Kalø Hovedgård

Kalø Manor House is a three-winged timber-framed main building near Rønde, surrounded by agricultural structures built in the 1700s. The restored Karlsladen building now serves as a visitor center, displaying exhibitions about the nearby Nationalpark Mols Bjerge.

King Christian V gave the property to his half-brother in 1672, and Count Conrad Reventlow acquired it in 1690, beginning a long period of private ownership. The Jenisch family from Holstein later shaped its development, adding a hunting lodge around 1898 for seasonal pursuits.

The estate reflects how rural estates shaped life in this part of Denmark, with buildings arranged to serve agricultural and residential purposes. Visitors can see how family wealth and land management were connected through the physical layout of the property.

The visitor center in the Karlsladen building provides good orientation for exploring the grounds and surrounding parkland. Wear sturdy shoes as paths cross agricultural areas and can be challenging in wet weather.

The main building is now home to the Institute for Bioscience at Aarhus University, bringing active research to a centuries-old estate. This blend of historical buildings and contemporary science is what sets it apart from typical heritage sites.

GPS coordinates: 56.29901,10.49930

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:22