History of the Castle

Explore the History of

Dragsholm Slot – Gateway to Odsherred

With its long history, Dragsholm Slot offers a rich legacy.

The castle in scenic Odsherred is one of Denmark’s oldest, dating back more than 800 years. Over the centuries, wars have raged, the Castle Chapel has been the setting for aristocratic weddings, and prominent prisoners have been led across the castle courtyard. Today, Dragsholm Slot serves as a hotel with 41 double rooms, several renowned restaurants, and facilities for private events, meetings and conferences as well as a chapel for weddings and religious services.

We are dedicated to offering our guests total immersive experiences. Our aim is to preserve and pass on the authenticity, heritage and character of the area, while at the same time connecting the castle and its cultural heritage with the aesthetics and modern comforts of the 21st century.

At a glance

A historic castle hotel with Danish heritage

800+
Years of history
3
Unique restaurants
41
Distinctive rooms
1
Michelin star
1
Cocktail bar
1
Wine cellar
9
Meeting rooms
1
Outdoor gym
1
Castle Church
2
Vineyards
1
Castle shop
2
Elegant terraces for dining

"At Dragsholm, we believe that true hospitality is rooted in place—in the stories of these ancient walls, the bounty of our legendary Lammefjord, and the warmth of a genuine Danish welcome."

Custodians of Dragsholm Slot

The original Dragsholm

From bishop’s residence to hotel and gastronomic destination, discover the defining moments that have shaped Dragsholm Slot.

  • 1215

    The first Dragsholm

    Dragsholm was most likely built around 1215 as a palatium rather than a castle. Architectural details suggest a connection to Roskilde Cathedral. The earliest structure consisted of a southern wing with living quarters, a kitchen, and a grand hall with a high ceiling.

  • 1300s–1400s

    From palace to fortress

    Over the following centuries, Dragsholm was gradually expanded into a four-winged fortified castle. The walls were strengthened, the windows reduced in size, the moat widened, and the complex took on a more defensive character.

  • 1535

    The Count’s feud

    During the Count’s Feud, Dragsholm was besieged for several months. The castle was fired upon, but it was never stormed. It therefore remained under the bishop’s control until the shift in power that followed the Reformation.

  • 1536

    From Bishop’s residence to royal castle

    After the Reformation, Dragsholm passed from the Bishopric of Roskilde to the Danish Crown. It became a royal fief and part of a strengthened monarchy.

  • 1536–1664

    Royal fief and state prison

    During this period, Dragsholm served both as an administrative royal fief and as a prison for noble and clerical prisoners. Among the best-known names are Joachim Rønnow and James Hepburn.

  • 1657–1660

    War and destruction

    During the Dano-Swedish Wars, Dragsholm was occupied, and around the peace settlement in 1660 parts of the castle were blown up. The damage left its mark on the estate for many years to come.

  • 1694–1697

    Adeler and the reconstruction

    Frederik Christian Adeler took over Dragsholm in 1694. The rebuilding was completed in 1697, giving the castle its Baroque expression with whitewashed walls, hipped roofs, and a more symmetrical courtyard.

  • 1785

    Adelersborg

    Dragsholm was first elevated to a barony and, in 1785, renamed Adelersborg. The change of name marked a new chapter in the castle’s history under the Adeler family.

  • 1868

    The return of the name Dragsholm

    Georg Frederik Otto Zytphen-Adeler reinstated the name Dragsholm Slot. During the same period, he was also among the initiators of the reclamation of Lammefjorden, which changed the surrounding landscape significantly.

  • 1937

    From castle to hotel

    Following a change of ownership and the subdivision of the estate lands, Dragsholm was sold to Johan Frederik Bøttger. The castle was subsequently leased for hotel operations and has since served as a place of hospitality and stays, with the exception of the final years of the German occupation.

  • 2005–2006

    A new chapter at the Castle

    Mads Hylleholt Bøttger joined as director in 2005. In 2006, the cellar level was inaugurated with a reception, kitchen, and gourmet restaurant, significantly strengthening Dragsholm’s gastronomic profile.

  • Today

    History, gastronomy, and hospitality

    Today, Dragsholm Slot is a historic hotel with restaurants, stays, private events, meetings, and a church. Its ambition remains to unite historical authenticity with contemporary comfort, gastronomy, and hospitality.

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