Tirsbæk Castle

Photo: Finn Bjerrisgaard

Tirsbæk Manor and surroundings seen from above

Photo: Knapek Photography

Tirsbæk Manor seen from the outside

Photo: Knapek Photography

The natural area surrounding Tirsbæk Manor

Tirsbæk Estate is also called Tirsbæk Castle and is located on the north side of Vejle Fjord, between high, forested slopes close to the fjord. There is no public access to the castle itself, but every year a Christmas market is held with access to the courtyard and some of the former farm buildings. The castle’s Renaissance garden is open to the public during the summer months.

 

History of the Castle

The main building dates back to 1550 and is surrounded by moats. The name Tirsbæk – formerly Thyrsbæk – comes from the god Odin’s son, Tyr. It is believed that there was once a temple where Tirsbæk is located today, and that Queen Thyra had the temple converted into a castle when Christianity prevailed.

The current three-winged main building was erected on a medieval fortification by Iver Lunge. The north and east wings of Tirsbæk Castle date from around 1550, while the tower and west wing were added in 1577. The complex was thoroughly remodeled in the mid-1700s, when the large park was also laid out as a terraced Renaissance garden east of the castle. The park was completed in 1745, including a vineyard – the oldest existing one in Denmark.

Many families have owned Tirsbæk Castle over the years, and it is said to be haunted as well. The “Grey Lady” – the beautiful shoemaker’s daughter from Horsens, Maren Loss – is said to haunt the castle as punishment for having killed her husband, the estate owner Christen Linde. He died under mysterious circumstances in the 1750s after only a few years of marriage. The widow later married the handsome bailiff Jørgen Hvas, who bought himself a noble title and the name Hvas de Lindenpalm.

H.C. Andersen visited Tirsbæk Castle in 1830. He wrote in his diary:

The estate is quite antique with loopholes, moats and a drawbridge, and with a large tower where I saw a dreadful dungeon, where there were still large iron rings in the wall.

Since 1912, the estate has been owned by the current owner’s family, the Algreen-Ussing family. The family, who also reside at the castle, run the estate as a combined agricultural and forestry business, as well as renting out houses to private individuals and companies. The former stable has been converted into an exclusive banquet restaurant, Restaurant Slotsstalden.

 

Surroundings of the Castle

There are ample opportunities for a walk on the castle’s large grounds. Tirsbæk comprises nearly 400 hectares of fields, meadows, and forest. In addition, 12 hectares of park, 13 residential houses, a former smithy, bakery, and two watermills belong to the castle.

The castle is located a short distance from Tirsbæk Beach. Here you can park your car, enjoy an ice cream from the Tirsbæk Beach Kiosk, or take a swim in the water. Read about what Tirsbæk Beach has to offer.

There is also a three-kilometre route that goes through forest, beach, and castle meadows past the castle. The walk takes about an hour. Please note that the route is not marked. You can find the route around Tirsbæk here.

Hotels nearby of Tirsbæk Castle

  • Hotel Hedegaarden

    4.26 km

    Hotel Hedegaarden is a family-run hotel which offers everything from the traditional Danish cuisine to new and different taste experiences. They emphasize good food made of first-rate ingredients, an unpretentious atmosphere and that everything functions as is should. The hotel is situated right at motorway exit no. 60
    Read more : Hotel Hedegaarden
  • ToRVehallerne- SDH Partner Hotel

    6.53 km

    The hotel offers delicious food and high service to you as a guest. Located in the spirit of the city, you can experience all the cities facilities and easily get around without a car.
    Read more : ToRVehallerne- SDH Partner Hotel
  • Hotel Vejlefjord

    8.44 km

    Due to the beautiful location near the fjord and in the beech forest, Hotel Vejlefjord is often referred to as “The castle in the forest ". The hotel spa and wellness facilities and the thermal baths are unique and compares favorably with the best in Northern Europe. Enjoy the 20 km forest tracks.

    Read more : Hotel Vejlefjord
  • Hotel Fredericia - SDH Partner Hotel

    16.07 km

    Experience culinary magic at the restaurant Ryes, and combine your stay with the beautiful nature together with a lot of cultural experiences and activities when you stay at Hotel Fredericia.
    Read more : Hotel Fredericia - SDH Partner Hotel
  • Hotel Svanen Billund

    31.64 km

    Hotel Svanen in Billund is exceptional: A 4-star design hotel where children are also very welcome. All details have been cared for – in the uniquely designed rooms, in the cosy lounge and in the restaurant “No8”. The target is to give all guests a unique experience as close to the sublime as possible.
    Read more : Hotel Svanen Billund
  • Refborg Hotel Billund

    32.82 km

    The cosy Refborg Hotel Billund in the middle of the town Billund bids welcome to LEGOLAND® guests and all others who would like to benefit from the excellent location close to a number of attractions and activities. You will enjoy the fine possibilities of golfing, fishing and walking tours in the neighbourhood.
    Read more : Refborg Hotel Billund
  • Fjelsted Skov Hotel & Konference

    37.1 km

    Welcome to Fjelsted Skov Hotel and Conference - a unique refuge in the midst of nature. We offer an exclusive experience where tranquility and charm blend with modern comfort surrounded by the breathtaking Fjelsted Skov. The ideal place for both business travelers and holiday guests.

    Read more : Fjelsted Skov Hotel & Konference
  • Hotel Skanderborghus

    39.27 km

    Skanderborghus, which is situated in the deer park Dyrehaven at the shore of the lake, is indeed a gem near lake and wood. The hotel is situated close to the cosy centre of Skanderborg with fine shopping possibilities, and in the surroundings there are fine possibilities of sailing, golfing and playing tennis.
    Read more : Hotel Skanderborghus
  • Tyrstrup Kro

    40.76 km

    Tyrstrup Kro is idyllically situated in the middle of fields and woods a few kilometres from the gingerbread town Christiansfeld. It has been here for at least 350 years, but in recent years the old inn has undergone largescale restorations and has become an internationally known restaurant.
    Read more : Tyrstrup Kro
  • Hotel Hedemarken

    42.71 km

    You can hardly get any closer to the heart of Jutland: Hotel Hedemarken is situated near good golf courses, LEGOLAND®, and Givskud Zoo, has a beautiful brook in the backyard with salmon, and modern facilities. Quality is the pride of the place.

    Read more : Hotel Hedemarken