Dragsholm Castle (Dragsholm Slot)

One of Denmark’s oldest castles, Dragsholm Slot blends baroque elegance, prison lore and ghostly legends with refined dining and countryside calm in Odsherred.

4.5

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Dragsholm Castle

Rising from meadows and former fjordland in Odsherred, Dragsholm Castle is one of Denmark’s oldest secular buildings and among its most atmospheric. Built around 1215 by the Bishop of Roskilde, the white baroque castle has served as fortified stronghold, royal prison and noble estate before becoming a boutique hotel and gourmet destination. Today its vaulted halls, ghost stories and sweeping rural views create a compelling blend of history, legend and contemporary comfort.

A brief summary to Dragsholm Castle

Dragsholm Alle, Hørve, 4534, DK
+4559653300
Visit website
Duration: 1.5 to 24 hours
Luxury
Mixed
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

Book well ahead if you plan to stay overnight, especially in peak summer and on weekends when weddings and events are common.
Join a guided history or ghost-themed tour if available; it is the best way to access stories behind the prison tower and haunted legends.
Wear comfortable shoes so you can explore uneven floors, staircases and the surrounding grounds without worry.
If you are sensitive to creaks and night-time sounds, request a room away from the old tower corridors for a quieter sleep.
Allow time to walk outside at dusk or dawn when the white walls and former fjord landscape are at their most atmospheric.

Getting There

Train + Taxi from Copenhagen

From Copenhagen, take a regional train toward Kalundborg and get off at Hørve Station; the journey typically takes 75–90 minutes with departures at least once an hour during the day. From Hørve, a taxi to Dragsholm Castle usually takes 10–15 minutes depending on traffic and costs in the range of 150–250 DKK for the car. Trains run year-round, but late-night services are less frequent, so check return times if you are not staying overnight.
Regional Bus within Odsherred

If you are already in the Odsherred area, local buses connect nearby towns such as Asnæs and Hørve with stops within walking distance of the castle, typically in 15–30 minutes of travel. Single tickets on regional buses usually cost about 25–50 DKK depending on distance. Services follow daytime and early evening schedules and may be reduced on weekends and public holidays, so plan around the timetable, especially in winter.
Car from Copenhagen or Roskilde

Driving from Copenhagen or Roskilde to Dragsholm Castle is straightforward and usually takes about 60–75 minutes from Copenhagen and 45–60 minutes from Roskilde, depending on traffic and time of day. There is on-site parking at the castle available for guests and day visitors at no extra charge. Roads are paved and well maintained year-round, but allow extra time in peak summer or during severe winter weather.

Dragsholm Castle location weather suitability

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Discover more about Dragsholm Castle

Eight Centuries Above the Former Fjord

Dragsholm Castle stands on an islet of reclaimed land in northwest Zealand, surrounded by meadows that were once part of the Lammefjord. For more than 800 years there has been a building here, watching over the narrow strip where ships were once dragged across the peninsula to avoid dangerous seas. The name "Dragsholm" itself refers to this historic portage, anchoring the castle firmly in the geography and seafaring life of medieval Denmark. Originally built around 1215 as a residence for the Bishop of Roskilde, the first incarnation of Dragsholm looked more like an elegant palace than a fortress. Over the following centuries, however, political tensions and regional conflicts demanded stronger defenses. Thick walls, corner towers and moats turned the complex into one of Zealand’s most formidable strongholds, a transformation that would shape its destiny in war and peace alike.

From Impregnable Fortress to Royal Prison

During the Count’s Feud in the 1530s, a brutal civil war that helped usher in the Reformation, Dragsholm’s new fortifications were put to the test. While other strongholds on Zealand fell, this castle remained in royal hands, earning a reputation for resilience that resonated across the kingdom. The victory came at a price: after the Reformation, church lands were confiscated and Dragsholm passed to the Danish Crown. For roughly 130 years, the building served as a prison for troublesome nobles and ecclesiastical figures. Cells were installed in the northeast tower, with privileges such as windows or private latrines granted or withheld according to each prisoner’s status and perceived disloyalty. Here, the last Catholic Bishop of Roskilde is said to have finished his days, and here the Scottish Earl of Bothwell, third husband of Mary, Queen of Scots, reportedly paced in chains around a pillar, carving a permanent groove into the stone floor as the years wore him down.

