Schackenborg Palace
Møgeltønder is an idyllic village, 5 km from Tønder. The main street “Slotsgaden” is a cobbled street, lined with lime trees and many roses and the low, well kempt thatched cottages reveal an enchanting picture of a fairy tale village.
Once Møgeltønder belonged to the bishopric of Ribe, and we learn of the Bishop’s Castle in Møgeltønder as far back as the early 1200s. From 1407 until 1864 the castle was incorporated in the Kingdom of Denmark as part of the West Schleswig enclaves.
In 1661, King Frederik IIIrd turned over the old castle to his general, Hans Schack, as a token for his “loyalty and willing services” during the war against the Swedes from 1658-60.
Hans Schack pulled down most of the original buildings, and began to build Schackenborg Palace which he completed in 1664.
To begin with the palace was in red brick. Later, in the 1750s, the palace gained its present appearance.
In 1978, the palace came under the crown again, having been in the Schack lineage for 11 generations. In 1993, His Royal Highness Prince Joachim was entrusted the palace.
The outer of the castle and the appurtenant structures was recenstructed in the 90ies based upon a public gift.