Egholm Castle Ruins

Egholm Castle Ruins

Egholm Castle Ruins tell the story of a turbulent period in Danish history. The site dates from the 14th century, when large parts of the country were mortgaged to Danish and Holstein noblemen. After the death of King Christopher II in 1332, Denmark was without a king for eight years, and unrest and power struggles spread across the country. For the noblemen who held Danish land in pledge, there was good reason to protect themselves behind defensive banks and walls.

Around 200 metres south of the present castle mound lay an earlier fortification. Archaeological excavations have uncovered remains of a fortified wooden tower dating from around 1334. Soon afterwards, Egholm Castle itself was built with a moat, two castle mounds and brick buildings.

In 1374, King Valdemar Atterdag acquired Egholm, possibly under pressure on the then owner. Queen Margrete later inherited the estate and donated it to Aalborg Monastery on the condition that the castle was demolished.

Today, the castle mound appears as a partly overgrown rise in the landscape. Windswept hawthorn, blackthorn and wild roses grow on the site, while traces of brick can still be seen in the collapsed earthworks. Egholm Castle Ruins are a visible reminder of the turbulent years of the Middle Ages and an important historical monument in Himmerland.