Castles and churches

Gråsten Castle

Gråsten Castle and Castle Gardens are beautifully located just 10 minutes from Lærkelunden. Surrounded by the South Jutland nature with forest and lake, the castle is definitely worth a visit, both for families and young adults. Many guests enjoy the many hiking trails around the castle.

Gråsten Castle dates from 1759 and is the successor to several castles that have stood on the site since the 1500th century. Over the years, it has been extensively used as a summer residence for several of the royals – especially King Frederik and Queen Ingrid. This is also one of the reasons why the castle is unfortunately not open to the public.

On the other hand, the castle church and garden are open and definitely worth a visit. The church is incredibly beautifully decorated with many beautiful details, and the garden as well – and that's regardless of what time of year you visit.

Sønderborg Castle

Sønderborg Castle is located less than half an hour's drive from Lærkelunden, and is therefore an obvious destination for families with children, as well as adults or young campers.

The castle's history is believed to go back to 1158, when it was founded by Valdemar the Great as a fortress tower. Over the centuries, the castle has been expanded and rebuilt, but in 1964-73 it was restored and returned to the Baroque appearance that the castle was given by Frederick IV in the 1720s.

Of course, there is the opportunity to see the castle from the inside through the many different exhibitions. There are both permanent exhibitions that you will always be able to find, as well as changing exhibitions and fun activities that depend on the season. Often, local artists' works can also be found at Sønderborg Castle. If you are lucky, a guided tour is also offered when you come by.

Gottorp Castle

Gottorp Castle is built on an island in the Schleswig River, just west of the center of Schleswig. The castle was originally the bishop's castle, but from 1268 it passed to the Duke of Schleswig. Christian I took over the castle in 1559. Frederick I and Christian III expanded it further. The Dukes of Gottorp lived in the castle from 1544 to 1713 and turned the castle into a cultural center with a unique library and art gallery.

The castle was a Danish barracks in the period 1852-1864 and then a German garrison. After World War II, the castle was used to house refugees and from 1947 for archival purposes and museums, including an art museum. In the old riding building immediately west of the main building, the Nydam boat is exhibited.

Glücksborg Castle

Glücksborg is one of the most important residential castles in Northern Germany, and definitely worth a visit when you are on holiday in Southern Jutland. Did you know that it takes less than 45 minutes to drive to Glücksborg from Lærkelunden?

The castle is marked by European history, and is also known as the seat of the dukes of the House of Schleswig-Holstein. Sometimes also as the seat of government for the Danish kings – all belonging to the old family house of Oldenborg.

The castle functions as a museum, where you can explore the beautiful interior and the impressive building, which was built back in 1583-1587. There are also often exciting events at the castle, including Halloween, classical music and much more. All in all, there is a lot of exciting things for both children and adults.

The Old Church

The Old Church, St. Laurentius, was consecrated in 1158 and is thus one of the country's 5 oldest churches.

The history is as long as the church is old. Great things are to happen in and around the church. After the choir has been excavated, a new altar bench will be made.

The church has been very pleased to receive a grant of DKK 750.000 from the AP Møllers Foundation for the restoration of the paintings on the pulpit. The paintings depict the twelve minor prophets and have been covered up for centuries. Now they are coming to light again.