Schackenborg Castle

Lore & Background

Originally called Møgeltønderhus, the site was a stronghold owned by the Roman Catholic bishops of Ribe. During the Reformation in Denmark, the mansion was confiscated from the Church by the Danish crown. Count Hans von Schack, a German-born nobleman and military officer in Danish service originally from Mecklenburg, received Møgeltønderhus as a token of King Frederick III's gratitude for his military achievements in the Northern Wars. Schack demolished most of the mansion in 1661 due to its bad condition and built the more impressive, baroque-style Schackenborg Castle. In 1680, a street was laid out from the manor house toward the local church. For eleven generations, the castle belonged to the von Schack family before being transferred to a foundation established by the Danish Royal Family in 1978.

Reader's Guide

Schackenborg Castle represents a transition from a medieval episcopal stronghold to a baroque noble residence, and later to a modern royal home. Its history reflects key events in Danish history, including the Reformation and the Northern Wars. The castle's transfer to Prince Joachim in 1993 and the subsequent restoration funded by the Nation's Gift highlight its continued significance to the Danish monarchy. Since 2014, the castle has been owned by a foundation, ensuring its preservation while no longer serving as a private royal residence. The castle and park are not open to the general public, though guided tours of the gardens are sometimes available in summer.

Did You Know?

• Schackenborg Castle was originally called Møgeltønderhus.
• Count Hans von Schack demolished most of the original mansion in 1661 due to its bad condition.
• A public fundraising campaign known as the 'Nation's Gift' raised several million Danish kroner for the castle's restoration in 1993–1994.