Dragsholm Castle

Hørve, Denmark

Dragsholm Castle is one of the oldest secular buildings in Denmark. The original castle was built around 1215 by the Bishop of Roskilde. During the Middle Ages, the building was modified from the original palace to a fortified castle. During the Count's Feud (1534–36) it was so strong that it was the only castle on Zealand to withstand the armies of Count Christoffer.

In connection with the Reformation, Dragsholm was passed on to the Crown. As Crownland during the period from 1536 to 1664, Dragsholm Castle was used as a prison for noble and ecclesiastical prisoners. In the large tower at the northeast corner of the medieval castle, prison cells were made and equipped with toilets and windows depending on the prisoner’s crimes, behaviour and the seriousness of his insults towards the King.

During the wars against Charles X Gustav of Sweden, an attempt was made to blow up Dragsholm Castle, and the place was a ruin until the King as part payment of his outstanding debts gave the castle to the grocer Heinrich Müller, and he started the restoration.

In 1694, Dragsholm Castle was sold to the nobleman Frederik Christian Adeler and finally rebuilt as the baroque castle we see today. Several owners from that family have made a lasting imprint on the development, including G. F. O. Zytphen Adeler, who took the initiative to drain the Lammefjord. The family line became extinct in 1932, and Dragsholm Castle passed over to the Central Land Board which sold the place to J.F. Bøttger, but only with the land belonging to the main estate.

Today, the baroque style of the castle still remains intact, but the interior of the Castle has been subject to restorations and modernisations over the years. The most recent major restoration took place after the first world war, where the Baron aimed for a Late Romantic Style, which still prevails in the salons and ballrooms.

In recent years, the Bøttger family has managed the running of the castle after a number of minor restorations, which in addition to general conservation of the building has had the purpose of raising the level of quality of the castle as a hotel, restaurant and attraction. The hotel rooms at the castle have been refurbished and modernised, and more rooms have been added in the porter’s lodge on the other side of the moat.

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Details

Founded: 17th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Denmark
Historical period: Absolutism (Denmark)

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Aleksi Pertola (4 months ago)
I booked this stay as a birthday present for my wife, primarily for the gourmet dinner. We both agreed that it was one of the best, if not the best menu we have ever been served. As for the hotel room itself, there was little to complain about; the room was spacious and had the classic castle feel we were looking for, and the huge bathtub was a plus.
Kevin Miles (5 months ago)
The grounds and building were neat, and I would recommend a day trip if 13th century castles are your thing. I didn’t have the breakfast myself, but my girlfriend said it was a traditional danish spread, but fairly mediocre. Room was small, cramped and musty. Food at both restaurants was far below what I expected at the Michelin stared kitchen and just plain bad at the general hotel restaurant. Staff there feel the need to remind you constantly the restaurant is in the Michelin guide and that the hotel is part of Relais & Chateux. If you do go, make sure you have your own car. Not much in the area and you’ll be able to leave early when you’ve had your fill after a day. This place is anything but luxury - would not recommend.
Jimmy H (7 months ago)
Dragsholm never disappoints. Unless the temperature outside is hot! The history, countryside, cuisine and quaint quarters make the hotel a special place. The staff is always courteous and aims to please. The farm to fork food is accompanied by an array of varying edible flower pedals, sprigs, and leaves in a style well popularized in Danish cuisine culture by the famous Noma restaurant. Take advantage of the bikes and ride to the fjord or venture the countryside through fields of wheat, potatoes, corn, and barley. In late August and September, there are large bushes of mature blackberries ripe for a snack on a bike ride or walk. I’ve been to Dragsholm four times over the years and would never hesitate to visit again.
N. S. Andersen (8 months ago)
A fascinating historic castle in a beautiful landscape in the North Vest of Seeland, Denmark. We had a relaxing and enriching stay. The long history of the building is present everywhere. Staffe and service met us in the best manner. We felt truly welcome.
Jordan Adams (8 months ago)
We’ve been all over the world and this place for = the most peace, quiet, and serenity we’ve experienced. No wonder the original builders chose this spot. We enjoyed the cool weather + the amazing restaurant. Even the breakfast was top tier. The staff was helpful, informational, kind, and respectful. We dream of staying again in the future.
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