Stagsevold

Hidden in the western part of Staksrode forest, the castle ruin of Stagsevols lies hidden. Cross over the moat via the small wooden bridge to see this place, which can be dated back to the times of Erik Menved and according to folk tales was a refuge for robbers.

The small medielval castle Stagsevold was built around year 1300. The house had two meter thick walls made of stone and the inner measures were only 7x9 meters and most likely consisted of just one floor and a cellar. Apart from the house and the moat, there were a dry moat and a barn, which was bigger than the castle, with stables and room for personnel. Today, only the cellarwalls of the original castle are left. In the ruin there is found parts of tools, weapons, clay pots, animal bones and a coin from Ribe engraved under Erik Menved, who ruled Denmark from 1286 to 1319.

According to folklore, Stagsevold were a robbercastle, from where the robbers terrorized at land and at sea. This would explain the almost hidden location between the trees of the forest, but this theory hasn’t been confirmed historically.

We do however know that Stagsevold was built and destroyed again in turbulent times in Danish history. The castle was probably destroyed either during the conflicts in the times of Valdemar Atterdag or by Margrethe I in her showdown with the nobility around year 1400, where the archaeologic remnants indicates that Stagsevold was demolished in a fire. 

The tales tell, that this was the first castle that was demolished by cannons. Another tale says that Stagsevold was a precurser for Rosenvold Manor and that usable materials from the castle were reused in the constuction of the manor.

Stagsevold can only be reached by foot, as neither motoric vehicles or bicycles are allowed on the forest path that leads there. Park at the slope across Stenhøj Beach and follow the yellow route on the map to get to the castle ruin.  

Opdateret af:
Kystlandet: VisitJuelsminde turist@visitjuelsminde.dk