Egeskov Castle, complete with moat and drawbridge, is a magnificent example of the lavish constructions that sprang up during Denmark’s ‘Golden Age’. It was built in 1554 on a foundation of thousands of upright oak trunks.
There are enough sights and activities in the grounds to keep anyone happily occupied for a day. Inside the castle itself, 12 rooms plus the attic are open to visitors. These are full of antique furnishings, grand period paintings and an abundance of macabre hunting trophies.
In the attic is a beautiful collection of old toys, and a model train set from the early 20th century. The castle's pride and joy is Titania’s Palace . This jaw-dropping doll’s house was commissioned by English officer Sir Nevile Wilkinson, who filled it with miniature works of art over a 15-year period. This is Downton Abbey, rendered in miniature (and far grander). You could study its marvels – including handcarved mahogany furniture, tiny tapestries, glass mosaic windows, a miniature chess set, an illustrated Bible no bigger than a thumbnail – for hours.
The Grounds
Designed in the 18th century, the castle’s expansive 15-hectare park contains century-old privet hedges, a herd of deer, space-age sculptures and manicured English-style gardens. Visitor attractions include a handful of first-class museums displaying outstanding collections of vintage cars and aircraft, antique motorcycles and bikes, emergency vehicles and horse-drawn vehicles, plus a wartime grocery shop.
There’s also the cheesy Dracula’s Crypt; a fabulous children’s playground and a trio of mazes; and a treetop walk with shaky bridges and push-button birdsong.
The castle grounds usually stay open an hour longer than the castle. Check the website for 'Open By Night' events (usually Wednesdays in peak summer), when the grounds stay open until 11pm, with a program of evening concerts and fireworks. There's also pre-Christmas activity.
