People who have been to Denmark often want to go back and those already there are unwilling to leave since there is something juicy about the country. Of course just like any place in this world, Denmark has its share of setbacks but one thing that can’t be taken away from it is the beauty and friendliness towards foreigners compared to many other countries. Maybe language and culture could somehow be a setback to foreigners but with a dedication to integration and open mindedness, there is always so much to marvel about in Denmark. Even those coming only for a short time to visit or on business trips will find the country to a large extent hospitable just as it is amazing. Among the litany of great attractions in Denmark is Jægerspris Castle.
The castle is locally known as Jægerspris Slot and is one intriguing castle located in Jægerspris on the Hornsherred cape west of Copenhagen. If you are interested in medieval Danish lifestyle and their castles, then this Danish manor house might e of much interest.
Get to know about Jægerspris Slot Background
When you get to visit the Jægerspris Slot, maybe you will be taken away by its huge size, tinge of historical design, the enchanting shapes and amazing facades that mirror way back in time. As a lover of details, it would be great to know how the castle came about at least to connect with the creators of its time.
The history of Jægerspris Slot can be traced back to the 13th century when it was owned by Danish monarchs. Its history became even more intense in the mid-19th century when it acted as a retreat for King Frederik VII. The king used it as a safe haven with his morganatic wife Countess Danner.
The couple renovated the castle significantly after they acquired it. Thankfully, the countess had a great fashion sense that enabled her to decorate the castle accordingly. However, the castle has remained a key figure in Danish history because of what Countess Danner did with it. Following the king’s death, she transformed it into an asylum for women.
Danner opened the castle to members of the public. It was her way of honouring the late king and kept the living rooms as an eternal memory for posterity about the beloved king. Thus, in modern times, Jægerspris Slot is considered a historical house museum and an attraction thanks to its park.
The Museum side of Jægerspris Slot
The Jægerspris Slot museum offers visitors a glimpse of the memorial rooms just as the late queen envisioned them. You can also see the audience’s silk wallpaper and beautiful stucco ceiling that make up the room. It offers guests access to the reliefs of Thorvaldsen and the king’s work room. The work room is equipped with a lovely pipe collection and the large oil painting of Countess Danner in the wedding dress. It was painted by David Monies in 1850.
Furthermore, you will have access to the tower room that has old golden leather tapestries. It also displays the king’s fishing rod. Subsequently, you can see the newsroom showcasing the king’s magnificent weapons collection. It also has other valuable things he inherited from his ancestors. Finally, the corridor has the royal hunting trophies and paintings of the Oldenburg kings.
Highlights on King Frederik VII’s Working Room
If you have an interest in the mid-19th century architecture and interior design then you will love touring Jægerspris Castle. Inside the memorial rooms, you will get a glimpse of the 19th century decorations and interior design. The countess had a keen eye for style and decoration. So, she ensured that the era’s top-notch styles were included here.
Besides, in the whole of Denmark, this is the only place you can experience this style in its entirety. Before she died, Countess Danner included instructions in her will that would ensure her cabinet remained untouched in the event of her death. Likewise, the living room also makes up part of the mid-19th century collection.
It is equipped with furniture covered in yellow silk and includes the county’s monogram. The countess opened it to the public in 1874. During your visit, don’t miss Louise Danner’s many journeys outlined in the adjoining room.
The Link Between Jægerspris Castle, the Poor and Surviving Girls
Countess Danner included a provision for the poor and surviving girls in her will before she died. She directed that the Jægerspris Castle and goods be a foundation for “benefit to the poor and surviving girls”. Thus, began the story of the orphanage and destitute girls that the Countess had hoped to help. However, before this, at the beginning of the 20th century, the foundation had already earned a reputation.
It was known as one of the country’s largest children’s institutions and remains a home to many children today. While visiting the castle, you will have access to the exhibition that highlights the story of the children. It outlines the lives of the children in the children’s home departments around the palace. The exhibition covers period between the 1920s, 30s, and 40s, while also demonstrating the role of the large private orphanage. It has had a major impact on the issue of child care in Denmark.
Other facilities at Jægerspris Castle
As an adult, you will be charged approximately DKK 55 at Jægerspris Castle when you visit. However, this is an affordable amount given that you will have access to the Coach park and a Restaurant/Café. At the park you will get to learn about the sculptor Johannes Wiedewelt thanks to the large monuments he erected here in the years around 1770.
The monuments were meant to commemorate popular Danish and Norwegian men and women. He managed to erect a total of 54 monuments in the park and the adjacent forest, Slotshegnet. Likewise, the park also showcases Countess Danner’s burial mound and Herman Wilhelm Bissen‘s bust of Frederik VII.
Finally, you will find large oak trees planted by Frederik V in the southern section. He hoped they would ensure the availability of timber for naval construction. The Northern side of the park is characterized by avenues of lime trees.