Architecture

Schloss Glücksburg is an important work of Renaissance architecture.

The castle is a square building with a length and width of 30 m. It is flanked at each corner by octagonal towers with a diameter of 7m. The square layout with the towers at each corner serving as pavilions and the symmetrical order of the rooms with the halls in the middle section reflect French influences. A ridge turret, dated 1768, can be found in the middle part of the roof. In the basement, on the ground floor, as well as on the first floor with the ballroom, arched ceilings can be seen.

The chapel, which initially was only reserved for the ducal family and court personnel, is located in the lower vaults. Later it also served as the official parish church. It contains the crypt of the older Glücksburg family who died out in 1779. A broad stone dike leads from the castle to a large square courtyard, flanked on three sides by later buildings, including the new ”Kavaliershaus” from 1786. The impressive lanterns were added in 1859 and came from Schloss Amalienborg in Copenhagen. The main gate which was renewed in the 17^th century is attached to the coach house. A granite bridge – initially a draw bridge – leads from the gate across the old moat.