Baroque Grandeur and Noble Estates

Wars with Sweden in the 17th century left Dragsholm badly damaged after an attempt to blow it up, and for a time the once-mighty fortress lay in ruins. Financial pressures pushed the Crown to hand the property to creditors, and new owners embarked on an ambitious rebuilding. By the late 1600s the medieval stronghold had been reshaped into the bright, rectangular baroque castle that greets visitors today, with symmetrical façades and a more gracious, noble character. Successive aristocratic owners expanded the surrounding estate, drained sections of the Lammefjord and integrated the castle into a productive agricultural landscape. Inside, salons, ballrooms and staircases acquired late-romantic detailing during later restorations, softening the baroque geometry with richer textures, chandeliers and carved wood. The overall impression is of a house that expresses power and refinement rather than raw military strength.

Ghost Stories in Whitewashed Corridors

Despite the elegant interiors, Dragsholm’s long history has seeded a thick tangle of legends. Stories speak of more than a hundred ghosts, with three recurring figures. One is the restless Earl of Bothwell, bound eternally to his pillar. Another is a “White Lady,” said to be a young noblewoman immured in the walls after a forbidden romance, her remains reportedly discovered during 20th-century renovations. A gentler presence, the “Grey Lady,” is described as a former servant returning to express gratitude for a kindness shown during her life. Whether you treat these tales as folklore or possibility, they add a vivid extra layer to a stay or visit. Narrow passages, thick stone walls and creaking floorboards encourage the imagination. Evening walks through the courtyard or under the vaulted ceilings can feel charged with suggestion, especially when mist folds over the surrounding fields and distant church towers are silhouettes against the sky.

Staying, Dining and Exploring the Grounds

In the 20th century, Dragsholm was transformed into a country hotel, and today it combines period architecture with contemporary comforts. Many former cells and service rooms have become characterful guest rooms, where exposed beams and uneven plaster sit alongside modern bedding and bathrooms. Public spaces include salons, meeting rooms and atmospheric vaulted chambers that can host tastings, talks or celebrations. The kitchens champion local produce from Odsherred’s farms, coastline and orchards, and the castle has become known for ambitious seasonal cuisine. Outside, lawns, old trees and views over the reclaimed Lammefjord landscape give the property a quietly dramatic setting, especially at sunrise and sunset. Even without staying overnight, wandering the courtyards, glancing up at the high white walls and tracing the outlines of moats and terraces offers a compact journey through Danish history in a single, memorable place.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Træ-cirklerne ved Birkendegård

17.2 km

Subtle traces in the fields east of Kalundborg reveal a vast Neolithic ring monument, Denmark’s “Stonehenge”, encircling the hill of Overdrevsbakken.

Kalundborg St.

21.6 km

Experience the heart of Helsingborg at Sundstorget, a vibrant square blending history and modernity near the Northern Harbour.

Kalundborg Slot

21.6 km

An invisible castle at the centre of Kalundborg, where streets, stories and subtle traces reveal the outline of a vanished medieval stronghold.

Mindesmærke for Jørgen Manniche

21.7 km

A solemn memorial to an innocent young life lost in the final moments of WWII liberation.

The eltest city hall

21.8 km

A modest medieval town hall in Kalundborg’s Højbyen, where centuries of local power, trade and everyday life still echo in cobbled streets and weathered walls.

Our Lady Church

21.9 km

A medieval masterpiece with five towers symbolizing the Heavenly Jerusalem—architecturally unique and spiritually profound.

Danhostel Kalundborg

21.9 km

Experience the vibrant heart of Helsingborg at Sundstorget, where culture, dining, and shopping converge in a picturesque square.

Befrielsessten i Kallerup

22.4 km

A solemn Danish liberation memorial honoring the end of Nazi occupation in May 1945.

Lerchenborg Gods

23.6 km

An impeccably symmetrical Baroque–Rococo manor near Kalundborg, where preserved architecture, parkland and quiet countryside evoke centuries of Danish noble life.

Landmarket Horsedalen

26.4 km

Rare flora and exceptional light in a protected Danish valley.

Stendysse ved Blæsinge

35.2 km

A modest Neolithic stone tomb in the fields near Blæsinge, offering a quiet roadside glimpse into western Zealand’s Stone Age landscape and rituals.

