Brundlund Castle & Art Museum, Aabenraa
Moat-ringed medieval castle turned intimate art museum, where Southern Jutlandic masterpieces, Franciska Clausen’s avant‑garde works and a sculpture‑filled park meet in one serene setting.
Brundlund Castle in Aabenraa is a whitewashed Renaissance–Neoclassical castle turned intimate art museum, encircled by a moat and sculpture-dotted park on the edge of the old town. Inside 15th‑century chambers you’ll find atmospheric exhibitions focused on Southern Jutlandic art from the late 1700s to today, with standout works by avant‑garde artist Franciska Clausen and Golden Age painter C.W. Eckersberg. A cosy café and leafy grounds make this a gentle cultural escape.
A brief summary to Brundlund Castle
- Brundlund Slot 1, Aabenraa, 6200, DK
- +4565370802
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Budget
-
Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 11 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-5 pm
- Thursday 11 am-5 pm
- Friday 11 am-5 pm
- Saturday 11 am-5 pm
- Sunday 11 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Plan around opening hours, which vary between summer and winter seasons; outside these hours the park and moat are still accessible, but castle interiors and exhibitions are closed.
- Allow time for the Franciska Clausen rooms; her large collection reveals very different styles over her career, best appreciated by moving slowly between paintings, sketches and collages.
- Combine your visit with a stroll through Aabenraa’s old town, starting or ending at the castle so you can enjoy changing views of the whitewashed walls as light shifts over the moat.
- Families should look for the creative room and any seasonal activities; entry is included in the museum ticket and children under 18 generally enter the museum free of charge.
- Dogs are not allowed in the museum or park except for guide and assistance dogs, so arrange pet care in advance if you are travelling with animals.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
-
Regional train and short walk from Aabenraa bus terminal
From larger Jutland towns such as Kolding or Sønderborg, take a regional train to Rødekro, then continue by bus to Aabenraa bus terminal; the combined journey usually takes 45–70 minutes and a standard adult ticket typically costs around DKK 60–120 depending on distance and time of purchase. From the bus terminal it is about a 15–20 minute walk on paved, mostly level streets through the town centre to the castle, making this option suitable for most visitors comfortable with urban walking.
-
Local bus within Aabenraa
If you are already in Aabenraa but away from the centre, use local city buses that run towards the old town and harbour area, with typical journey times of 10–25 minutes depending on your starting point. Single tickets within the local zone usually cost around DKK 20–30 and can be bought from the driver or via travel apps; services are less frequent in the evening and on weekends, so checking timetables in advance is advisable. From central stops it remains a short, moderate walk on sidewalks to reach the castle and its park.
-
Car or rental car from regional towns
Driving from nearby centres such as Haderslev, Sønderborg or Flensburg generally takes 30–45 minutes on well-maintained main roads. Fuel costs for a return trip in a standard rental car typically fall in the DKK 80–150 range depending on distance and fuel prices, and many visitors combine the castle with other sights in Southern Jutland. Parking is usually available on streets or public car parks within walking distance of the castle grounds, but spaces can be tighter on sunny weekends or during special events, so allow extra time to find a spot.
-
Cycling from Aabenraa centre and nearby coast
From central Aabenraa and nearby coastal holiday areas, the castle can be reached by bicycle in roughly 10–25 minutes along local streets and established cycle routes. There is no additional transport cost beyond any bike rental, which in Southern Jutland often ranges around DKK 100–200 per day depending on the provider and bike type. The route involves some gentle inclines but generally follows paved surfaces, making it accessible for most reasonably confident cyclists in fair weather.
