Castles around Schuby offer a glimpse into the rich history of the Schleswig-Flensburg district in Northern Germany. While the small municipality of Schuby itself does not host prominent castles, its location provides access to several historically significant structures. The region, shaped by both Danish and German heritage, features impressive architectural sites. These landmarks near Schuby are set amidst the natural landscape of Schleswig-Holstein.
Last updated: May 15, 2026
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The chapel is located in the main building of the castle... as was common at the time, it is richly decorated and adorned... church lovers should not miss the chapel during their visit.
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Numerous works of art adorn the garden of Gottorf Castle, including "Large Seated Figure" by Fritz Fleer.
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The castle houses Schleswig-Holstein's most important museums and is involved in a wide range of cultural events. In addition to changing exhibitions (including those by contemporary artists), theater performances in the courtyard and concerts are held at irregular intervals. The entire grounds and many of the interior rooms are open to visitors. Some of the castle's original furnishings have been preserved and can be viewed as part of the museum tours. Of particular note are the festive Hirschsaal (Stag Hall) from 1591 and the two-story Renaissance chapel. The castle is considered the most important secular building in the state of Schleswig-Holstein.
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At the beginning of 1945, more and more refugees from the eastern territories of the German Reich arrived in Schleswig, their number rising to almost 18,000 by the summer. Gottorf, like many of the country's residences, was used as a temporary reception camp, and several hundred refugees were housed in the castle.[31] In the post-war period, the entire complex was made available to the Schleswig-Holstein State Museums from 1948 onwards.
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After the war of 1848, the Danes first set up a hospital and then a barracks in the castle,[22] in order to be able to operate more effectively against the insurgents in Schleswig-Holstein. The building was adapted to the new needs, and the interior lost much of its once significant furnishings. The former state rooms and ducal apartments were converted into dormitories and dining rooms. The outbuildings were demolished and replaced by extensive stables, and the defensive structures were demolished. Gottorf remained a barracks[22] when it fell to Prussia in 1867 as a result of the Second Schleswig War, and it retained this function until 1945.
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Subsequently, Gottorf became the center of power of the Dukes of Schleswig and was repeatedly at the center of political conflicts. In 1283, the young Duke Waldemar IV of Schleswig was imprisoned in the castle for a time by the Danish King Eric V. In 1329, Gottorf was besieged for the first time (unsuccessfully) by a coalition of Jutland nobles in their fight against Count Gerhard III of Holstein, who had served as Duke for several years.[6] In June 1340, the castle was transferred as a pledge into the permanent possession of the Counts of Holstein from the House of Schauenburg,[7] who resided in Gottorf until their extinction in 1459. Initially as counts, after Count Gerhard VI was invested with the duchy by the Danish regent Margaret I in 1386[8], then formally again as dukes.[9]
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After the Schleswig bishop Niels II was captured during the Battle of Lohheide in 1261, Gottorf became the property of Duke Eric I of Schleswig. In return, the bishops received lands on the lower reaches of the Treene, where the episcopal castle of Schwabstedt was built a short time later.[4] It was only the duke, as the contemporary annals of the Rude monastery report, who had a new castle built "at great expense", which replaced the older ducal castle on the Möweninsel in the Schlei.
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The present-day castle, on an island in the Schlei west of the town, had several predecessor buildings, but little is known about their function and appearance. The oldest structures date to the 13th century and possibly originate from a residence of the bishops of Schleswig called Klein-Gottorf. The name goes back to an older, still visible complex called Alt- or Groß-Gottorf in the Ruhekrug near the Falkenberg estate, which, according to the Danish chronicler Saxo Grammaticus, was destroyed around 1161.[2] As a result, the residence was probably relocated to the more centrally located Klein-Gottorf, where a possibly barely fortified half-timbered building with warm-air heating was built around the middle of the 13th century.
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The region around Schuby is rich in history. Two of the most significant castles are Gottorf Castle, which has a history spanning over eight hundred years and houses the Schleswig-Holstein State Museum, and Glücksburg Castle, a stunning Renaissance water castle that served as a ducal residence and is considered one of Northern Europe's most important Renaissance castles. While Glücksburg Castle is not listed as a highlight in this guide, it is a prominent historical site in the area.
Yes, Gottorf Castle is categorized as family-friendly. It houses the Schleswig-Holstein State Museum with extensive collections, including Viking-era artifacts and the famous Gottorf Globe, which can be engaging for all ages. The Baroque Garden also offers space for families to explore.
Yes, Gottorf Castle is listed as wheelchair accessible, making it a good option for visitors with mobility needs.
Gottorf Castle is home to the Schleswig-Holstein State Museum. This museum features vast collections covering centuries of history, including Viking-era artifacts, medieval art, and the renowned Gottorf Globe. The Archaeological Museum Schloss Gottorf, also part of the complex, showcases over ten million finds from 80,000 years of human history, such as the Nydam Ship and bog bodies.
Yes, within Gottorf Castle, you can visit the Castle Chapel Schloss Gottorf. Built around 1590, this richly decorated chapel features an inlaid coffered ceiling and is considered a significant religious building within the castle complex.
You can combine your castle visit with various outdoor activities. For instance, there are cycling routes like the 'Waldemar's Wall – Gottorf Castle loop' or 'Schleswig Harbour – Gottorf Castle loop' that pass by Gottorf Castle. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Cycling around Schuby guide. There are also gravel biking and MTB trails in the area, often incorporating views of the castles.
Yes, at Gottorf Castle, the View of Gottorf Castle from the Baroque Garden offers fantastic perspectives over the garden and the castle in the distance. The elevated position of the northern tip of the Baroque Garden provides excellent photo opportunities.
Visitors frequently praise the historical significance and architectural beauty of the castles. For Gottorf Castle, many are fascinated by the extensive museum collections, including the bog bodies and the Nydam boat. The overall experience of stepping back in time and exploring these magnificent structures is highly recommended by the komoot community.
Schloss Louisenlund is a historical site that now houses a boarding school. While it's a private institution, it can be reached via hiking trails from Borgwedel. Visitors appreciate its historical charm, but it's important to follow signs as some trails may be private property.
The castles in the Schleswig-Flensburg district, including Gottorf Castle and Glücksburg Castle, are generally open year-round. However, visiting during spring or summer allows for better enjoyment of the outdoor areas, such as the Baroque Garden at Gottorf. Autumn can also offer beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Always check specific opening hours for museums and interiors, especially during winter months.
Yes, Gottorf Castle, being part of the city of Schleswig, has cafes and restaurants available nearby. The city center offers various dining options. For Glücksburg Castle, there are also facilities and eateries in the immediate vicinity of the castle and the town of Glücksburg.


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