Egeskov Castle Travel Guide: Denmark’s Fairytale Renaissance Fortress

Welcome to Egeskov Castle, one of the best-preserved moated Renaissance castles in Europe. Nestled in the green heart of Funen Island, this magical estate is much more than a historic monument—it's a living cultural attraction with museums, exhibitions, enchanting gardens, and something for every age.
 

As your virtual tour guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan your visit—from fascinating history and what to see, to how to get there and local travel tips.

📍 Where Is Egeskov Castle?

Location: Kværndrup, Island of Funen, Denmark

Distance from Odense: ~35 minutes by car

From Copenhagen: ~2 hours by train + bus or car

Address: Egeskov Gade 18, 5772 Kværndrup, Denmark

🕰️ A Brief History of Egeskov Castle

Built in 1554 by nobleman Frands Brockenhuus, Egeskov (meaning “oak forest”) gets its name from the oak piles used as a foundation—legend says an entire forest was used to support it.

Originally constructed as a fortified residence, it features thick walls, narrow spiral staircases, and defensive towers.

It’s been privately owned by the Ahlefeldt-Laurvig-Bille family for over 230 years and still serves as their home today.

Over the years, it has evolved from a noble residence into a major cultural attraction drawing visitors from around the world.

🏞️ What to See at Egeskov Castle

1. The Castle Interior

Step back into the Renaissance era with rooms filled with antique furniture, portraits, and hunting trophies.

Banquet Hall: Lavishly decorated with 17th-century elegance

The Yellow Room: A charming guest room with historic flair

Victorian Rooms: Preserved bedrooms showing life in the 1800s

Secret Staircases and narrow passageways for a sense of adventure

🎧 Tip: Audio guides are available to help you explore the castle’s rooms and their stories.

2. The Park and Gardens

Egeskov’s sprawling 15-hectare parkland is a destination on its own, with themed gardens and tranquil spaces. Don’t miss:

The Renaissance Garden – Precise geometric patterns of hedges and flowers

The White Garden – A serene all-white floral experience

The Herb Garden – Medicinal and culinary plants

The Water Garden – With bridges and sculptures over peaceful ponds

The Labyrinth – A fun hedge maze for all ages

🌸 Best time to visit gardens: Late spring through early autumn.

3. The Tree Top Walking Path

One of Egeskov’s most thrilling features! This treetop trail includes:

Suspension bridges 15 meters high

Views over the gardens and castle grounds

Educational signs about local flora and fauna

4. The Vintage Museums

Egeskov boasts multiple museums housed in old farm buildings. These include:

The Classic Car Museum – Featuring over 50 vintage vehicles

The Motorcycle Museum – With historic Danish and global models

The Emergency Vehicles Collection – Fire trucks, ambulances, and more

Camping & Caravan Museum – Retro Danish travel life on display

Agricultural Equipment Museum – From tractors to hand tools

🚗 Car enthusiasts and kids alike love these collections!

5. Titania’s Palace

A miniature castle created by a British painter for his daughter and now displayed at Egeskov. It features:

Over 3,000 hand-crafted details

Miniature art, furniture, and accessories

A magical look into fairy-tale craftsmanship

6. The Play Forest & Playground

Perfect for families with young children:

Large adventure playgrounds

Skywalks and tree towers

Climbing nets, zip lines, and slides

Mini safari cars and outdoor games

👨‍👩‍👧 This area turns a historic visit into a full-day family adventure.

🎟️ Tickets and Opening Hours

🎫 Admission Prices (subject to seasonal changes)

Adults: DKK 230 (€31)

Children (4–12): DKK 140 (€19)

Under 4: Free

Discounts available for groups and online bookings

🕒 Opening Hours

Season: Mid-April to late October

Hours: Typically 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (varies by season)

Closed in winter except for special Christmas events

🎟️ Buy tickets online at egeskov.dk to skip the line and get discounts.

🧭 How to Get There

🚗 By Car:

35 minutes from Odense

2 hours from Copenhagen

Parking is free on-site

🚆 By Public Transport:

Train to Kværndrup Station from Odense

Then take a short taxi or local bus to the castle

🍽️ Where to Eat at Egeskov

Egeskov offers several on-site food options:

Café Jomfru Rigborg – Sandwiches, Danish smørrebrød, salads

The Castle Café – Rustic dishes with garden views

Ice Cream & Snack Stalls – Perfect for a summer day

🧺 Picnic areas are available too—bring your own lunch and relax in the gardens.

🛍️ Shopping and Souvenirs

The castle shop offers:

Danish design products

Books and toys

Garden gifts and seeds

Souvenirs themed around fairytales, castles, and vintage vehicles

📅 Events at Egeskov

Egeskov Christmas Market (November–December): A magical winter wonderland with lights, decorations, and Nordic treats.

Classic Car Festival: A summer must for vintage car lovers.

Garden Days: Exhibitions, workshops, and floral installations

Halloween Activities: Family-friendly fun during October half-term

🏨 Where to Stay Nearby

Hotel Faaborg Fjord – Spa and sea views, ~30 min drive

Hotel Odense – Convenient city stay if you're exploring Funen

B&Bs and Holiday Homes – Quaint countryside lodging around Kværndrup

📷 Best Photo Spots

The Castle reflected in the moat – Picture-perfect symmetry

The treetop walkway – Unique angles of the estate

Inside the gardens – Especially the White Garden and Rose Walk

Titania’s Palace – Incredible miniature details

Sunset by the lake – A serene and magical end to your visit

🎒 Travel Tips from Your Tour Guide

Arrive Early: To enjoy a full day—there’s a lot to see!

Comfortable Shoes: Expect walking through gardens, grass, and gravel paths

Good for Kids: With playgrounds, open spaces, and museums

Wheelchair Accessibility: Gardens and museums are accessible; castle interiors may have limitations

Weather Awareness: Bring layers or rain gear—many attractions are outdoors

🧚‍♀️ Why Visit Egeskov Castle?

Egeskov Castle isn't just a destination for history buffs—it's a full experience. Whether you're:

Wandering manicured gardens

Admiring vintage vehicles

Walking through treetop trails

Exploring ancient rooms

Or watching your children race through the playground

…you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook setting with a modern twist.

📌 Suggested 1-Day Itinerary for Egeskov Castle

Morning

Arrive at opening time

Explore the castle interior and Titania’s Palace

Stroll through the Renaissance and White Gardens

Lunch

Eat at Café Jomfru Rigborg or picnic in the park

Afternoon

Visit the museums (cars, motorcycles, camping)

Walk the Tree Top Path

Let the kids enjoy the Play Forest

Evening

Capture sunset photos by the lake

Stop by the souvenir shop before departure

🌟 Final Thoughts: Egeskov – More Than a Castle

Egeskov Castle is where Danish heritage, natural beauty, and family fun come together. It’s not just about grand halls and ancient stories—it’s about interactive experiences that bring history to life and make visitors of all ages fall in love with Denmark’s countryside charm.

Whether you're on a day trip from Odense or touring Denmark in depth, Egeskov is a must-visit landmark that delights, educates, and inspires.