Tranekær Castle and town

Facts

Castle with a view

By Helle Ravn, Mag.art. i europæisk etnologi (1 story)

Tranekær Castle stands proud, high up above the embankment and town. The oldest part is the north wing, which dates back to about 1200. It is built on ruins that are 100-200 years older. The castle has been remodelled many times and today has two wings and an octagonal stair tower with a tall spire. Tranekær Castle was part of a chain of defence against attack from the south. The site was well chosen, surrounded as it is by water and lowland areas and with a formidable view of all sides. The castle has been owned by the Ahlefeldt family since 1656.

Not a public place

Selected entry

The count who wanted a town

Story written by Helle Ravn

Time / Periode 1200 2008

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Tranekær count's estate has had an impact on most of Langeland over the years, and Tranekær town in particular has been coloured by life at the castle. Some of the counts were very eccentric. One left a trail of over 100 illegitimate children scattered throughout Langeland. But the most striking was The General", Count Frederik Ahlefeldt-Laurvig (1762-1832). He built his own theatre, hired actors and musicians, personally vaccinated 1,000 children against smallpox, restored churches on Langeland, hired some of Denmark's first foresters, as well as a midwife and a doctor and many foreign craftsmen. All because he wanted to make the little village into a castle town like those housing the royal courts of Germany. Sadly, he had so many irons in the fire that he ended up under financial administration twice. But he did manage to create a unique society in Tranekær. "