Spøttrup: Medieval Castle and Protected Nature

Spøttrup combines a castle from the Middle Ages with a protected lake landscape and activities related to gardening and nature. When planning your trip, it makes a difference whether you want to explore the castle’s history, follow a marked route by the lake, or learn about cultivation and the landscape: these themes offer different ways to experience Spøttrup.

Castle and Museum: History on Site

Spøttrup Castle dates from around 1500 and shows what a real medieval castle looked like. Visitors can explore the moats, the castle tower and the Great Hall. The Spøttrup Castle Museum also explores how people lived, fought and worked at the castle over time. This everyday history adds another perspective to the castle grounds.

An exhibition in the reception building tells the story of the castle and the people behind it. The focus is on Bishop Jørgen Friis, who completed the castle in the 1520s. If you would like to learn more about local and national history, you can book a guided tour. Booking procedures and seasonal availability may change, so check the current dates and terms before making plans.

Historic Garden and Lake Spøttrup

The castle’s historic garden includes medicinal and culinary herbs as well as an orchard. A picnic area with a rose pergola complements the garden. This allows you to add a more peaceful look at useful plants and the garden grounds to your castle visit, without losing sight of its historical focus.

Lake Spøttrup is a protected natural area comprising the lake and surrounding meadows and marshland. A marked hiking route circles the restored lake, is 6.7 kilometres long, and passes the bird tower and Spøttrup Castle. The route length and these two landmarks provide clear reference points for planning your walk. Parking is available on the west and east sides of the lake.

On the west side of Lake Spøttrup, the former pump house has been preserved as a cultural heritage landmark, bird tower and exhibition venue. The building’s history includes both its former function as a pump house and its current roles as a cultural heritage landmark, bird tower and exhibition venue. The bird tower is also a prominent landmark in descriptions of the route around the lake.

Nature, Cultivation and Activities at Væksthuset

During the growing season, visitors to Væksthuset Spøttrup can learn about new and old varieties of cereals, legumes, seeds and vegetables in experimental plots. The seasonal aspect is important: this learning opportunity is available during the growing season, not all year round. There is a play area with a playhouse and sandbox next to the picnic shelter. As facilities may change, check the current information before your visit.

At the boundary west of Søndermarken, Væksthuset has a covered viewpoint with a bird tower. From there, you can look out over the lake, livestock enclosures with old Danish cattle breeds, and the nature experiments in the meadow. Cider-making courses are also offered. Visitors interested in the site’s history and hidden stories can book a guided tour; advance booking is required. Course and tour dates may change, so it is advisable to check the current schedule.

Another Destination Nearby

In Rødding, Pometet is another destination near Spøttrup. There, you can learn about apple, plum, chestnut and nut varieties that can grow in West Jutland. Pometet welcomes tourists and school groups and offers activities such as pressing apple juice and guided tours. Its focus differs from that of the castle and lake: here, the emphasis is on fruit varieties, their potential for cultivation in the region and hands-on activities.

Discover more destinations: Sønder Lem, Selde, Grønning, Rødding, Lundø, Roslev, Fur, Hvidbjerg

For the broader travel overview: Skive Municipality.