Nørre Vosborg Castle

Niels Bugge was one of the first known owners of the Nørre Vosborg manor in the 14th century. In 1532 a huge storm surge enveloped and demolished the buildings, which were not rebuilt on the same site. Knud Gyldenstjerne moved Nørre Vosborg inland to its present, safer position. The estate was subsequently owned by the Linde Leths (1707–1778) and the Tangs (1783-1946), the latter family hosting many prominent guests at their imposing manor. Among them, in the summer of 1859, was Hans Christian Andersen, who here found time to write poetry and tales, cut silhouettes, and generally amuse himself relating accounts of numerous resident ghosts.

The fascinating castle complex consists of buildings from four centuries, and represents five different architectural styles. Built in 1552, the Gyldenstjerne residence features characteristic Gothic garrets and has been remodelled several times. The Renaissance, half-timbered Ide Lange residence was built in 1642. With its supporting columns of joined wood, this is one of the earliest of its kind in this part of Denmark. The Baroque style, particularly evident in the prominent stairways, is represented by the De Linde residence, which was built in 1770 on the foundation of a former carriage house and barn. Under the house, there were once five or six cells to hold prisoners on their way to high court in the city of Viborg. The Tang residence was built in the New Classicist style in 1839, and connected to the Gyldenstjerne wing by a New Gothic bay room.

Following a fire, the south section of the barn complex was rebuilt in 1951. Having once provided shelter for cows, calves and pigs, it today houses a foyer and multi-purpose hall with seating for 300 persons, as well as a conference room and three hotel rooms. The north section was built in 1778. It played an important role in the bullock business in bygone days, and still retains its typical North Jutland characteristics with burned tiles, hipped thatched roofs and blue wooden doors. At one time a haymow, bullock barn and horse stalls, as well as the farm bailiff’s residence, the building now contains the hotel reception, gift shop, some hotel rooms, as well as exhibition and banquet venues.

The Gate Tower is synonymous with Nørre Vosborg, and one only needs to see it to understand why. Built in 1790 by Peder Tang when he owned the manor, it was inspired by Dutch architecture he had seen on a business trip abroad. Note that the face of the clock has only one hand.

References:

• Nørre Vosborg Castle

Address

Vembvej 35, Vemb, Denmark

Details

Founded: 1552
Category: Castles and fortifications in Denmark
Historical period: Early Modern Denmark (Denmark)