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The history of Sønderborg Castle dates back to 1170 when it formed a part of Denmark's defence against the threatening attacks of the Wends. During the Middle Ages it was extended to a citadel while its ownership alternated between the Danish kings and the dukes of Schleswig. Much later, in 1532-1549 the castle's quarters were used to hold the deposed King Christian II as a prisoner. The next turn came when King Christian III and Queen Dorothea converted the building into a Renaissance castle that also had a Lutheran chapel.
The castle acquired its current appearance in 1718-26. Following the defeat of Denmark in the Danish-German War of 1864 Schleswig was annexed to Prussia and Sønderborg was taken into use as a German barracks. After the First World War a plebiscite was held and North Schleswig was reunited with Denmark and is now known as South Jutland.
Attractively situated on the shores of the Baltic Sea, the Sønderborg Castle guards the seaward approach to the Als sound and the town of Sønderborg in South Jutland.
Since 1920 Sønderborg Castle has housed the museum of regional history and features exhibitions on political and military history. Other major themes include seafaring, craftsmanship, furnishing, textiles, silverware, pottery, toys, and paintings from the Danish Golden Age to the present day.
Opening hours:
May-September: all days 10-5 pm.
October-March: 1-4 pm, closed on Mondays.
April: 10-4 pm, closed on Mondays.
Tours by appointment.
Café in the height of the season.
Facilities for disabled people.
