Sønderborg Castle

The castle was originally called „Søndre Borg“ and was built around 1170 because of its strategic location to defend the land. In the 14th and 15th centuries, the castle was gradually expanded and rebuilt and was under both Danish and Schleswigian rule. The town of Sønderborg arose under the protection of the castle.

The strong castle was used as a prison for the Danish King Christian II from 1532 to 1549. In 1550, King Christian III and Queen Dorothea began the conversion of the castle into a Renaissance palace with an associated palace church. After the castle was reduced to a Baroque palace, it served as barracks and prison cellars during various wars. After reunification in 1920, it was sold to the German government.

Today the castle contains a museum über the südjütländische history with various exhibitions from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. During a visit to the historical museum, you will move through the different eras and experience the prisoners' hole, the knights' hall and the castle church. In the exhibitions, you will experience important events in German history, such as the war of 1864, the First World War and the reunification of 1920.

Opening times

April - October: Monday – Sunday 10:00–17:00

November - March: Tuesday – Sunday 10:00–17:00

Price:

Adults 95 DKK

Students 76 DKK

Children under 18 are admitted free of charge.