Sandbjerg Manor (Sandbjerg Estate)

An 18th‑century Rococo manor turned scholarly retreat, framed by lake, fjord and parkland on the edge of Sønderborg in South Jutland.

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Sandbjerg Manor

Sandbjerg Manor is an elegant 18th‑century Rococo estate set between lake and fjord just northwest of Sønderborg in South Jutland. Once home to the powerful Reventlow family and later a Prussian military headquarters, it now serves as Aarhus University’s conference centre. Guests encounter grand yet intimate salons, a historic library and garden rooms, framed by mature parkland, woodlands and water views that make the manor feel both scholarly retreat and country escape.

A brief summary to Sandbjerg Manor

Sandbjergvej 102, Sønderborg, 6400, DK
+4570237905
Visit website
Duration: 1.5 to 8 hours
Mid ranged
Mixed
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 8 am-4 pm
Tuesday 8 am-4 pm
Wednesday 8 am-4 pm
Thursday 8 am-4 pm
Friday 8 am-2 pm

Local tips

Book well in advance if you plan to attend or organise a conference or retreat here, as the estate primarily serves university-related events and fills early.
Allow time to walk the grounds between Mølle Lake and Alssund; bring comfortable shoes and a light jacket, as the breeze off the water can feel cool even in summer.
If you are not staying overnight, check in advance whether the estate grounds are accessible on the day of your visit, as some areas may be reserved for private groups.
Photographers should visit in early morning or late afternoon, when low light softens the manor’s façade and reflections on the lake are at their most atmospheric.

Getting There

Car from central Sønderborg

Driving from central Sønderborg to Sandbjerg Manor typically takes 10–15 minutes, covering about 6–8 km on ordinary paved roads through semi-rural surroundings. Traffic is usually light, but the final approach uses narrow local roads where low speed is advisable. Parking is available on the estate grounds for guests and event participants at no extra cost. In winter, roads are generally well maintained, though occasional snow or ice can slightly extend travel time.
Taxi from Sønderborg Station or Airport

From Sønderborg Station, taxis reach Sandbjerg in roughly 10–15 minutes, while from Sønderborg Airport the journey usually takes 15–20 minutes. Fares commonly range from about 150–250 DKK depending on distance, time of day and traffic. Taxis are metered and can be found at ranks outside the station and terminal or booked by phone. This is the most convenient option if you arrive by train or plane and are carrying luggage or conference materials.
Bicycle from Sønderborg area

Cycling from Sønderborg to Sandbjerg takes around 25–40 minutes each way, depending on your starting point and pace. The route uses a mix of town streets and quieter country roads with gentle gradients, suitable for most reasonably fit riders. There are no dedicated bike lanes for the entire distance, so you share some stretches with local traffic. Strong winds off the water and occasional rain showers are common, so bring a windproof layer and lights if returning late.

Sandbjerg Manor location weather suitability

Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures
Any Weather
Cold Weather

Discover more about Sandbjerg Manor

A Rococo Manor Between Lake and Sound

Sandbjerg Manor sits on a low rise between Mølle Lake and the Alssund, its pale Rococo façade and tall hipped roof mirrored in still water and framed by old trees. Built in 1788 for Conrad Georg Reventlow, the current mansion replaced earlier estate buildings that had stood here since the 16th century, when Sandbjerg first appeared in written records. From the outside it looks compact and harmonious, yet it anchors a sizeable estate of park, woodland and farm buildings that still read clearly as a historical manor landscape. The setting is one of its quiet triumphs. To one side, lawns fall gently towards the lake; to the other, paths lead through groves and along the shoreline of Alssund, where reeds rustle and small boats occasionally pass. You are never far from the water or from long views across South Jutland’s rolling countryside, which gives the estate an almost island-like calm despite its proximity to Sønderborg.

From Royal Lands to Reventlow Stronghold

Sandbjerg’s story begins under the Danish Crown, but its character was shaped by the aristocratic Reventlow family, who acquired the estate in the late 17th century. For nearly 250 years their fortunes and political influence were reflected in the life of the manor, from its agricultural holdings to the social circles it attracted. Family connections reached deep into Danish history, including the dramatic tale of Anne Sophie Reventlow, whose relationship with King Frederick IV would eventually make her queen and embroil the family in royal intrigue. Over time the estate also brushed against military and national history. In the 19th century, during conflicts in the Schleswig region, the manor served at one point as a Prussian military headquarters, placing this seemingly secluded country house at the heart of European power struggles. Yet the house itself remained essentially domestic: a place of salons, dinners and summer evenings by the water, even as politics and war swirled around it.

