Augustenborg Palace
Southern Jutland’s grand baroque palace, overlooking a quiet fjord and wrapped in sculpture‑filled gardens, forest paths and a preserved ducal townscape.
Augustenborg Palace is Southern Jutland’s largest and most complete baroque palace complex, set on the edge of the narrow Augustenborg Fjord on Als. Built in the 1770s for the ducal House of Augustenborg, the stately white three-winged residence anchors a preserved historic townscape of mansions, lime-tree avenues and formal terraces that melt into a landscaped park. While the main palace is today used by the Danish Agricultural Agency and not generally open, visitors are free to explore the tall church wing, intimate mini‑museum, sculpture-dotted gardens and forest paths down to the water’s edge.
A brief summary to Augustenborg Palace
- Augustenborg Slot, Augustenborg, 6440, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Plan your visit around the palace church’s limited opening hours so you can see the interior; outside these times access is restricted to services and special occasions.
- Allow extra time to explore the palace gardens and Augustenborg Forest, where sculptures, lakes and fjord views are spread out over a surprisingly large area.
- Stop by the small mini‑museum near the gatehouse first to get an overview of the ducal family and palace history before you walk the grounds.
- Wear comfortable shoes; paths are mostly easy but can be uneven or muddy in the forest and along the fjord after rain.
- Bring snacks or a picnic, especially outside high season, as food options in the immediate palace area can be limited at certain times of day.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Sønderborg
From Sønderborg, driving to Augustenborg Palace typically takes around 15–20 minutes, following regional roads across Als. The route is straightforward and well signposted towards Augustenborg. Parking is usually available in the town near the palace and gardens at low or no cost, but spaces can fill quickly on sunny weekends or during events, so arriving earlier in the day gives you more flexibility.
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Regional bus within Als
Regional buses on Als connect Sønderborg and nearby settlements with Augustenborg in roughly 25–40 minutes, depending on the line and intermediate stops. Services are more frequent on weekdays than in the evenings or on Sundays, so it helps to check a current timetable in advance. A one-way adult ticket for this short regional journey is usually in the range of 20–40 DKK, and buses stop within walking distance of the palace and gardens on mostly level terrain.
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Bicycle from Sønderborg area
Cycling from the Sønderborg area to Augustenborg is a pleasant option in good weather, taking around 45–70 minutes each way for an average cyclist. The landscape of Als is gently rolling rather than steep, and you can combine stretches of quieter local roads and signposted bike routes. There is no extra cost beyond bike rental if you need it, and you can secure your bicycle at racks or suitable railings in town while you explore on foot.
Augustenborg Palace location weather suitability
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Augustenborg Palace
Ducal residence by the fjord
Augustenborg Palace sits at the heart of the small town that bears its name, on the island of Als in Southern Jutland. The present main building was constructed between 1770 and 1776 in late Baroque style, replacing an earlier 17th‑century manor. Its long, whitewashed façade and red-tiled roof form a three‑winged complex that opens onto a formal courtyard and looks out across the narrow Augustenborg Fjord, an inlet of the Baltic Sea. The ensemble is considered the largest and most complete baroque palace complex in Southern Jutland, and it still dominates the skyline of the town. The palace was built for the ducal House of Schleswig‑Holstein‑Sønderborg‑Augustenborg, a cadet branch of the Danish royal family that ruled the surrounding estates for generations. The name honours Duchess Augusta, and in turn the palace lent its name to the ducal line. Inside, the original state rooms once hosted courtly life, political negotiations and family drama at the edges of the Danish and German realms.From ducal court to state institution
The history of Augustenborg Palace mirrors the shifting fortunes of the region. In 1848, during the First Schleswig War, the last duke, Christian August II, sided against Denmark, and the ducal family fled. The complex was seized and later repurposed, at first as barracks and, after 1878, as a women’s seminary. In the 20th century, the Danish state purchased the buildings and, by the late 1920s, had converted large parts into a psychiatric hospital, a role it held for more than 80 years. In recent years, the psychiatric services have moved elsewhere and the palace has entered yet another chapter. Today it houses the Danish Agricultural Agency, and its interiors function as modern offices rather than a museum. This means there is generally no public access to the main residence itself, but the broader complex has been carefully preserved and is slowly being renovated, maintaining its historic character while serving contemporary needs.Gardens, forest and waterside paths
