- 4 min read
Discover living history and art treasures in the fairytale Glücksburg Castle
More than just a museum
There are well over 300 moated castles and palaces in Germany - the northernmost moated castle and one of the most important castle complexes in Northern Europe is located on the Flensburg Fjord: Glücksburg Castle, built between 1582 and 1587 by order of Duke John the Younger of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg, still reflects the splendor of bygone eras.
Imposing corner towers, an almost square ground plan and three elegant individual houses characterize the castle, which was built on a massive 2.5-metre-high granite base and is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. The castle looks back on a centuries-old, multi-faceted history spanning several generations and lines of Glücksburg dukes. In 1922, the castle was converted into a foundation and opened to the public as a museum, but remained in family ownership. To this day, the Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg family attaches great importance to bringing the character of the historic castle to life and thus offering visitors a lively museum that deals with various cultural and historical issues and contexts - for a better understanding of the present.
In an interview with museum director Susanne Ascheron, we find out more about the impressive castle, how the history of the castle and the House of Glücksburg is brought to life on site and the wide range of activities on offer beyond the museum.
Engel & Völkers Schleswig-Holstein: Dear Ms. Ascheron, great that we can learn more about Glücksburg Castle! Can you summarize the history of the castle in a few sentences?
Susanne Ascheron: Originally, there was a monastery complex on the site of today's castle lake, built by Cistercian monks in 1209. The monastery, which existed for over 350 years, was called "Rudekloster". in 1582, it came into the Danish possession of John the Younger, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg. Johann immediately began to demolish the monastery complex and had Glücksburg Castle built - presumably based on French models. Many of the monastery's high-quality building materials were "recycled" for the palace construction. in 1587, the building was completed in just five years, with Nikolaus Karies as the master builder. Many parts of the castle have remained unchanged to this day and is one of the major works of Renaissance architecture. It is a square building with a length and width of 30 meters each. The core building consists of three identical gabled houses built side by side. At the four corners are octagonal towers, each with a diameter of 7 meters. The castle lake was artificially dammed for the construction of the castle and the building was not built on piles - as is the case with many other moated castles - but on a 2.5 m high granite plinth.
Engel & Völkers Schleswig-Holstein: Why is the castle one of the most important of its kind in Northern Europe?
Susanne Ascheron: Glücksburg Castle enjoys a high number of visitors, with around 80,000 guests visiting the castle every year. Glücksburg Castle is a jewel among moated castles because it rises out of the water with its majestic presence. The Duke's motto is emblazoned above the magnificent entrance portal: "GGGMF - God grant happiness with peace", which greets visitors. Every year, more than 300 bridal couples say "I do" at Glücksburg Castle in order to have happiness and peace as a constant companion in their marriage.
Visitors can explore the rooms steeped in history; the ballroom on the first floor is particularly impressive, where magnificent ceremonies can still be held today.
On each floor there are a variety of art treasures from different centuries, including numerous tapestries from the early 18th century and leather wallpaper from the 17th century, which bring the history and splendor of this unique castle to life.
Engel & Völkers Schleswig-Holstein: Why did the Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg family decide to turn the castle into a foundation in 1922?
Susanne Ascheron: The castle became a foundation in 1922 for economic reasons, as the costs of maintaining the castle could hardly be met.
Engel & Völkers Schleswig-Holstein: In your opinion, what are the highlights of the castle, both architecturally and in terms of the exhibits? What exhibitions and art treasures can visitors look forward to? How is the history of the castle and Glücksburg brought to life?
Susanne Ascheron: The highlight of the castle is its waterside location and the personal atmosphere of the house. The castle is still a family foundation today. Every visitor has the impression that the family is briefly out of the house and immediately returns to the covered dining room or bedroom. The castle invites you to linger and you have the impression of being a VIP guest in the ducal house.
A special artistic treasure is the wonderful castle chapel as a whole, which is full of life. Weddings, christenings, confirmations and much more take place here every week. From the time the chapel was built until 1853 (i.e. for 266 years since the castle was built), it was used for services by the ducal family, the court and the government of the duchy. For several generations, the castle chapel also served as a place of worship for the inhabitants of the town of Glücksburg. The famous Marcussen organ, built in 1847, has been restored to its former sound character. The organ sounds regularly.
Adjacent to the chapel, behind a wooden door with golden lettering from 1668, is the ducal crypt, where members of the ducal family were buried until 1811. Through a keyhole you can see the sumptuously furnished coffins, which are of extraordinary cultural and historical value.
The history of the castle and the House of Glücksburg is brought to life through 25 different tour formats, including "Night at the Castle" and a "Princely Coffee Table". Children can explore the castle dressed up as a prince or princess.
Engel & Völkers Schleswig-Holstein: Glücksburg Castle is now not only a museum, but also a popular event location. What occasions can be celebrated at the castle?
Susanne Ascheron: You can be baptized, confirmed, married, celebrate birthdays of all ages, company parties and much more at the castle.
Engel & Völkers Schleswig-Holstein: Glücksburg Castle is also a great vacation destination, as you rent out several modern vacation apartments directly on the castle island. Why and to whom do you recommend a vacation at Glücksburg Castle?
Susanne Ascheron Vacations at Glücksburg Castle are relaxing thanks to its proximity to the fjord, beautiful forests, beaches and attractive cycle paths on the Holnis peninsula. Glücksburg also impresses with a stunning culinary offering in the castle itself, but also with a private brewery in the town, great restaurants on the promenade in the Strandhotel, in the Gudlak, in the Glückselig or simply with delicious cakes in the charming bakery on Schlossallee called Backgeflüster.
Engel & Völkers Schleswig-Holstein: Thank you very much for the exciting insights, dear Ms. Ascheron, and good luck for the future!
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Glücksburg Castle Foundation
24960 Glücksburg
Phone: +49 (0) 46 31 - 44 23 30
E-Mail: info@schloss-gluecksburg.de
Opening hours:
01.05.2024 to 31.10.2024 daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m
01.11.2024 to 30.11.2024 Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m
Further information can be found at
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