Augustenborg Castle - venue with an eventful past

Today, the castle is property of the State of Denmark. During its course, the Augustenburg Castle served many different functions: military hospital, military barracks, psychiatry ward, headquarters of the Danish Agricultural Authority and even art projects. Originally, it was the seat of the ducal family of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Augustenburg. Duke Ernst Günther had named the previous building after his wife Auguste. 1770-1776 were the years of completing the construction. In all, six generations lived in the baroque castle. However, when Duke Christian August spoke out in favour of the Schleswig-Holstein side in the German-Danish War of 1848, the family had to leave their home. You can learn more about the history in the mini museum in the gatehouse. Another feature are the remains of an old linden tree in the castle’s park. In its shadow the famous Danish poet Hans Christian Andersen used to sit during his visits at the castle in summer, while conceiving his fairy tales.