The unique cultural environment surrounding Tranekær Castle

Join a local guide on a journey into a unique cultural setting, where Tranekær Castle stands majestically atop one of Langeland’s famous “hat hills.” On this tour, you’ll hear the story of the Ahlefeldt-Laurvig family, who left a lasting legacy over the course of 300 years. A story of manors and progress, of times of war and times of peace. Today, the Jepsen family carries on this legacy with respect and new vitality.

See the castle on Hatbakken—Denmark’s oldest inhabited building.

Hear the fascinating stories of enterprising and eccentric count families.

Take a stroll through the historic castle town and experience its unique cultural atmosphere.

Discover local stories and hidden details with a guide who knows the town’s history inside out.

Christian Ahlefeldt Laurvig - "The General"

Listen to the guide talk about “The General,” Christian Ahlefeldt Laurvig , who, in the dead of night, sent troops across the Langeland Strait during the Anglo-Danish Wars, while English warships patrolled the waters.
About the count who built the Plague Alley so he could avoid being infected on his way to and from church. And who ended up dying of smallpox when a small infected boy defied the ban and ran up to the count, who patted him on the head.

Knudegreven and Ludvig Antony from St. Croix

Hear about life as a tenant farmer or servant in the County of Langeland: about the many local women who had children with Count Knudegreven, and about Ludvig Antony from St. Croix, who was purchased at a slave auction and spent many years as a trusted servant at the castle until he was set free.

The Medicinal Gardens – Langeland’s New Tourist Attraction

The guide also describes the city’s exciting future: Since 2009, a group of volunteers has succeeded in establishing “The Medicinal Gardens” as Langeland’s second-largest tourist attraction and Northern Europe’s largest collection of medicinal plants. The wealthy Jebsen family has taken over the estate and the castle, and several exciting projects are underway: A folk high school for traditional crafts is in the works, and together with local partners, the Jebsens are working to preserve the many beautiful old buildings.

Houses worthy of preservation, and a church that’s quite un-Danish

The residents of Tranekær love their town, and this is evident in the historic buildings, which are carefully maintained. Visitors are guided through the town and to the distinctive, rather un-Danish church.

Slotsgade and houses with theatrical names

Slotsgade and the buildings surrounding the castle are a story in themselves, and most of the houses date back to the time of the theater-loving “General.” The houses are named after their former residents, for example the musicians’ houses, the table-setter’s house, and “the lamp”, where the trusted servants lived.

"The Chicken Coop" and Tickon Park

You have to see the castle’s strangest house, “the henhouse” where the feed master lived, right at the entrance to the castle park. Guests are encouraged to take a walk around the castle lake on their own in the renowned TICKONpark with its land art.

That's what our guests say

I’ve lived in Svendborg for more than 30 years, and even though I thought I knew the town, this tour has taught me that places in town I’ve visited many times hold surprisingly fascinating stories. It was my first—but certainly not my last—time joining one of your city walks.

Emma Gad

Michael Laudrup

Poul Nyrup

B.S. Christiansen

Karen Blixen

Anton Berg

Tranekær – the castle town on North Langeland

From the nobility and the estate system to passionate advocates and visions of the future