Literary Salons and Scholarly Retreat

In the late 18th and 19th centuries, Sandbjerg developed a reputation as a cultivated refuge, hosting poets, statesmen and officers. Naval hero General Frederik Bülow spent his later years here, and Danish writers such as Jens Baggesen and Adam Oehlenschläger were among the guests invited to enjoy the estate’s good food, wine and conversation. The combination of ordered gardens, reflective water and warm interiors created an ideal backdrop for long discussions and quiet work. That tradition of contemplation deepened in the 20th century. After passing out of Reventlow hands, the estate eventually came into the care of Ellen Dahl, sister of author Karen Blixen. She opened it to cultural and scientific circles and later gifted it to Aarhus University. Since 1959 Sandbjerg has been a university-owned centre for research stays, courses and academic conferences, continuing its evolution from noble residence to intellectual haven.

Inside the Manor: Historic Rooms with Modern Comforts

Step inside the main house and the layout still reflects its 18th‑century origins. Ground-floor rooms form a suite of interlinked spaces: dining rooms with strong wall colours and grey woodwork, a library lined with books, intimate gentlemen’s rooms and a garden room that draws light from the park. High ceilings, tall windows and simple stucco details give these rooms an understated elegance that feels more lived-in than palatial. Careful modernisation has added discreet comforts without diluting the historic feel. Across the estate there are guest rooms in the manor and in converted stable and farm buildings, fitted out with neutral tones and simple furniture that complement old beams and masonry. Meeting and seminar rooms occupy former service spaces, so a walk to a conference session may take you past cobbled yards, old brick walls and glimpses of horses’ stalls now repurposed for 21st‑century use.

Parks, Paths and the Atmosphere of Retreat

Outside, a network of paths encourages slow exploration. You can stroll along the water’s edge, where the view opens across Alssund, or loop around Mølle Lake under tall trees that filter the wind and dapple the ground with light. The parkland is deliberately simple: lawns, scattered mature trees, and a few geometric traces of earlier garden designs that soften into meadow and woodland at the edges. This landscape is central to the experience of Sandbjerg. Between sessions or sightseeing, many visitors simply walk, sit on a bench overlooking the water, or step down to the shore to watch the changing light. The estate’s position in a relatively open rural area means birdsong carries clearly, and on still days you can hear the distant hum of activity on the opposite shore while remaining wrapped in the manor’s own quiet world.

Today’s Role and Who Enjoys It Most

Today Sandbjerg functions mainly as a residential conference and course centre for groups connected to Aarhus University and other institutions, with facilities tailored to seminars, workshops and retreats. Overnight guests typically stay on site, taking meals in the historic dining rooms and using the lounges and library as informal gathering spaces. For travellers in the region, Sandbjerg is primarily appreciated from the outside: as a classic South Jutland manor in a beautiful setting, with walking possibilities in the surrounding landscape and a strong sense of continuity between past and present. Those who respond to quiet atmospheres, architectural character and layered history will find that even a short visit to its grounds can feel like stepping sideways in time, from the busy modern world into a slower, more reflective rhythm.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Mindesten for korporal Hammerström og konstabel Frederiksen

3.2 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.

Mindesten for korporal Hammerström og konstabel Frederiksen

Befrielsessten i Vester Sottrup

3.5 km

A quiet stone marking Denmark's liberation and Vester Sottrup's wartime legacy.

King's Redoubt

4.6 km

A preserved 1864 military fortress symbolizing Danish resilience and regional heritage.

Tysk skanse X

4.7 km

Stille jordvolde på Dybbøl Banke, hvor en tysk skanse fortæller om tiden efter 1864 og fæstningsringen, der engang omklamrede Sønderborg.

Mindesten for Røde Kors

4.8 km

A quiet memorial to the world's first Red Cross observers amid Denmark's most historic battlefield.

Iskonditoriet

5.1 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.

Papirgalleriet v/Gitte Kristjansen

5.2 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.

Memory stone

5.2 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.

Genforeningsmærke på Dybbøl Skanse II

5.4 km

Memorial marker honoring Danish reunification and the 1864 battle's fallen defenders on a historic fortification site.

Sønderborg Kommunale Kommandocentral

5.4 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.

