingsværkshus fra 1643, hvor lanser, medaljer og lokale fortællinger bringer Sønderborgs festlige tradition til live.
Hønekilden
6.4 km
A tiny harbor-side spring where pure water, royal engineering and whispering legends blur into a tranquil urban nook of art and history.
Rådhustorvet
6.4 km
Historic town square with a 16th‑century former town hall, Rådhustorvet is a compact, atmospheric hub in Sønderborg’s old quarter.
Essential places to dine
Bone's Sønderborg
4.4 km
American-style ribs, burgers and salad bar in a lively, family-friendly setting on the edge of Sønderborg.
Restaurant The Grill Sønderborg
4.4 km
All‑you‑can‑eat grill buffet and easygoing dining inside Sønderborg’s Bowl’n’Fun and Maximum entertainment complex, ideal for families, groups and relaxed nights out.
Carl's Jr.
4.5 km
Flame-grilled American burgers made fresh to order, served daily in Sønderborg's Bilka shopping center.
Sunset Boulevard
4.6 km
Danish-style fast food with burgers, sandwiches and coffee in a bright, casual setting on Grundtvigs Allé, perfect for a quick, reliable stop in Sønderborg.
Maestro Falafel & Döner
5.5 km
Casual Mediterranean kebab and falafel spot in Sønderborg serving generous wraps and plates, ideal for a quick, affordable meal between city sights.
Det Libanesiske Køkken Pizza og Grill
5.9 km
Casual Lebanese grill and classic pizza on Sønderborg’s main street, serving generous plates, stone-baked slices and easy takeaway in a relaxed, everyday setting.
Kislings
6.0 km
A cozy Sønderborg café and specialty coffee bar blending Danish hygge, craft roasting and a hidden courtyard oasis right on bustling pedestrian Perlegade.
Jensens Bøfhus
6.1 km
Family-friendly Danish steakhouse serving grilled beef and comfort food in central Sønderborg.
Milas & Malthe’s FOODCOURT Sønderborg
6.1 km
Casual burgers, salads and cocktails in a relaxed food court–style hangout on Sønderborg’s main shopping street, ideal for easy lunches, laid-back dinners and drinks.
The Burger Concept - Burger i Sønderborg
6.2 km
Casual Danish burger bar inside Sønderborg’s Borgen center, serving classic patties, crispy fries and shakes in a bright, urban fast-casual setting.
Dining By Kretzmann ApS
6.2 km
Inventive Nordic-inspired fine dining in an intimate, relaxed space on Sønderborg’s main pedestrian street, where seasonal menus turn an evening out into a culinary journey.
Sushi & More... Sushi
6.2 km
Central Sønderborg spot for easygoing sushi, Asian hot dishes and reliable takeaway, ideal for a quick lunch stop or relaxed, no‑fuss dinner.
Sønderborg Pizza og Grill
6.2 km
Central Sønderborg pizzeria and grill serving classic Danish‑style pizzas, burgers and takeaway favorites in a simple, no‑frills setting on Jernbanegade.
Rainbow Sushi v/Thi Trinh
6.2 km
Compact, central Sønderborg sushi restaurant and takeaway serving fresh, generous rolls and classic nigiri in a relaxed, low-key setting on Jernbanegade.
KING FOOD SØNDERBORG
6.2 km
Quality döner and burgers in Sønderborg's vibrant city center, open late for hungry diners.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Sunrice.dk
3.8 km
Compact Indian grocery in Sønderborg, packed with rice, spices, frozen specialties and vegetarian staples that bring the flavors of South Asia into Danish kitchens.
Guldhammer
4.1 km
Cozy village boutique on Als where Scandinavian everyday style, personal outfit advice and a relaxed pace turn clothes shopping into a warm local experience.
DanChurchSocial Op Shop
4.3 km
A spacious Kirkens Korshær thrift warehouse in Sønderborg, where budget-friendly furniture and second-hand finds fund vital local social work.
dansk Sønderborg
4.4 km
Functional family clothing outlet in Sønderborg, ideal for picking up affordable layers and everyday wear between coastal walks, castle visits and town sightseeing.
JYSK
4.6 km
Scandinavian home furnishings at accessible prices, with free trailer rental and wheelchair access.
