Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Red-brick Vallø Slot ticks all the 'proper castle' boxes, with pointy turrets and a moat
filled with lily pads and croaking frogs. The building has retained its original 16th-century
style, although much of it was rebuilt following a fire in 1893. While the castle itself is not
open to the public, visitors are free to amble through the beautiful woods and gardens that
extend from the castle building all the way to the sea.
On her birthday in 1737 Queen Sophie Magdalene, who owned the estate, established a
foundation that turned the castle into a home for 'spinsters of noble birth'. Unmarried
daughters of Danish royalty unable to live in their own castles were allowed to live at
Vallø, supported by the foundation and government social programs. In the 1970s, bowing
to changing public sentiments, the foundation amended its charter and declined to accept
new residents. For now, the castle remains home solely to a handful of ageing blue-
blooded women who took up residence before 1976.
Sleeping & Eating
Vallø Slotskro
INN
( inn 56 26 70 20, restaurant 56 26 62 66;
www.valloeslotskro.dk
;
Slotsgade 1; menus from Dkr400;
6-9pm Wed-Sat; )
Just outside the castle gate, this 200-year-old inn harbours an elegant restaurant of crisp
white linen and decadent Franco-Danish dishes such as quail with foie gras and summer
truffles. Alas, the inn's seven double rooms were closed for a revamp during our visit.
Check the website for updates and dinner/accommodation packages, as an overnight stay
in Vallø makes for an enchanting retreat.
Getting There & Away
Take the train to Vallø station, two stops south of Køge, and from there it's an easy 1.25km
stroll east down a tree-lined country road to the castle.
If you're travelling by road take Rte 209 south from Køge, turn right onto Kirkehøjen
and then right again onto Vallørækken.
There's a signposted cycle route from Køge that leads into Valløvej.
