Podcast: Sounds of Tranekær Castle
Come inside Tranekær Castle, which is not normally open to the public. Hear Count Christian Ahlefeldt-Laurvig talk about the castle and find out whether there are crocodiles in the moat...
Tranekær Castle
In this section, we meet Count Christian Ahlefeldt Laurvig, who currently lives with his family at the castle. Listen to the history of the castle and the best stories about this magnificent building. Learn about a 400-year-old abduction and the castle's beautiful red colour.
Activity Tranekær Castle
The former Count Frederik Ahlefeldt-Laurvig (1760-1832) was also known as the General. His great desire was to create a principality in Tranekær inspired by Germany. When he took over the earldom in 1781 after his father's death, he initiated a major modernisation of the estate. In addition, he also cultivated his great hobby of music and theatre – which is why you can still find many traces of the General's principality in Tranekær today.
Many of the buildings in Tranekær's streetscape were built by the General. You can hunt for them in the town and read more about them below.
- The two stables below the castle. The one on the left (from the main road) was formerly the General's theatre building. The one on the right was the count's family's stables and billiard room. The horse stalls can still be seen today when dining at the restaurant.
- The General had the yellow half-timbered house ‘Lygten’ built for his retired servant.
- The General's sugar factory was built as part of the modernisation of the estate.
- Like all other churches on the island, Tranekær Church underwent extensive renovation during the General's time.
- In addition, the General was also behind the Gæstgivergården, the Musician's Houses, Tranekær Old Real School, Kruhøffer's House