Breddysse Stones

38.9 km

A modest Neolithic dolmen in the fields near Slagelse, where ancient burial stones, open skies, and quiet farmland meet in a quietly powerful landscape.

RAF Memorial Stone

39.5 km

Small rural monument, big wartime story: a quiet Danish field where seven RAF airmen are remembered with a single steadfast stone.

Rytterstatue af Christian IX

40.9 km

Bronze king on horseback surveys Slagelse from Schweizerpladsen—a citizen-honored tribute to Christian IX's enduring reign, sculpted with poised majesty.

Vandtrappen

40.9 km

A small yet compelling ceramic water sculpture in Slagelse’s Rosengården, where stepped cascades and quiet sound turn an everyday square into a contemplative urban pause.

Unmissable attractions to see

Birkendegård

15.8 km

Intimate rural museum preserving Danish agricultural heritage within a restored historic barn.

Landbomuseet På Birkendegaard

15.9 km

Stemningsfuldt landbrugsmuseum i en gammel tyrestald, hvor redskaber, værksteder og hverdagsgenstande fortæller levende om livet på landet omkring 1900.

Lammefjorden

16.9 km

Once a deeply indented fjord, Lammefjorden is now a vast below‑sea‑level polder of fertile fields, big skies and quiet engineering that reshaped Denmark’s coastline.

Maderne Røsnæs

17.0 km

Low-lying coastal meadows on Røsnæs where ice-age geology, bird‑rich wetlands and quiet grazing land create a gentle, contemplative pause on the Røsnæs Round trail.

Kalundborg Camping

18.0 km

Sun‑kissed coastal camping in protected nature, with family‑friendly play areas, simple comforts and easy access to Sejerø Bay’s beaches and Kalundborg’s heritage.

Vandtårnet på Møllebakken

21.1 km

Historic red water tower crowning Kalundborg’s former mill hill, offering green parkland and sweeping views over the medieval town and Kalundborg Fjord.

Befrielsessten i Kalundborg

21.3 km

Experience Denmark’s maritime heritage at Dragør Havn, where colorful historic cottages and a lively fishing harbor offer authentic coastal charm near Copenhagen.

Mindesmærke for Ove Rode

21.4 km

A life‑size bronze bust of statesman Ove Rode crowns Kalundborg’s Møllebakketrappen, blending political memory, pocket‑park calm and sweeping views over town and harbour.

Gryden

21.4 km

A small green amphitheatre tucked into Møllebakken’s slopes, where Kalundborg’s everyday park life meets open-air concerts and quiet hillside views.

Solskinspladsen, Kordilgade

21.4 km

A small sunlit square on Kalundborg’s main street, Solskinspladsen swaps a vanished town house for cobbles, daylight and an easy pause between shops and hillside.

Postgaarden Kalundborg Event og Musikhus

21.5 km

Historic post house turned modern event hub, Postgaarden is Kalundborg’s go-to address for comedy, concerts and celebrations on lively Kordilgade.

Postgaarden Kalundborg Event og Musikhus

1501 Klosterparken

21.5 km

Discover the atmospheric Røsnæs Strandpark Jættestue, a Neolithic burial chamber set in scenic coastal meadows near Kalundborg, where ancient history meets wild Nordic landscapes.

Kalundborg Local Library

21.6 km

Preserve and explore Kalundborg's rich medieval heritage through centuries of local documents and historical collections.

Kaalund Monastery

21.6 km

A warm yellow former monastery in Kalundborg’s High Town, where 13th‑century Franciscan roots meet an 18th‑century manor façade and today’s civic life.

Befrielsessten i Årby

21.7 km

Quietly honoring Danish statesman Ove Rode, this hilltop memorial offers reflective space and panoramic views in the heart of historic Kalundborg.

Authentic Chinese dining in spacious, elegantly decorated surroundings perfect for intimate meals or group celebrations.

Contemporary menswear boutique on Kalundborg's main shopping street, blending quality clothing with personalized service.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Delfinen Bodega

11.2 km

Unpolished village pub in rural Eskebjerg, where cold beers, card games, and casual conversation capture the essence of classic Danish bodega culture.

Shooters

21.2 km

Kalundborg’s lively bar and disco club serving up music, drinks, and authentic small-town Danish nightlife on weekends.

Next Door Pool Bar

21.2 km

Casual pool and sports bar on Kalundborg’s Kordilgade, mixing easygoing drinks, live games on screen and friendly competition around the pool tables.

