Overview:

is a 16th-century moated manor house located near the village of Randers in East Jutland, Denmark. It is now a museum that showcases the best of Danish cultural and historical heritage. The manor is owned by the independent Gammel Estrup foundation and is open to the public. The primary building of the manor is made up of a large hall with an A-frame roof surrounded by several outbuildings including stables, barns, and a granary. The grounds of the manor include formal gardens, ponds, lakes, stables for horses, and a large collection of ancient trees. The main house contains a large number of valuable art objects, furniture, textiles, and historical artifacts from throughout Denmark. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Denmark
Prominent Features:

1. Main Manor House: The main manor house of Gammel Estrup dates back to 1650 and has been expanded and remodeled since then. It is an impressive two-story building that features a prominent central block with five bays, two wings, round towers, and an inner courtyard. 2. English Garden: The English garden at Gammel Estrup Manor is one of the main attractions of the manor. It consists of a number of terraces and pathways, arranged in a symmetrical layout. The garden also features the Summer Pavilion and a large open-air theater. 3. Museum: The manor houses an interesting museum, open to visitors, with various exhibits related to its history and development from the 16th century. There are old weapons, paintings, furniture, and other artifacts related to the history of the manor. 4. Forest: The manor is surrounded by a large forest with several walks and trails for visitors to explore. The forest is part of the manor's protected area and offers tranquil moments to visitors. 5. Farmyard: The farmyard at Gammel Estrup offers the unique experience of learning about historical rural life in Denmark. Demonstrations of farm work and activities are performed by the costumed staff of the manor to make visitors learn more about the history of the place. This national monument of Denmark portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Gammel Estrup Manor is a large manor estate located on the fringes of Randers, Denmark. It is one of the country’s most well-preserved manors from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, having served as a royal residence and local administrative seat at various points throughout its history. The manor is believed to have been established during the 13th century, and documents from the 14th century show that it was owned by several local affluent families, including the Roalds and the Berings. In 1537, the estate was acquired by Mogens Galt, a member of an influential local noble family, and subsequently changed its name to Galtborg. For nearly two centuries, the manor was owned by the Galt family and their descendants. Through the centuries, the main part of the building was altered and extended several times. In 1693, following the death of the last member of the Galt family, the estate passed into the hands of the Detlevs, a powerful local noble family. During their ownership, they made significant renovations to the manor. The main entrance was redesigned, the halls were decorated with beautiful artwork, and the estate expanded with the construction of a new farm wing. In 1785, Detlevs were succeeded by the Ahlefeldt family, who were well-known for their resourceful management. Gammel Estrup Manor became an important agricultural center during the 19th century, and developments such as the first industrial dairy farm in Denmark were established on the estate. In 1890, the manor was purchased by Karen and Jens Adolf Brøndum-Jørgensen, and has remained in the hands of their descendants ever since. Up until the 1950s, the manor was actively used for agricultural purposes, but in the early 1960s a new approach was adopted for the estate; a policy of modern restoration and preservation of its historical core was implemented. Today, the manor is open to visitors who can explore the historic building and its grounds, as well as admire the art collections of Karen and Jens Adolf Brøndum-Jørgensen, which are on display in several rooms of the manor. Gammel Estrup Manor is a stunning example of Danish manor life from the Middle Ages to the present day, and continues to be a popular tourist destination and a source of pride for the local community. You must visit one of these historical places in Denmark on your Denmark tour

Interesting facts:

1. Gammel Estrup Manor (also called Manor of Gammel Estrup) is located in Randers, Denmark and is the country’s oldest preserved manor-house. 2. It was built in the Gothic style in 1598 by Erik Ahlefeldt. 3. Since 1971, Gammel Estrup has been a museum and is now open to visitors interested in exploring its history and its gardens. 4. Gammel Estrup has multiple buildings surrounded by a park and farmland. 5. The manor was used as a stately home by the descendants of Erik Ahlefeldt until it was taken over by the state in 1948. 6. During World War II the Resistance movement in Denmark used the Manor as a base and a hideout but some of the members of the group were caught by the Nazis. 7. The Manor is still furnished with furniture from the 19th century that belonged to the Ahlefeldt family. 8. It is a favorite wedding venue due to its beautiful gardens and settings. 9. The gardens at Gammel Estrup have won several prizes from the Danish Plant Cultivation society. 10. The Manor is also home to the largest collection of European hunting trophies in northern Europe. Visit one of the famous monuments of Denmark with your friends and family.