Brundlund Castle location weather suitability
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Clear Skies
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Any Weather
-
Cold Weather
Discover more about Brundlund Castle
A moat-ringed castle at the edge of Aabenraa
Brundlund Castle rises above its water-filled moat in a pocket of greenery just west of Aabenraa’s old town, separated from the centre by a single road and a swath of parkland. The compact, whitewashed building has an almost homely scale, yet still carries the outline of a fortress, with its elevated position, dam and traces of former defensive earthworks. Mature trees frame views of the castle from the surrounding lawns, where the former moat now widens into a small lake alive with reflections and birdlife. Approaching across the tree-lined dam, you step from ordinary streets into a self-contained world. The island that once held a private garden is now an open public park, yet the sense of enclosure remains strong: the water, the curving banks and the low castle walls together create a calm buffer from urban bustle. In spring and summer, the lawns fill with wildflowers and leafy shade, while in autumn mist clings to the moat and the castle glows softly against bronze foliage.From medieval stronghold to royal residence
The story of Brundlund begins in the early 15th century, when Queen Margrete I secured the right to build a new castle here as part of consolidating the Danish crown in Southern Jutland. The first, larger fortress has vanished, but its strategic hill above the town remains the foundation for the current building. Around 1530 King Frederik I raised the main castle we see today, combining gatehouse and residence in a single compact block at the heart of the fortified site. Over the following centuries, new rulers reshaped Brundlund to reflect changing tastes and purposes. In the late 1500s, the castle was remodelled in Renaissance style, with octagonal corner turrets, a stair turret and an open gallery adding decorative flourish to its defensive core. In the early 1800s the architect C.F. Hansen transformed the exterior again, stripping back some ornament and giving the building the clear lines and measured proportions of Neoclassicism. Through all these phases, Brundlund served as a seat of power for local administrators and a symbol of royal authority in the borderlands.Castle rooms filled with Southern Jutlandic art
Since 1998 the castle has housed an art museum dedicated to Southern Jutland and the wider border region. The focus is on art from the late 18th century to the present, tracing how painters and sculptors here have responded both to local landscapes and to international movements. You move through a sequence of relatively small, characterful rooms rather than white cubes, with low ceilings, thick walls and creaking floors that make each gallery feel like a lived-in space. Two artists anchor the collection. Franciska Clausen, born in Aabenraa in 1899, experimented with avant‑garde currents from Constructivism to Surrealism; the museum holds thousands of her works, from bold geometric abstractions to intimate drawings. Alongside her, Golden Age painter C.W. Eckersberg and portraitist C.A. Jensen represent a more classical side of Danish art, connecting the region to the national canon. Temporary exhibitions rotate around these core strengths, often highlighting lesser-known artists whose lives and careers were shaped by this contested borderland.A sculpture park wrapped around the moat
Outside, the castle park extends the museum experience into the open air. Contemporary sculptures are dotted among old trees, lawns and water, sometimes half-hidden along the shoreline, sometimes standing in clear sightlines towards the castle. Walking the circular paths, you catch alternating vistas: a figure framed by branches, a sleek abstract form mirrored in the lake, the castle itself rising behind a work in stone or metal. The park is free to wander even when the museum is closed, which makes it a popular place for quiet strolls and reflective benches. The dam built in the 18th century still carries you into the complex, flanked by rows of trees whose canopies meet overhead in summer. In winter, when leaves have fallen, the geometry of the castle and the curve of the moat feel more pronounced, and sculptures stand out in sharp silhouette against the pale walls and often leaden sky.Café corners, creative rooms and family-friendly spaces
Inside the castle a small café offers hot and cold drinks, cakes and light snacks, opening onto a terrace that overlooks the park. On bright days chairs spill outside, turning the moat-side into a relaxed spot to linger after an exhibition. The café’s windows frame artworks in the garden, underscoring how closely the museum’s identity is tied to its landscape setting. A dedicated creative room invites children and adults to experiment with colour, form and collage, drawing inspiration from works they have just seen in the galleries. This space, included in the museum ticket, underscores the institution’s educational role and makes Brundlund particularly welcoming for families. Combined with the manageable size of the collection and the gentle loop through the historic rooms, it makes for an outing that blends culture, light play and fresh air in a single compact visit.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Befrielsessten i Vester Sottrup
20.9 km
A quiet stone marking Denmark's liberation and Vester Sottrup's wartime legacy.
King's Redoubt
25.9 km
A preserved 1864 military fortress symbolizing Danish resilience and regional heritage.
Tysk skanse X
26.0 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
26.2 km
A quiet memorial to the world's first Red Cross observers amid Denmark's most historic battlefield.
Genforeningsmærke på Dybbøl Skanse II
26.4 km
Memorial marker honoring Danish reunification and the 1864 battle's fallen defenders on a historic fortification site.