Red Cross Op Shop
4.9 km
Volunteer‑run Red Cross thrift shop in Sønderborg, where low‑priced fashion, furniture and homeware meet sustainable shopping and support for humanitarian work.
Scandinavian Scents
4.9 km
An intimate Sønderborg boutique where Nordic-inspired candles and home fragrances bring the region’s calm forests, sea air and hygge simplicity into everyday life.
Huset Torre
6.0 km
Curated fashion, home décor, and wine experiences in Sønderborg's vibrant pedestrian quarter.
Outdoor In City Centre
6.0 km
Expert outdoor and fishing gear in Sønderborg's pedestrian heart.
Butik Schlott
6.0 km
Independent men’s fashion boutique on Sønderborg’s main street, offering curated international brands, classic tailoring and personal service in a relaxed setting.
in mood
6.0 km
Stylish women's fashion in the heart of Sønderborg's city center.
Janne K Sønderborg
6.1 km
Colorful Danish womenswear with Italian-made fabrics in the heart of Sønderborg’s main shopping street on the island of Als.
Butik Gemakker
6.1 km
Intimate Nordic lifestyle store in central Sønderborg, curating timeless homeware, textiles and fashion with a focus on quality, calm aesthetics and lasting design.
Juhl Bolighus A / S
6.1 km
A vast Danish design furniture house in Sønderborg’s historic center, blending showroom and museum to showcase timeless craftsmanship and iconic interiors.
Vero Moda
6.1 km
Contemporary Scandinavian women’s fashion inside Borgen Shopping, offering wearable trends, layering pieces and accessories in Sønderborg’s central retail district.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Posthuset
5.0 km
Historic post office transformed into Sønderborg's beloved social hub for drinks, conversation, and Danish nightlife.
Værtshus Chr. Iv
5.8 km
Classic brown beer hall on Sønderborg’s main street, serving simple drinks, local atmosphere and everyday Danish hygge from late morning into the evening.
Restaurant Viking - Pool and billiards Sønderborg
5.8 km
Authentic Danish neighborhood pub where locals gather for affordable drinks, billiards, and genuine community atmosphere.
Den Lille Vinbar
6.2 km
Cosy fromagerie-style wine bar on Perlegade, pairing carefully selected bottles with generous cheese tapas in an intimate, continental-feeling corner of Sønderborg.
the tea house
6.2 km
South Jutland's premier bubble tea destination with customizable flavors and signature boba varieties.
New Orleans Jazz I Sønderborg
6.3 km
Intimate, association-run jazz club in central Sønderborg, serving up New Orleans–inspired live music, close-up performances and a friendly, community atmosphere.
Bar' Vinbar
6.3 km
Central Sønderborg’s relaxed corner wine bar, pouring around 50 wines by the glass plus cocktails, coffee and light bites in a warm, informal atmosphere.
Heidi's Bier Bar Sønderborg
6.4 km
Loud alpine-themed beer hall and late-night party bar bringing après-ski energy, big steins and sing-along hits to Sønderborg’s central Rådhustorvet.
Freia Bar & Lounge
6.4 km
Harbourfront hotel bar with Nordic myth touches, crafted drinks and hygge-rich lounge seating overlooking Sønderborg’s Alssund and skyline.
Old Danish Pub
6.4 km
Classic hygge-filled pub near Sønderborg’s main square, with affordable drinks, games, sports on screen and lively karaoke evenings on two cosy floors.
SKAAL Sønderborg
6.4 km
Modern craft beer bar and kitchen on Sønderborg’s main square, pouring rotating Danish brews and serving hearty comfort food in a stylish, urban setting.
Penny Lane Sønderborg
6.5 km
Lively late‑night bar in central Sønderborg serving cocktails, beer and loud tunes from evening warm‑up to near‑club energy on weekend nights.
Rabalder Bar - Sønderborg
6.5 km
Tiny in size but big on volume, Rabalder Bar Sønderborg packs sing‑along hits, simple drinks and late‑night energy into one compact old‑town party den.
Nebula.dk ApS
6.5 km
Atmospheric shisha lounge and cocktail bar in Sønderborg’s historic center, offering intimate lighting, cozy seating and slow-paced evenings for adults.
Visselulles Vinbar
6.6 km
Intimate waterfront wine bar showcasing world-class vintages and French-inspired ambiance in historic Sønderborg.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Romantic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- 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
