Egeskov Castle

Egeskov Castle

Egeskov Castle (Egeskov Slot) is located in the southern part of Funen, the second-largest island in Denmark. Built in 1554, it is Europe’s best-preserved Renaissance-style water castle.

Due to the civil wars caused by the Reformation, most Danish nobles built their homes like fortifications. Egeskov Castle was constructed on oak pile foundations next to a small lake, with the deepest part reaching 5 meters. Originally, the only way to enter the castle was via a drawbridge. According to legend, an entire forest of oak trees was used to build the foundations, which is why the castle was named “Egeskov” (Danish for “oak forest”).

The castle consists of two long buildings connected by a thick double wall. This allowed defenders to abandon one building and continue fighting from the other. The double wall is over 1 meter thick and houses secret staircases and a well. Defenders could also repel flank attacks through two round corner towers. Other medieval defensive features include gun ports, crenellations, and arrow slits, all built with traditional Danish red bricks.

Egeskov Slot

Must-visit reason: Europe’s best-preserved Renaissance-style water castle

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/region where the attraction is located: Denmark[Denmark]

Province/state where the attraction is located: Region of Southern Denmark [Region of Southern Denmark]