Mindesten for korporal Hammerström og konstabel Frederiksen
26.5 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.
Iskonditoriet
27.8 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
28.0 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
28.0 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.
Windmill
28.1 km
Denmark's iconic windmill and national symbol of resilience, rebuilt after war and transformed into a living museum of history.
Sønderborg Kommunale Kommandocentral
28.3 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.
Gedenkstein für hingerichtete Widerstandskämpfer
29.5 km
Discreet harborfront memorial in Sønderborg honoring eleven young German sailors executed for mutiny in 1945, inviting quiet reflection on conscience and war.
Foundation country Schäferhaus
30.4 km
Explore the serene beauty of Foundation country Schaeferhaus, a nature preserve in Flensburg, perfect for relaxation, education, and wildlife observation.
Marsk Tower - Marsk tårnet
44.7 km
Marsk Tower is a modern architectural icon on Denmark’s Wadden Sea coast, spiraling above marshes for spectacular views of Rømø, the North Sea, and rich birdlife.
Frisia Historica
47.0 km
Discover the lively nightlife and cultural richness of Frisia Historica in Stedesand, where music and community come together.
Unmissable attractions to see
Krusmølle
5.9 km
Historic mill meets contemporary culture: heritage, hygge, and fjord views in Southern Jutland.
Gråstenskovene
16.8 km
A sweeping belt of lakes, beech woods and gentle hills wrapped around Gråsten, blending royal parkland with quietly scenic Southern Jutland forest.
Gråsten Palace
17.1 km
Rococo royal summer residence in Southern Jutland, set amid romantic English-style gardens, lakes and woodland, with palace views and a richly decorated church.
Forfyr Rinkenæs
19.6 km
Step into Denmark’s history at Historiecenter Dybbøl Banke, where reconstructed fortifications and interactive exhibits bring the dramatic events of 1864 vividly to life.
Nybøl Mølle
19.9 km
A hilltop windmill where traditional engineering, borderland battles and quiet fields meet in a single white tower north of Nybøl.
Nøffelskoven med træskulpturer
20.6 km
Small, sculpture-filled Nøffelskoven is a young forest playground of winding paths, wooden art, fire circle and shelters between Sønderborg and Gråsten.
Halbinsel Holnis
21.9 km
Experience the serene landscapes and rich wildlife of Halbinsel Holnis, a tranquil nature preserve on the beautiful Baltic Sea coast of Germany.
Historisk Arkiv
22.1 km
Denmark's gateway to regional heritage—a free archive preserving centuries of local history through accessible research.
Sandbjerg Manor
23.6 km
An 18th‑century Rococo manor turned scholarly retreat, framed by lake, fjord and parkland on the edge of Sønderborg in South Jutland.
Glücksburg Castle
24.5 km
Explore the enchanting Glücksburg Castle, a 16th-century gem by the Baltic Sea, blending history, architecture, and natural beauty.
Sønderjylland Archaeology Museum
24.5 km
Discover 10,000 years of Southern Jutland at Haderslev’s archaeology museum, where Bronze Age gold, bog finds and historic farmsteads bring the past to life.
Rønhaves museum
24.7 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.
Universe
25.2 km
Denmark's interactive science park where technology, nature, and imagination collide for unforgettable family adventures.
Støvlen
25.8 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.
Mindesten for Løjtnant Rothenborg Muus
25.9 km
Mølleparken in Sønderborg offers green open spaces, shaded paths, and playgrounds—the perfect urban escape for families, picnickers, and those seeking serenity.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Stedet
0.4 km
Casual, hygge-filled dinners with hearty Danish comfort food and late-opening weekend vibes in the heart of Aabenraa’s historic Vestergade.
Restaurant Under Sejlet
0.8 km
Light‑filled seaside restaurant under an iconic sail roof, serving modern Danish and European dishes with fjord views, from relaxed brunches to evening dinners.
Restaurant Knapp
3.7 km
Romantic mill-house restaurant and inn in the woods near Aabenraa, pairing French-inspired gourmet cuisine with nostalgic Danish countryside charm.
