Augustenborg Palace
A serene Baroque ducal palace overlooking Augustenborg Fjord, where landscaped gardens, a historic church and quiet coastal paths reveal centuries of Danish history.
Augustenborg Palace is a stately late Baroque residence overlooking Augustenborg Fjord on the island of Als in southern Denmark. Once the seat of the dukes of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Augustenborg, the white three-winged palace is now an administrative building, so its interiors are generally closed. Visitors instead explore the expansive landscaped park, stroll along the water, discover a small mini-museum, and visit the elegant palace church on selected opening hours.
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 time to wander the palace gardens and fjordside paths, as the interiors are generally closed to the public.
- Check local information for the palace church’s opening hours so you can see the Rococo interior when it is not in use for services.
- Bring comfortable shoes and a light jacket; the terrain is mostly gentle but the coastal location can feel breezy even on mild days.
- Look for the small mini-museum near the gatehouse to better understand the ducal family and the estate’s changing roles.
- If you enjoy photography, aim for early morning or late afternoon when the low light flattens reflections on the fjord and softens the palace façade.
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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Car from Sønderborg
From central Sønderborg, driving to Augustenborg Palace typically takes 15–20 minutes. The route follows main local roads across Als and is straightforward in all seasons. Parking areas are available near the palace gardens and in the town, usually free or with low hourly fees of around 5–10 DKK where charges apply. This option offers the most flexibility for exploring the wider island of Als on the same day.
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Regional bus within Als
Regional buses connect Sønderborg with Augustenborg in about 25–35 minutes, depending on the specific line and time of day. Services generally run several times a day on weekdays, with reduced frequency during evenings and weekends. A single adult ticket for this short regional journey usually costs around 20–30 DKK. Check current timetables locally, and be aware that services may be less frequent on public holidays.
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Bicycle from nearby towns
Cycling to Augustenborg Palace is a pleasant option on Als, where roads are relatively quiet and there are stretches of designated cycle paths. From Sønderborg the ride is roughly 30–45 minutes for an average cyclist, mostly on gently rolling terrain suitable for most fitness levels. There is no direct cost beyond bicycle hire if needed, which in the region typically ranges from 100–200 DKK per day from local rental outlets. Wind and rain can affect comfort, so check the forecast before setting out.
Augustenborg Palace location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
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Cold Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Augustenborg Palace
A ducal residence above Augustenborg Fjord
Augustenborg Palace rises in crisp white symmetry above the narrow Augustenborg Fjord, its long wings and red roof forming one of southern Denmark’s most graceful Baroque silhouettes. Built between 1770 and 1776 as the principal residence of the dukes of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Augustenborg, it replaced an earlier half‑timbered manor from the 1660s and signalled the power and taste of a family closely tied to the Danish crown. The palace takes its name from Duchess Auguste, whose marriage into the ducal line helped establish Augustenborg as a distinct branch of the wider Schleswig-Holstein dynasty. Seen from the gardens or from the water, the design feels almost theatrical: a formal courtyard in front, a sweeping façade behind, and the fjord landscape unfolding like a painted backdrop beyond.Layers of history behind closed doors
Within these walls, generations of dukes navigated the complex politics between Denmark and the German states. The last reigning duke, Christian August II, left during the mid‑19th‑century conflicts over Schleswig-Holstein, after which the palace was seized and repurposed as military barracks and later as a women’s seminary. In the 20th century, it entered a new chapter when the Danish state converted large parts of the complex into a psychiatric hospital. Today, the hospital has moved away and the main buildings house the Danish Agricultural Agency. This means the historic state rooms and ducal apartments are no longer freely accessible. The life of the palace is now largely administrative, yet its outward appearance still tells of courtly rituals, family dramas and far‑reaching political decisions that once echoed through its halls.Gardens shaped by fashion and the sea
The gardens at Augustenborg are where the palace truly opens itself to visitors. Originally set out in formal Baroque style, they were later softened into a landscape park with broad lawns, terraced slopes and shady avenues that appear to spill straight into the fjord. Strolling here, you move between clipped hedges, scattered sculptures and glimpses of water framed by beech and linden trees. In the northern reaches of the grounds, small follies and features hint at the tastes of 18th‑century aristocracy: an ice hill once used to store winter ice for the household, traces of ornamental lakes and summerhouses that invited quiet contemplation. The art centre in part of the garden introduces contemporary sculpture into this historic setting, adding another layer to the experience.Stories of Andersen, princesses and princes
Augustenborg is rich in personal stories. A famed linden tree in the park is associated with Hans Christian Andersen, who visited the palace and is said to have found inspiration here, possibly for “The Little Match Girl”. Elsewhere in the grounds stand the White Mansion and the Red Mansion, built for delicate Princess Louise and for Prince Emil August respectively, each lending human scale to what might otherwise feel like an imposing ducal domain. These smaller houses, once homes for retired generals and fragile daughters, evoke a quieter life behind the formal façade: evenings at the piano, letters written by candlelight, walks along the fjord to escape the rigid protocols of court. They remind visitors that this was not just a symbol of power but a lived‑in place of everyday concerns, joys and sorrows.Visiting the church, mini‑museum and park today
Although the palace interior itself is closed, you can still step into its orbit. The palace church, in a separate wing, serves as the local parish church and opens at specific times, revealing a refined Rococo space that contrasts with the more austere exterior. Nearby, a compact mini‑museum in one of the former service buildings provides a concise introduction to the ducal family, their heraldry and the evolution of the estate. Most visitors linger in the park and courtyard, free to roam. Paths lead along the fjord, through woodland and across open lawns, making this an appealing place for reflective walks, photography and picnics. On certain occasions the gardens have hosted concerts and cultural events, when music and temporary stages transform the quiet scenery into a grand outdoor venue.A tranquil corner of Als with a grand profile
Despite its prominent scale and turbulent history, Augustenborg Palace today feels remarkably calm. The surrounding town retains many historic buildings related to the ducal era, giving the area a cohesive architectural character. Yet the atmosphere is more village than capital: bicycles by the harbour, sails on the fjord, and the palace itself presiding in dignified silence. For travellers exploring Als and southern Jutland, the palace grounds offer a rewarding pause—a chance to connect impressive architecture, political history and gentle coastal landscapes in one compact, walkable setting. Even without stepping inside, you leave with a strong sense of the place’s role in Denmark’s story and its enduring relationship with the water and land around it.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
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Viewpoints
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
- Reel-Friendly
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
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- 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
- Business Friendly
