King Erik Menved's Castle

King Erik Menved's Castle is a medieval castle site on the hill of Slangebjerg in a quiet corner of Bygholm Park in Horsens. In 1313, during a troubled period, King Erik Menved had a defensive castle built here against rebellious farmers in Jutland. Today the castle itself is gone, but visitors can still walk around the hill and see traces of the former structure. The remaining foundations and moats are visible on Slangebjerg, giving a sense of the original fortification within the wider landscape of the park.

Visit King Erik Menved's Castle if you are interested in medieval power struggles and how they shaped the Jutland landscape. The site offers visible remains of foundations and moats on Slangebjerg hill, set within a popular city park. It works well as a short historical stop combined with a longer walk in Bygholm Park or nearby green areas.

A brief but worthwhile stop to see visible medieval castle remains within Bygholm Park.

Planning your visit

How long to stay

30-45 minutes on site, longer if combined with a walk in Bygholm Park.

Best time to visit

Daytime in dry weather, when paths around Slangebjerg are easier to walk and the remains of the foundations and moats are more visible.

Around here

Nearby on the Margueritruten

• 

  Bygholm Park

  Park · 293 m

• The dog forest in Bygholm Park

  Park · 370 m

• The Vitus Bering Park

  Park · 890 m

• The park at the prison in Horsens

  Park · 909 m

• Museum Pass - visit 4 Horsens museums in 7 days

  Museum · 973 m

• The Boller and Bjerrelide area

  Park · 990 m

Frequently asked

What is King Erik Menved's Castle in Horsens?

King Erik Menved's Castle is the site of a former medieval castle on the hill called Slangebjerg in Bygholm Park, Horsens. In 1313, King Erik Menved built a castle here in response to unrest among farmers in Jutland. The buildings no longer stand, but you can still see remains of the foundations and moats on the hill while walking in the park.

What can I see today at King Erik Menved's Castle site?

You will not find a standing castle, but you can clearly explore the terrain of the old fortification on Slangebjerg hill. The outlines of the former structure are visible as building foundations and moats in the ground. Combined with the surrounding trees and open areas of Bygholm Park, it gives a good sense of where the medieval castle once stood.

How much time should I plan for a visit to King Erik Menved's Castle?

The castle site itself is a short stop. Many visitors will be satisfied with 30–45 minutes to walk up Slangebjerg, look at the foundations and moats, and take in the surroundings. If you also want to enjoy Bygholm Park more broadly, allow extra time for a longer walk or a break elsewhere in the park.

Is King Erik Menved's Castle suitable to visit with children?

Families who enjoy being outdoors often find the site manageable with children, as it is simply a hill with visible remains rather than a museum. There is space to walk around Slangebjerg and look at the moats and foundations in the ground. For younger visitors, it works best combined with more time to play and walk in the rest of Bygholm Park.

How does King Erik Menved's Castle fit into a visit to Bygholm Park?

King Erik Menved's Castle is located on Slangebjerg hill within Bygholm Park, so it can easily be included as part of a walk in the park. Many visitors spend most of their time enjoying the green areas and paths, and then make a short detour up the hill to see the remains of the medieval castle before continuing their walk.

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