The palace gardens are one of the main reasons to visit. Originally laid out as a formal Baroque garden, they were later softened into a landscaped park with broad lawns, terraces and clipped hedges descending gently towards the fjord. Mature trees frame views of the water, and a network of paths invites leisurely walks between open grassy spaces and more intimate wooded corners. North of the main lawns stretches Augustenborg Forest, where smaller lakes, glades and historic features add variety to a stroll. Remnants of the old ice hill, once used to store blocks of winter ice for the household, hint at the practical side of palace life. The park is also dotted with contemporary sculptures, especially around the art centre Augustiana in the north‑western part of the grounds, creating a subtle dialogue between heritage landscape and modern creativity.Church, mini‑museum and literary echoes
Attached to the complex is the palace church, a separate wing whose interior reflects the refined tastes of the 18th‑century ducal court. Today it serves as the parish church for Augustenborg, and it can be visited during specific opening hours when no services are taking place. Its restrained baroque and rococo details, including woodwork and light-filled galleries, offer a glimpse of the aesthetic world that once extended through the palace interiors. By the bell tower you will find a small mini‑museum dedicated to the history of the palace and its ducal family. The exhibition introduces key figures, architectural changes and the political role the house played in the often‑contested border region between Denmark and the German states. Out in the park, plaques and surviving tree stumps recall visits by Hans Christian Andersen, who is believed to have found inspiration here for some of his stories.A preserved ducal townscape
Beyond the palace gates, the surrounding town forms an unusually coherent historic environment. Streets lined with 18th‑ and 19th‑century houses were planned in relation to the palace, and many buildings remain protected. Mansions in pastel hues, cobbled spaces and carefully aligned façades create an urban extension of the courtly world, with the palace as its focal point. For visitors, the appeal lies less in ticking off interior attractions and more in absorbing a sense of place. A visit typically combines time in the gardens and forest, a look at the church and mini‑museum, and a wander through the ducal town. The setting by the fjord, the layered history of noble residence and state use, and the mix of formal architecture and relaxed green spaces make Augustenborg Palace a rewarding, quietly atmospheric stop in Southern Denmark.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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Kaizen ApS
6.5 km
Compact disco-style nightclub in central Sønderborg, pulsing with late-night beats, colourful lights and a straightforward bar for an unpretentious night out.
Dance All Over
10.3 km
Sønderborg’s sociable dance hub, where fitness, swing and party-ready moves come together in energetic, community-driven classes across the city.
Ærø Whiskey Destilleri
35.3 km
Experience the artisanal charm of Ærø Whisky Distillery in Ærøskøbing, where local ingredients and traditional methods create unique island whiskies.
Ærø Jazzfestival
35.4 km
Experience the soul of Danish jazz at Ærø Jazzfestival, where international rhythms meet island heritage in the historic harbor of Ærøskøbing each summer.
Ommel
40.4 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.
Crazy Daisy Svendborg
49.2 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
Ela-Ela Schleswig
49.4 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Schleswig at Ela-Ela, where music and dancing come alive in an unforgettable disco experience.
VILLA PRESTIGE Schleswig
50.5 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at VILLA PRESTIGE Schleswig, a lively night club perfect for dancing and socializing until dawn.
TANZ-FABRIK / Tanzlokal
51.4 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Schleswig at TANZ-FABRIK, where music and dance create unforgettable memories every Saturday night.
Klähblatt Pub Schleswig
51.9 km
Discover Klähblatt Pub, a cozy Irish haven in Schleswig, offering great drinks, live music, and a vibrant atmosphere for an unforgettable night out.
Kasket karl
54.0 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
54.8 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.
Discothek Vineta
55.6 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Busdorf at Discothek Vineta, where vibrant music and dancing await in a welcoming atmosphere.
Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club
59.5 km
Community-driven square dancing in a cozy Odense neighborhood hall, where callers, patterns and shared rhythm turn an ordinary evening into a friendly social event.
Carlsens Kvarter
59.6 km
Atmospheric pub in Odense C, offering unmatched hygge, an impressive selection of craft beers, and a welcoming local vibe in a characterful historic setting.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Romantic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo 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
- 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
- LGBT Friendly