Magelund Castle Site

Magelund, near the manor Lykkesholm, is one of the most impressive castle sites on Funen. Its origins may date back to the 12th century – at the very least, it closely resembles a number of other castles from the same period.

Magelund Castle Site is an old medieval fortification (approx. 1150) located in Ørbæk, Nyborg Municipality. A large castle once stood there, but today only the impressive earthworks reamain. The castle mound is 15 metres high and measures 70 metres in length. The site was opened to the public in 1990.

Today, the Lykkesholm estate lies beautifully at the bottom of a tunnel valley by a lake surrounded by a forest. In a og i side valley lies Lykkesholms predecessor Magelund Castle Site, which is one of Denmark’s largest and most strongly fortified medieval sites. To the south and east, there are large earth ramparts, while to the north and west there was once a lake. The site has been cleared of forest, and today sheep keep it free of trees and bushes. As a result, this striking ancient monument can be clearly seen in the landscape.

One of Funnel’s largest and most strongly fortified medieval castle sites

The ramparts and the castle are believed to have been constructed in the 12th century and are first mentioned in 1329, when they were reinforced due to the turbulent times. The kingdom was on the verge of collapse, as the king and the nobility were fighting for power in Denmark. Steep slopes provided natural protection to the north and west. At the foot of the slopes, an artificially dammed lake offered additional defence against attacks from these directions. The large pentagonal castle courtyard is enclosed by a low rampart. To the south, on the landward side, a somewhat larger earthen rampart, as well as one or more deep, dry moats, provided further protection. 

The buildings on ter castle site were used for residence and administration; unfortunately, we do not know what they looked like. Excavations around 1900 revealed the foundations of a couple of stone buildings as well as the remains of several timber-framed houses.

Briefly owned by Margrethe I

When King Valdemar, in the mid-14th century, had settled matters with the Holstein counts, he turned against the Danish nobility, and many large castles were destroyed during these years. His daughter, Queen Margrethe I, followed in her father’s footsteps. Many fortified castles that were not under royal control or owned by subjects loyal to the Crown were forced to yield. In 1391 Queen Margrethe I acquired Magelund Castle and, in the same year, granted it to her trusted squire, Henneke Olufsøn Bjørn.

Around 1400, the buildings were moved to the manor’s present location – approximately 1.5 km southwest of Magelund. The new estate was named Lykkesholm. Back at the original site, a farm was later established on the castle mound.