Graasten Palace

The very first palace in Graasten was a hunting and leisure palace built in the midst of the 16th century. After it burned down in 1603, a new palace was built, probably where the current palace´s south wing is now.

Shortly before 1700 the Chancellor Frederik Ahlefeldt built an impressive Baroque palace, which itself unfortunately burned down in 1757, only leaving the palace church. The current Graasten Palace, or rather the south wing, thus originates from 1759. In 1842 the main building was added.

In 1935 the right of use of the palace was given to the late King Frederik IX and Queen Ingrid. Queen Ingrid was very interested in flowers and stood for the planning of the garden at Graasten Palace until her death in 2000. The interest in flowers and the garden was continued by her daughter H.R.H. Queen Margrethe II.

There is no public access to the buildings and rooms of the palace, except from the palace church, who has special opening hours.

The abdication in 2024

During the New Year's speech in 2023, HM Queen Margrethe II announced her abdication and on 14 January 2024, Denmark got a new king and queen in the form of King Frederik X and Queen Mary.

Summer residence

When the royal family is in residence at Graasten Palace, the area is closed to the public and there is no access to Graasten Palace Gardens and Church; However, the Palace Church is still open in connection with the summer evening song etc.

2024

Graasten Palace Garden & Palace Church will be closed from 1 July - in connection with preparations for the royal family's summer recidence. However, the Palace Church will be open for church services and evening community singing. We expect that the Palace Garden will be open again on Monday 19. august.

On 9 July 4 pm, there will be an official reception of HM King Frederik X and HM Queen Mary at Torvet in Gråsten by Mayor Erik Lauritzen. Weather permitting, after the official reception, the Royal Couple will walk from Torvet via Slotsgade to Gråsten Castle.

Many visitors are expected in the city. The following central roads in Gråsten will be closed from 10am to 7pm this day: From Torvet at Borgergade via Slotsgade and Slotsbakken to Felstedvej, Fredensgade at no. 11 to Slotsgade and Nygade from Ringgade to Torvet. Sønderborg Municipality recommends walking, cycling or using public transport. If you use your car, these four areas are recommended for parking:

• Ahlmannsparken, Ahlefeldvej 4, 6300 Gråsten (8 disabled spaces),
• Politigrunden on Kongevej, 6300 Gråsten (at the roundabout),
• Peter Marcussens Plads, Emmas Have 20, 6300 Gråsten,
• Ringriderpladsen, Johs Kocksvej, 6300 Gråsten

Guard replacement
Once the palace is inhabited, a royal split flag goes to the top of the pole on the palace's bell tower and the Royal Life Guard sets up to guard. Every day there is a shift change of the Royal Life Guard. The guard starts from Det Gule Palæ, Ahlefeldtvej 5, where the new guard’s line up. Accompagniet by two tambours they march at 11.43 a.m. through Gråsten via Borggade, Torvet and Slotsgade to the palace, where the shift will take place at the guard house at 12.00. On Fridays, the march is accompanied by the Royal Life Guards Tambour Corps and the changing of the guard takes place in the palace courtyard.

Fridays concerts
Will be held in the palace courtyard in connection with the changing of the guard during the royal couple's stay at the palace. The first time will be on Friday 12 July 2024. The next Friday concert is on 19 July.