Ballebro Færgekro
16.8 km
Historic waterside inn and restaurant on the shores of Als Fjord, blending nostalgic 1890s charm, refined seasonal cuisine and deep Sønderjysk tranquility.
Den Gamle Kro
17.4 km
A traditional Danish inn in central Gråsten, blending nostalgic kro charm, hearty regional cooking and simple rooms a short stroll from the town’s royal castle.
Den Gamle Skomager
17.5 km
Laid-back Danish bodega in central Gråsten, mixing hearty comfort food, cold beer and small-town hygge in a lived-in, locals-first setting.
Amstrup & Vigen
18.5 km
Elegant waterside fine dining inside Dyvig Badehotel, blending French‑inspired cuisine, local produce and serene Baltic harbour views on the island of Als.
Restaurant Bind
20.2 km
Michelin-starred Nordic cuisine in a historic fjord-side villa, where fresh ingredients and open-kitchen artistry meet modern hospitality.
Café & Restaurant Friends
21.1 km
Casual, cosy and central, Café & Restaurant Friends brings together bar, café and restaurant comforts in one easygoing hangout on Nordborg’s Storegade.
Restaurant Quellental
23.5 km
Experience exquisite German and Scandinavian cuisine at Restaurant Quellental in Glücksburg, with stunning views of the Baltic Sea.
Tappo Restaurant, Winebar & shop
23.8 km
Cosy Italian-inspired restaurant and wine bar on Haderslev’s main square, pairing seasonal plates with a carefully curated wine list and in-house bottle shop.
Das Grace
25.4 km
Experience culinary artistry at Das Grace with stunning waterfront views in Flensburg's finest dining establishment.
Byens Pizza & Grill Dybbøl - Sønderborg
27.0 km
Experience the best pizza, barbecue, and burgers in Sønderborg at Byens Pizza & Grill Dybbøl – where flavor meets comfort!
Restaurant Alsik
27.4 km
Contemporary waterfront restaurant in the Alsik Hotel, blending South Jutland ingredients with classic European flavours in a stylish, relaxed setting.
Syttende
27.4 km
Michelin-starred sky dining on the 17th floor of Alsik, where New Nordic cuisine meets sweeping waterfront views over Sønderborg and Alssund.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Red Cross Op Shop
27.8 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
27.9 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.
Juhl Bolighus A / S
27.9 km
A vast Danish design furniture house in Sønderborg’s historic center, blending showroom and museum to showcase timeless craftsmanship and iconic interiors.
Mr Klausen Herre-og Drengetøj
28.0 km
Classic Danish mens- and boyswear on Sønderborg’s Perlegade, blending everyday essentials, occasion outfits and local Ringridning traditions in one friendly shop.
Kop & Kande
28.0 km
Welcoming Danish homeware and gift shop on Sønderborg’s main street, stocked with practical kitchen essentials, stylish tableware and thoughtful presents.
Noa Noa
28.0 km
A small Danish fashion boutique on Sønderborg’s main street, showcasing Noa Noa’s feminine, bohemian-inspired style in a calm, easy-to-browse setting.
Masai
28.0 km
Danish fashion boutique celebrating bold colors, unique prints, and Scandinavian design excellence.
Butik Schlott
28.0 km
Independent men’s fashion boutique on Sønderborg’s main street, offering curated international brands, classic tailoring and personal service in a relaxed setting.
Twizt Fashion
28.0 km
Compact Danish fashion and lingerie boutique on Sønderborg’s main pedestrian street, combining everyday practicality with relaxed, personal service.
Viller
28.0 km
Independent women’s fashion boutique on Sønderborg’s main pedestrian street, blending Scandinavian style, curated brands and personal, one-to-one service.
Jim P.
28.0 km
Curated fashion for discerning shoppers seeking distinctive style beyond the mainstream.
in mood
28.0 km
Stylish women's fashion in the heart of Sønderborg's city center.
Gundtoft Sønderborg
28.0 km
Classic women's fashion since 1957, nestled on Sønderborg's charming pedestrian street.
Huset Torre
28.0 km
Curated fashion, home décor, and wine experiences in Sønderborg's vibrant pedestrian quarter.