Slotskældergården

21.3 km

Unpretentious Danish bar on Kalundborg’s main street, offering cold beer, warm light and a glimpse of everyday local life along Kordilgade.

King's Pub

21.5 km

Traditional small-town pub on Kalundborg’s main street, serving straightforward drinks, local character and unpretentious evening atmosphere.

Kalundborg Jazzclub

21.5 km

Intimate volunteer-run blues and jazz club in central Kalundborg, keeping a 1960s live music legacy alive with close-up concerts and warm community spirit.

Kontoret

21.5 km

Kalundborg's inclusive waterfront bar where locals and visitors gather for drinks, food, and genuine social connection.

Cafe Lillebælt

21.7 km

Cozy Kalundborg café-bar blending everyday Danish hygge, simple comfort food and drinks, and a neighborhood atmosphere a short stroll from the harbor.

The Red Rubin

40.6 km

Cozy, no‑nonsense neighborhood bar in central Slagelse, serving straightforward drinks and a relaxed local vibe from daytime until the early hours.

Cafe 23

40.6 km

Low‑key, old‑school brown bar in central Slagelse, serving inexpensive drinks and a slice of everyday Danish nightlife in a worn but welcoming setting.

Cafe Viking.

40.8 km

Unpretentious local bar in central Slagelse, serving inexpensive drinks and everyday Danish pub atmosphere from midday into the late evening.

Teater Cafe'en

40.9 km

Cosy neighbourhood bar in central Slagelse, blending café calm by day with a sociable, theatre-tinged bar atmosphere late into the weekend nights.

The Upper Hill

41.0 km

Cozy Irish-style pub in central Slagelse, serving generous pub dishes, broad beer and gin selections, live sports and music, plus outdoor tables on Fisketorvet.

The Old Pub

41.0 km

Lively Irish-style pub on Slagelse’s Fisketorvet, mixing late-night live music, casual drinks and dance-floor energy from Thursday to Saturday.

WOODY - Sport

41.0 km

Slagelse's premier weekend sports bar for craft beer, gin, and late-night social entertainment.

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Dragsholm Castle (Dragsholm Slot)

A brief summary to Dragsholm Castle

Local tips

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

Getting There

Train + Taxi from Copenhagen

Regional Bus within Odsherred

Car from Copenhagen or Roskilde

Dragsholm Castle location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Dragsholm Castle

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Dragsholm Castle

Eight Centuries Above the Former Fjord

From Impregnable Fortress to Royal Prison

Baroque Grandeur and Noble Estates

Ghost Stories in Whitewashed Corridors

Staying, Dining and Exploring the Grounds

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Træ-cirklerne ved Birkendegård

Kalundborg St.

Kalundborg Slot

Mindesmærke for Jørgen Manniche

The eltest city hall

Our Lady Church

Danhostel Kalundborg

Befrielsessten i Kallerup

Lerchenborg Gods

Landmarket Horsedalen

Stendysse ved Blæsinge

Breddysse Stones

RAF Memorial Stone

Rytterstatue af Christian IX

Vandtrappen

Unmissable attractions to see

Birkendegård

Landbomuseet På Birkendegaard

Lammefjorden

Maderne Røsnæs

Kalundborg Camping

Vandtårnet på Møllebakken

Befrielsessten i Kalundborg

Mindesmærke for Ove Rode

Gryden

Solskinspladsen, Kordilgade

Postgaarden Kalundborg Event og Musikhus

1501 Klosterparken

Kalundborg Local Library

Kaalund Monastery

Befrielsessten i Årby

Essential places to dine

Perlen

Bregninge Grillen

Svebølle Restaurant Parma & Pizzaria

KC Grillen

Torino Pizzaria & Grillhouse

Miami Pizza & Grillbar- Kalundborg

Pizza Verden Ristorante & Burger House

Pizza Express

Circle K Esbern Snaresv.,Kal

Øens bagel

Great Sushi

Tk Place

Kebab Time

Sushi Kalundborg Dan’C

Restaurant Sheng Hua

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Figalo Mode

Lidl

Butik 126 Kalundborg

Tøjeksperten

Boesen

Centrum Garn

Gliimt

Boutique A

Better Life

Thranes Legetøi

Tygesen Women

CHANGE Lingerie Outlet