Sønderborg Castle

Sønderborg Slot

A four-winged old castle on the shore of the Alssund, first built in the 12th century. It now houses the South Jutland History Museum and one of the oldest court chapels in Northern Europe.

Sønderborg Castle began as a defensive fortress in the 12th century. In the 16th century it was rebuilt as a four-winged Renaissance palace. Danish King Christian II was imprisoned here for 17 years. The castle museum tells the history of South Jutland, from the Middle Ages through the war of 1864, the return to Denmark in 1920, and the German occupation during World War II. Queen Mary's Chapel preserves exquisite 16th-century decoration. Admission is about DKK 100, children under 18 enter free, and the museum is closed on Mondays in winter. The castle sits at the south end of the harbor and can be reached on foot along the waterfront promenade.

Opening hours

Jun–Aug 10:00–17:00; other months 10:00–16:00; closed Mondays in winter (check official website)

Castle · Museum · South Jutland history

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