Windmill

5.4 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

6.9 km

Discreet harborfront memorial in Sønderborg honoring eleven young German sailors executed for mutiny in 1945, inviting quiet reflection on conscience and war.

Gedenkstein für hingerichtete Widerstandskämpfer

Foundation country Schäferhaus

31.3 km

Explore the serene beauty of Foundation country Schaeferhaus, a nature preserve in Flensburg, perfect for relaxation, education, and wildlife observation.

Bregninge Kirke

36.4 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

37.3 km

A haunting brick ruin marking Ærø's vanished industrial era, standing silent on the island's edge.

Unmissable attractions to see

Rønhaves museum

1.4 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.

Støvlen

2.5 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.

Center for Verdensmål

2.7 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.

Mindesten for løjtnant A.P.Dorscheus

3.8 km

A modest roadside memorial stone in Sønderborg, honouring a fallen 19th‑century officer and quietly anchoring the turbulent history of the Schleswig wars in the everyday landscape.

Mindesten for Løjtnant Rothenborg Muus

4.0 km

Mølleparken in Sønderborg offers green open spaces, shaded paths, and playgrounds—the perfect urban escape for families, picnickers, and those seeking serenity.

Lysvang Vandtårn

4.3 km

A modest 1930s water tower in a quiet Sønderborg neighborhood, blending industrial heritage, wartime stories and occasional panoramic views over town and fjord.

Dybbølstenen

4.5 km

A solitary Ice Age boulder resting in the fields near Dybbøl Banke, Dybbølstenen quietly links deep geological time with South Jutland’s historic landscape.

Genforeningstavle på Dybbøl tysk skanse X

4.6 km

A modest reunification plaque on Dybbøl’s former German Redoubt X, linking the 1864 battlefield to the peaceful border changes of 1920 in a quiet, open landscape.

Genforeningstavle på Dybbøl tysk skanse X

Mølleparken

4.6 km

Grassy amphitheatre and open-air stage, where Sønderborg’s quiet green slopes transform into a vibrant summer concert arena under the evening sky.

Memorial Stone for du Plat, Schau and Rosen

4.7 km

A modest stone on a Sønderborg side street commemorating three resistance fighters, offering a brief but powerful pause for reflection on Denmark’s wartime past.

Memorial Stone for du Plat, Schau and Rosen

Fællesgravene på Toppen af Dybbøl Banke

4.8 km

A modest field of shared graves crowns Dybbøl Banke, where simple stones, open sky and rolling hills commemorate the fallen of Denmark’s fateful 1864 battlefield.

Dybbøl Mill

4.8 km

Historic Dybbøl Mill: a powerful symbol atop Sønderborg’s battlefield landscape, blending dramatic heritage, immersive exhibitions, and unforgettable views over southern Denmark.

Historiecenter Dybbøl Banke

4.8 km

Step onto the ridge where Denmark’s fate was decided in 1864, with immersive battle films, reconstructed trenches and a living soldiers’ camp on historic Dybbøl Banke.

Hønekilden

4.8 km

A tiny harbor-side spring where pure water, royal engineering and whispering legends blur into a tranquil urban nook of art and history.

Deutsches Museum Nordschleswig

4.9 km

Explore the rich cultural heritage of Sønderborg at Deutsches Museum Nordschleswig, where history and interactive exhibits come to life.

Central Sønderborg pizzeria and grill serving classic Danish‑style pizzas, burgers and takeaway favorites in a simple, no‑frills setting on Jernbanegade.

Colorful Danish womenswear with Italian-made fabrics in the heart of Sønderborg’s main shopping street on the island of Als.

Atmospheric shisha lounge and cocktail bar in Sønderborg’s historic center, offering intimate lighting, cozy seating and slow-paced evenings for adults.

Nightclubs & after hour spots

Dance All Over

2.7 km

Sønderborg’s sociable dance hub, where fitness, swing and party-ready moves come together in energetic, community-driven classes across the city.

Kaizen ApS

5.2 km

Compact disco-style nightclub in central Sønderborg, pulsing with late-night beats, colourful lights and a straightforward bar for an unpretentious night out.

Ærø Whiskey Destilleri

42.8 km

Experience the artisanal charm of Ærø Whisky Distillery in Ærøskøbing, where local ingredients and traditional methods create unique island whiskies.

