Plizio Visual Lab
Dragsholm Castle
Dragsholm Castle is one of Denmark's oldest secular buildings, boasting a history that spans over 800 years. Originally founded around 1215 by the Bishop of Roskilde as a fortified residence, it served as a strategic fortress on the Odsherred peninsula during the Middle Ages. Following the Reformation, the castle came under the crown's ownership and was significantly damaged during the Dano-Swedish wars in the 1650s. In 1694, the estate was purchased by the Adeler family and rebuilt in its current Baroque style, which still defines its appearance today. A notable historical chapter was the imprisonment of James Hepburn, the 4th Earl of Bothwell and husband of Mary Stuart, who died in the castle's dungeon in 1578. Today, Dragsholm is renowned as a luxury hotel and home to a Michelin-starred restaurant that features regional ingredients from the Lammefjord. The building is also famous for its numerous ghost legends, most notably the story of the White Lady. The architecture remains a fascinating mix of medieval foundations and Baroque elegance.
- Location: Denmark
- Top sights: Kæmpebakken · Vejrhøj Skov · Barnehøi
- Nearby: Eskebjerg (9 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 2 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 18 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 4 |
| Rain mm | 64 | 51 | 44 | 38 | 52 | 73 | 78 | 86 | 64 | 80 | 71 | 69 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- Dragsholm Castle was founded around 1215 by the Bishop of Roskilde.
- It is one of the oldest secular buildings in Denmark still in use today.
- James Hepburn, husband of Mary Stuart, died in the castle's prison in 1578.
- The building was heavily damaged in the 1650s and rebuilt in Baroque style in 1694.
- The castle is home to a renowned Michelin-starred restaurant.
- It is famous for its resident ghosts, including the legendary White Lady.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Dragsholm Castle (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is Dragsholm Castle really haunted?
Can you stay overnight at the castle?
What is special about the cuisine at Dragsholm?
Which historical figure was imprisoned here?
When was the castle built?
Dragsholm Castle: where is it located?
Dragsholm Castle: what is there to see?
Dragsholm Castle: when is the best time to visit?
Dragsholm Castle: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
