Glücksburg Castle, Water castle in Glücksburg, Germany
Glücksburg Castle is a Renaissance water castle built on two islands in the Glücksburg pond, 11 km from Flensburg. It stands on a 2.5-metre foundation above the water, with four corner towers and white walls. The castle was begun in 1582 for Duke John of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg and completed in five years under master builder Nikolaus Karies.
Duke Hans the Younger built this castle as a residence between 1583 and 1587 on the site of the dissolved Ryd Abbey near Flensburg Fjord. The structure marked the shift from medieval to modern fortification architecture in the region.
Since 1922 most of the castle has served as a museum, and concerts and other cultural events are held inside it. The name Glücksburg passed to the House of Glücksburg, the dynasty whose family seat the castle was.
The castle is open to visitors through guided tours, and you can arrange special events in the chapel or stay overnight in holiday apartments within the castle. When planning a visit, keep in mind that its water location means entry is possible only by causeway or bridge.
The castle stands on two islands on a 2.5-metre foundation above the water, on the site of a monastery that preceded it. Construction began in 1582 under Duke Johann of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg and took five years, led by the master builder Nikolaus Karies.
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