DANEHOF IN NYBORG
Every year, Nyborg Municipality and Østfyns Museer recreate a historical tradition that had otherwise been forgotten for more than 600 years.
One weekend every summer, the whole of Nyborg once again buzzes with life and activity, just as when the king and his men gathered for the Danehof in the Middle Ages. Experience fiery warhorses, brave knights in shining armor, an authentic market atmosphere, exquisite culinary experiences, historical music, and plenty of entertainment and performances throughout the weekend.
‘Danehof – a world-class medieval festival’ is an important part of the work to bring the cultural heritage of Nyborg Castle and the town of Nyborg to life. Through this large-scale event, the entire historic town centre is brought to life through a staging of the town’s truly unique history.
Danehof 2026 takes place 3.-5. July.
Would you like to volunteer? Click here
All information about Danehof can be found here
Facts about Danehof
- Danehof in Nyborg is based on an 800-year-old tradition. From the mid 13th century, the Danish parliament met at Nyborg Castle for what from the 14th century came to be known as the “Danehof”.
- The first Danehof festival in modern times was held in 2010.
- Each year, a king or queen from the royal lineage is chosen as the central figure in the story and as the representative of the festival.
- A key feature of the festival is the grand procession through the town, where participants in magnificent medieval costumes truly bring the medieval atmosphere to life.
- The total number of participants is around 275-280 historical performers, stallholders, and reenactors.
- Admission to Danehof is free, but visitors can choose to pay a market tax to support the festival.
- The highlight is the spectacular jousting tournaments in the town square. They are held in the very place where Christian III once established his royal tournament ground.
- Danehof is organised in collaboration between Nyborg Municipality, Visit Nyborg, and Østfyns Museer.
HISTORICAL TRADITION
The Danehof in Nyborg is based on an 800-year-old tradition. From the mid 13th century, the Danish parliament met at Nyborg Castle for what, from the 14th century, came to be known as the “Danehof”.
Several important events took place at the Danehof in Nyborg: the selection of heirs to the throne, the adoption of royal charters, verdicts against the killers of kings, and much more that has shaped the Denmark we know today.
Erik Klipping’s royal charter of 1282, which was signed at Nyborg Castle, is of particular importance and can be regarded as Denmark’s first constitution.
It established that a Danehof was to be held every year. The charter consists of 18 clauses, each placing obligations on the king and securing rights for peasants, nobles, merchants, and the church.
Danehof was not only a serious affair, however. When the Danehof was held in Nyborg, the town was turned upside down. The most powerful figures of the realm were gathered here and had to be accommodated, served, and entertained. There was celebration throughout the town, and that is exactly what the Danehof medieval festival seeks to recreate.
Visitors can experience market stalls and lively market scenes, music and jesters, knights in shining armour, dramatic jousting tournaments on horseback, and much more.
Learn more about Danehof in Nyborg
Books about Danehof
Danehoffet i historiens lys
by Erland Porsmose
The word Danehof carries an almost magical resonance. It evokes the atmosphere of the Middle Ages powerful assemblies, the adoption of constitutional charters, lawmaking, and Supreme Court judgments against the murderers of kings.
In this book, you will gain an overview of the Danehof in the light of history from the 16th century to the present day. It thus serves as an introduction to a planned series of books on various aspects of the history of the parliament.
Price: DKK 99
Danehoffet i samtidens kilder
by Bjarne Porsmose
The Danehof in contemporary sources is the second book in the series on the history of Danehof.
The book examines how the meaning of the concept has changed over time and takes a closer look at contemporary sources in order to clarify the number of Danehof assemblies, their participants, function, and content.
Price: DKK 99
Danehoffet og andre europæiske parlamenter
by Ditlev Tamm
The author takes a closer look at the charter of 1282 and the Danehof, not only as a Danish phenomenon, but as a part of Europe’s constitutional history.
By examining comparable european institutions, it becomes possible to identify what was distinctive about the Danish Danehof.
Price: DKK 99