Outdoor In City Centre
28.0 km
Expert outdoor and fishing gear in Sønderborg's pedestrian heart.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Tinsoldaten/Kim Jakobsen
16.8 km
An unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Sønderborg, offering simple drinks, local color and a relaxed glimpse of everyday Danish nightlife.
Boldts Bar
23.7 km
Intimate live-music bar in Haderslev’s old town, pouring generous cocktails and hosting grown-up nights of bands, DJs and dancing for a mature crowd.
Tribunen ApS
24.1 km
Lively music and sports bar in the heart of Haderslev, mixing big-screen football, cold beers and weekend dance-floor energy in a relaxed, down-to-earth setting.
Teddy’s Corner
26.9 km
Unpretentious local bar in Toftlund offering simple drinks, small‑town hygge and an easygoing glimpse into everyday South Jutland nightlife.
Caféen
27.2 km
Lively, low‑priced bar inside Sønderborg’s Alsion complex, where students and locals meet for music, dancing and late‑night drinks by the harbour.
Freia Bar & Lounge
27.3 km
Harbourfront hotel bar with Nordic myth touches, crafted drinks and hygge-rich lounge seating overlooking Sønderborg’s Alssund and skyline.
New Orleans Jazz I Sønderborg
27.6 km
Intimate, association-run jazz club in central Sønderborg, serving up New Orleans–inspired live music, close-up performances and a friendly, community atmosphere.
Visselulles Vinbar
27.8 km
Intimate waterfront wine bar showcasing world-class vintages and French-inspired ambiance in historic Sønderborg.
Old Danish Pub
27.9 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.
Bar' Vinbar
28.0 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.
Den Lille Vinbar
28.0 km
Cosy fromagerie-style wine bar on Perlegade, pairing carefully selected bottles with generous cheese tapas in an intimate, continental-feeling corner of Sønderborg.
SKAAL Sønderborg
28.0 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.
Rabalder Bar - Sønderborg
28.0 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
28.0 km
Atmospheric shisha lounge and cocktail bar in Sønderborg’s historic center, offering intimate lighting, cozy seating and slow-paced evenings for adults.
Penny Lane Sønderborg
28.0 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Dance All Over
21.1 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
28.0 km
Compact disco-style nightclub in central Sønderborg, pulsing with late-night beats, colourful lights and a straightforward bar for an unpretentious night out.
Al Capone
36.6 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
36.7 km
Intimate champagne and cocktail lounge bringing late-night sparkle and city-style glamour to the historic heart of Tønder.
Discoteque Tordenskiold
50.3 km
Kolding's legendary two-floor discotheque and cultural institution since 1973.
Mørks Kælder
50.3 km
Modern basement nightclub in central Kolding, pouring drinks and classic dance tunes for a grown-up crowd late into the weekend night.
Koldingtivet Engen
50.3 km
Compact Kolding disco where locals pack the dance floor, mainstream hits fill the speakers and late-night energy turns a modest venue into a full-bodied club night.
Pitstop
50.3 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.
Ærø Golf Klub
51.2 km
Distinctive links course on Ærø’s northwest cape, blending historic lighthouse views, Nordic coastlines, and a classic Danish golfing challenge.
Fishi
51.3 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.
Crazy Daisy Vejen
51.5 km
High-energy disco club in central Vejen, bringing late-night music, dancing and big-city nightclub vibes to a compact South Jutland town.
Romo Golf Links
55.2 km
Romo Golf Links offers an authentic coastal golf experience amid the windswept dunes and wild beauty of Rømø, blending challenging play with stunning North Sea views.
Rømø Lege- & Labyrintpark
55.2 km
Discover outdoor mazes, creative playgrounds, and family-friendly amusements at Rømø’s most imaginative recreation park, nestled in coastal nature near Havneby.
Nationalmuseets Kommandørgård
56.4 km
Step into 18th-century Rømø at the Nationalmuseets Kommandørgård, an enchanting whaling estate where history, culture, and island heritage come vibrantly alive.
Ela-Ela Schleswig
57.2 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Schleswig at Ela-Ela, where music and dancing come alive in an unforgettable disco experience.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
- Romantic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Instagrammable
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- 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
- Business Friendly
