Experience the Echoes of History in Djursland

See the most beautiful view from the medieval castle

Crossing the 500-meter long medieval road to Kalø, the weathered walls of Kalø Castle Ruin emerge from the mists of the past. One can almost hear memories whispering in the walls, which King Erik Menved had built in the 14th century.

Back then, the castle was meant to keep rebellious farmers at bay, while in the 16th century, the castle served as a prison – the most famous prisoner at Kalø was Gustav Vasa, who later escaped and became king of Sweden. Follow the stairs to the top of the tower, where a unique view opens up over Kalø Vig. If you need a rest after your walk, you can get a well-deserved ice cream cone or a cup of coffee at Kalø Castle Café.

A short trip from Kalø is Anders’ summer house, where you can enjoy the view over Kalø Vig from the terrace. The summer house is kept in natural and harmonious shades, inviting tranquility, while the open, bright rooms invite nature indoors. Follow Anders and his family's example, and experience Kalø Castle Ruin from the waterside in a kayak. Finish the trip with a rinse in the outdoor shower.

Explore the old wooden ship from mast to rigging

The Frigate Jylland is one of the world's longest wooden ships and a must for any history-interested holiday home guest. The ship takes you through centuries of maritime history – from its time as a royal ship with Christian IX on board to the fateful naval battle at Helgoland in 1864. Feel the woodwork under your fingers and the smell of tar stinging your nose as you move through the decks to the hull, where the impressive original woodwork from 1858 remains.

Travel back in time in Ebeltoft's medieval streets

The over 700-year-old market town of Ebeltoft is a historical attraction in itself with its crooked half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets. Stop at the heart of the town in the square with the town hall from 1789. The town hall is reportedly the world's smallest of its kind and a genuine time capsule with half-timbering, a bell tower, and a small museum.

If you need a meal to digest the trip, there's even more historical coziness to be found at Restaurant Mellem Jyder. The half-timbered building dates back to 1610 and today invites guests to solid meals served on mussel-painted dinnerware. Settle down among hollyhocks in the courtyard or on the old settle benches in the inn rooms.

If you are looking for a place to stay in Ebeltoft, Louise and Rasmus’ summer house is within walking distance of the town's hustle and bustle. The wooden house is a dream of colors, flea market finds, and heirlooms with a true beach hotel atmosphere in the blue room and sun and summer in the yellow room. Here there is warmth and space for creativity, play, children's laughter, and pink drinks on the terrace.

Fables and imaginative expressions in Gjerrild Church

If you haven't tired of the Middle Ages yet, you can stop by Gjerrild Church. The walls of the small village church are covered with frescoes from the 16th century. Here, God, Adam and Eve, and small devils are all represented, and the paintings are rich in grim doomsday scenarios such as the jaws of hell and the woman whose soul is stolen by the devil.

Experience the Ice Age under your feet in Mols Bjerge

A visit to Mols Bjerge is a treasure trove of historical gems. Start your trip at Femmøller, where the five mills in a row once ground flour, but today stand still. Not far away, the mountains begin at the two burial mounds Stabelhøjene, also known as 'The Maiden's Breasts'.

Venture into the landscape of Mols Bjerge, where the mighty forces of the Ice Age, about 14,000 years ago, left deep kettle holes and high ice age mountains. Among the most famous are Trehøje and Agri Bavnehøj, rising 127 and 137 meters above sea level. On top of Agri Bavnehøj, bonfires were once lit to warn against enemies in the waters. If you make it to the top, the view is worth all the effort. Here is open sky, soft hills, and a view of the sea twinkling in the distance.

Stay overnight in the heart of Mols Bjerge in Anja and Morten's special thatched summer house. Here you can let your shoulders and pace drop in the tasteful and historic surroundings with beautiful original doors and exposed beams. Take a morning swim in the cove, settle down for cozy moments and a glass of wine by the fire pit, and go on long hikes in Mols Bjerge right in your backyard.

Visit the dolmen older than the pyramids

Continue your historical tour with a visit to Knebel, where an early architectural masterpiece awaits you. Here lie the remains of a megalithic tomb with Denmark's largest round barrow, Porskær Stenhus. The round barrow dates back to the Stone Age, around 3,300 BC – in fact, Porskær is older than the pyramids. The impressive hexagonal stone barrow is made of five supporting stones, while the capstone itself weighs 11.5 tons.

See a small piece of lighthouse history at the tip of Helgenæs

At the southernmost tip of Helgenæs, you'll find Sletterhage Fyr, a nice little white-painted lighthouse with colored windows. In the summer, lighthouse keeper Hans opens the doors for visitors, and from the top of the lighthouse, you can gaze out over the current-filled waters. If you're lucky, you might spot the dorsal fins of a porpoise or perhaps a supertanker on its way to port with its cargo.

If you follow the beach to the east, you'll reach Tyskertårnet, the last remains of the radar facility the Germans had built during World War II. Back then, the facility was used to observe air and ship traffic, but today the tower is a popular lookout point for holiday home guests.

Let Helle and Frederik's holiday home set the scene for your trip to Helgenæs. The holiday home is situated high on a secluded natural plot with views over the sea and Helgenæs' rolling landscape. The newly renovated holiday home can make any design lover's heart beat faster with its beautiful details, continuous Dinesen floors, and the old chimney that ties the house together.

Visit the manor house at Gammel Estrup

Get a good dose of baroque atmosphere at one of Denmark's best-preserved Renaissance manors, Gammel Estrup. The castle-like manor house contains everything from tiny servant's quarters to the countess's luxurious chambers, the grand knight's hall, powdered wigs, heavy furniture, and book collections.

Stroll around among myriads of artifacts that bear witness to the nobility's lavish wealth, or take a walk through the Orangeries, the baroque garden, and the apple orchard. If you've brought food, there are good opportunities to enjoy lunch in the green areas while the children play in the nature playground.

Go hiking in the beautiful hills of Mols Bjerge, discover cultural gems in idyllic Ebeltoft, and eat fresh fish and greens from the region's lovely farm shops and eateries. Let yourself be inspired for your next holiday home trip with our hand-picked holiday homes in Mols Bjerge National Park.