Meilgaard Castle

Lore & Background

The estate known as Medelgård was first mentioned when it changed title in 1345. Over the centuries, it passed through many families, including the Skjernov, Juul, Bille, and Høg Banner lines. In 1868, Baron Christian Iuel-Brockdorff (1827–1888) acquired Meilgaard, and it is now owned by Michael F. Iuel and his wife Princess Désirée of Schaumburg-Lippe. Part of the castle has been converted into five private apartments, and a former farm building now serves as a restaurant.

Reader's Guide

Meilgaard Castle is historically significant not only as a continuously inhabited estate but also for its archaeological importance. The coastal forest of Nederskov, just north of the castle, contains the world's first scientifically excavated midden (køkkenmødding). In 1848, the National Museum of Denmark organized an excavation under Jens Jacob Asmussen Worsaae and Johan Georg Forchhammer. Scientists concluded that the oyster shells were leftovers and waste from the Ertebølle culture, dating to the end of the Mesolithic period (ca 5300 BC – 3950 BC). This discovery helped establish the study of prehistoric human settlements in Scandinavia. The estate spans 2,070 hectares, with 543 farmed and 1,220 forested, reflecting its continued agricultural and forestry use.

Did You Know?

• The estate was first mentioned in 1345 when it changed title.
• The current castle dates from 1573, with a major rebuilding from 1888 to 1891.
• The coastal forest of Nederskov is home to the world's first scientifically excavated midden.
• The midden was excavated in 1848 by Jens Jacob Asmussen Worsaae and Johan Georg Forchhammer.