The walls of the castle as it stands today are over 400 years old. But for 144 years the buildings were uninhabited and suffered a lot of deterioration: roof tiles were blown away, windows fell out, and rainwater seeped through the roof and down the walls.

While the castle was uninhabited local people were quick to make use of – or misuse – the buildings: a gamekeeper kept pheasants in the dining hall, hens on the outdoor staircase, bees in the reception room and a pack of dogs in the Blue Room. The banqueting hall was used for drying the washing and as a storeroom for grain.

Thieves broke into the castle and removed stoves, door handles and locks. Magnificent doors were torn apart and some of them used as kindling wood. Even parts of wall paintings were cut out and stolen.

So when restoration work on Selsø Castle started in 1973, it was a huge, uphill task that was to take years. The result is that when you visit the castle today, it stands exactly as it did when it was abandoned in 1829 and started to deteriorate. There is, for example, no electricity, water or heating in the castle.

You may think it sounds boring to visit a castle which is more than 400 years old. But this is not necessarily the case. You can take part in treasure hunts inside the castle and in the grounds – and there are prizes for everyone. The treasure hunts are intended primarily for children of 6-12 (and their parents) – but visitors of all ages are welcome to join in the fun.

For information about opening hours, admission fees etc, click here.