THE HISTORY BEHIND TRANEKAER CASTLE

Tranekaer Castle is known from sources dating back to the 13^th Century. It was then a highly fortified castle lying on a steep hill with both moat and draw bridge.

Originally built by King Valdemar “The Great”(1131-1182), Tranekaer Castle was part in royal power struggles until Valdemar IV(Atterdag) took the castle after a two week siege and made it the main seat for the county of Tranekaer.

In the year 1643 the Danish King Christian iV borrowed a substantial sum of money from the richest man In Denmark, the govenor of South Jutland Christian Rantzau. Christian Rantzau knew that kings never repay dept, so he demanded Tranekaer Castle and Estate as pawn.

The king never repayed and Tranekaer went to Christian Rantzau as an unfulfilled pledge. Rantzaus daughter Margrethe Dorethea, probably the richest heir in Denmark fell in love with Frederik Ahlefeldt, a young imperial count with estates in Denmark and Lothringen, and he with her. Christian Rantzau did not approve of this connection.

This did not deter the young couple and on boxing day 1656, Frederik Ahlefeldt abducted Margrethe Dorethea and they were married in a village church just outside Lübeck. Christian Rantzau was furious, but had to accept the consumated fact and in 1559 Tranekaer went to his son in law. The Ahlefeldt family have since been reciding on Tranekaer.

Frederik Ahlefeldt became a favorite of the Danish King Frederik III and his career peaked when he became Great Chancellor to King Christian V in 1676.

In 1672 he was elevated to the rank of count (Lensgreve=Marquis)by making his possesions into the County of Langland.

HISTORy

Originally built by King Valdemar “The Great”(1131-1182), Tranekaer Castle was part in royal power struggles until Valdemar IV(Atterdag) took the castle after a two week siege and made it the main seat for the county of Tranekaer.

In the year 1643 the Danish King Christian iV borrowed a substantial sum of money from the richest man In Denmark, the govenor of South Jutland Christian Rantzau. Christian Rantzau knew that kings never repay dept, so he demanded Tranekaer Castle and Estate as pawn.

THE COUNT AND COUNTESS AHLEFELDT-LAURVIG

Countess Mette Ahlefeldt-Laurvig, Count Christian Ahlefeldt-Laurvig and their six children have created an everyday life that is evident everywhere around Tranekær Castle. There is a hustle and bustle and the family has succeeded in turning the Castle into a discerning venue especially for companies and shooting parties. Everyone is received and greeted as guests of the Count and Countess, immediately making the visitors feel welcome and at home inside the English red walls.

TOURS OF THE HOUSE

Again this year we will open our doors and offer the opportunity to see the old castle. Count Preben Ahlefeldt-Laurvig will enthusiastically tell the exciting stories about Tranekaer and the Ahlefeldt family, spanning many generations and many centuries.

THE COUNTESS’S CHERRY WINE

Countess Mette Ahlefeldt-Laurvig grew up at Lerchenborg Castle, where she from a young age helped out in the cherry orchard, learning how to pick and sort berries. The cherry wine hails from an old and trusted family recipe, but to enhance the quality and consistency of the cherry wine, the production facilities at Tranekær are ultra modern.

Once the wine has matured in storage, the winemaker ensures that taste, colour and quality are consistent and flawless, before the wine is bottled. The wine is perfectly suited for the Christmas season or ideal with desserts. It is also a great hostess gift.

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FARMING AND FORESTRY

Tranekaer Estate is a modern farming and forestry business totaling 5.300 acres(2.150ha) of which 1.000 acres are leased.

The farming operation is traditional production of grain and seed, which includes winter wheat, malting barley for beer, rapeseed for oil for human consumption and grass seed for lawns and pastures. Crops are grown on a total area of 2.660 acres(1.075ha).

On 715 acres(289ha) the use is various enviroment grass agreements, biotope plans for the game etc.

The forest is managed traditionally with a production wood for timber, firewood and other uses. There is also a substantial production of christmas trees and ornamental greenery.

The total managed area of forestry is 1.800 acres(750ha).

Farming and forestry employs a farm manager and 4 full-year employees.

Godskontoret

info@tranekaerslot.dk

Farming

Driftsleder Torben Augustesen

Tlf.: +45 6096 1660 / ta@tranekaergods.dk

Forestry

Skovfoged Morten Kudsk

Tlf.: +45 4016 9987 / m.kudsk@mail.dk

Get the whole castle for yourselves

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