Manors, Country Houses and Castles in South Zealand

Manors, Country Houses and Castles in South Zealand

Visit beautiful South Zealand with its many picturesque manors and several grand houses. Once favoured by the Danish kings this area later became an inspirational haven to Hans Christian Andersen and others. 

A guided tour to beautiful South Zealand, the area that in the late 18th century produced the vicar and poet Niels Frederik Severin Grundtvig, who was to found the Folk High School System - renowned in Denmark.

Half a century later the celebrated sculpturer Bertel Thorvaldsen, newly returned from Rome, found refuge at Nysø Manor.

The author Hans Christian Andersen loved visiting the families at the manors and country houses of the region, and several of his famous fairytales are written during his stays here.

In the Middle Ages the Valdemar kings placed an important fortress in South Zealand, namely in the town of Vordingborg overlooking the harbour. Take a stroll with me through the castle green and let me introduce you to the remains of the medieval fortress and the battles of the three Valdemar kings. 

In later centuries the Danish kings struck camp and moved north, and rich families shared the region between them. Then one day in 1774, the king decided to sell South Zealand! I'll reveal the story to you.

I invite you to come with me to Gisselfeldt Castle, built in the 16th century by the king's minister of finances, Peder Oxe, who years later had to flee the place. I take you on a short guided tour in the park and the chapel that adorns the grand Gavnø Castle.

You will also be able to enjoy the sight of the white Rønnebæksholms Manor, where Grundtvig met the woman who was to become the love of his life, if ever so short. 

Everywhere we go I give you the stories of the beautiful buildings and their successive owners.

Gisselfeldt Castle is presently in the possession of the Danneskiold-Samsøe family. The park that measures 40 hectares is laid out as an English garden, and is a popular spot for picnics and strolls.

Estimated from Copenhagen, but we can start anywhere.