Ærø Jazzfestival

42.9 km

Experience the soul of Danish jazz at Ærø Jazzfestival, where international rhythms meet island heritage in the historic harbor of Ærøskøbing each summer.

Ela-Ela Schleswig

47.6 km

Discover the electrifying nightlife of Schleswig at Ela-Ela, where music and dancing come alive in an unforgettable disco experience.

Ommel

47.9 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.

VILLA PRESTIGE Schleswig

48.6 km

Discover the vibrant nightlife at VILLA PRESTIGE Schleswig, a lively night club perfect for dancing and socializing until dawn.

TANZ-FABRIK / Tanzlokal

49.6 km

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Schleswig at TANZ-FABRIK, where music and dance create unforgettable memories every Saturday night.

Discothek Vineta

53.8 km

Discover the lively nightlife of Busdorf at Discothek Vineta, where vibrant music and dancing await in a welcoming atmosphere.

Al Capone

56.2 km

Tønder’s sole nightclub, Al Capone blends a rustic 1920s‑inspired mood, late‑night beats and strong drinks into an intimate speakeasy‑style party den.

P2 Champagne & Cocktail Tønder

56.3 km

Intimate champagne and cocktail lounge bringing late-night sparkle and city-style glamour to the historic heart of Tønder.

Crazy Daisy Svendborg

56.4 km

Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.

Kasket karl

61.5 km

Discover authentic Danish hospitality and local color at Kasket Karl, Rudkøbing’s beloved bodega on Langeland—a lively gathering spot offering drinks, history, and community.

Langelands Jazzklub

62.4 km

Experience the vibrant local jazz scene at Langelands Jazzklub in Rudkøbing, where live music and island hospitality meet in one of Denmark’s most charming settings.

Pitstop

62.5 km

Small, central and loud, Pitstop is Kolding’s alternative live music stronghold, blending intimate gigs, late-night dancing and laid-back bar vibes in a historic building.

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Sandbjerg Manor (Sandbjerg Estate)

A brief summary to Sandbjerg Manor

Local tips

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

Getting There

Car from central Sønderborg

Taxi from Sønderborg Station or Airport

Bicycle from Sønderborg area

Sandbjerg Manor location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Sandbjerg Manor

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Sandbjerg Manor

A Rococo Manor Between Lake and Sound

From Royal Lands to Reventlow Stronghold

Literary Salons and Scholarly Retreat

Inside the Manor: Historic Rooms with Modern Comforts

Parks, Paths and the Atmosphere of Retreat

Today’s Role and Who Enjoys It Most

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Mindesten for korporal Hammerström og konstabel Frederiksen

Befrielsessten i Vester Sottrup

King's Redoubt

Tysk skanse X

Mindesten for Røde Kors

Iskonditoriet

Papirgalleriet v/Gitte Kristjansen

Memory stone

Genforeningsmærke på Dybbøl Skanse II

Sønderborg Kommunale Kommandocentral

Windmill

Gedenkstein für hingerichtete Widerstandskämpfer

Foundation country Schäferhaus

Bregninge Kirke

Forladt skorsten

Unmissable attractions to see

Rønhaves museum

Støvlen

Center for Verdensmål

Mindesten for løjtnant A.P.Dorscheus

Mindesten for Løjtnant Rothenborg Muus

Lysvang Vandtårn

Dybbølstenen

Genforeningstavle på Dybbøl tysk skanse X

Mølleparken

Memorial Stone for du Plat, Schau and Rosen

Fællesgravene på Toppen af Dybbøl Banke

Dybbøl Mill

Historiecenter Dybbøl Banke

Hønekilden

Deutsches Museum Nordschleswig

Essential places to dine

Restaurant Alsik

Syttende

Byens Pizza & Grill Dybbøl - Sønderborg

Carl's Jr.

Bone's Sønderborg

Torve-Hallen

Restaurant The Grill Sønderborg

Restaurant Sundhalle V/Eva Iversen

Det Libanesiske Køkken Pizza og Grill

Promenaden - Is med udsigt

Peking Restaurant

Curry Leaves

KING FOOD SØNDERBORG

Rainbow Sushi v/Thi Trinh

Sønderborg Pizza og Grill

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Red Cross Op Shop

Scandinavian Scents

Sunrice.dk

Dansk

JYSK

DanChurchSocial Op Shop

Huset Torre

Juhl Bolighus A / S

Butik Schlott

Outdoor In City Centre

in mood