Egeskov Castle

On our visit today, we got to tour the privately owned and maintained Egeskov Castle. While much of the land shared similar features and characteristics with the other greenspace we have seen, this was one of the few instances that an example of Danish greenspace was a large, privately owned area of land. This is primarily because Denmark, an extremely egalitarian country, is not known for elitist culture. However, I do believe this castle has a place and purpose within Denmark. Though I respect Denmark’s egalitarian culture, and believe that it plays a large role in how and why public greenspace is used and maintained so effectively, I think that private ownership is a just, if not more, effective way to ensure that land is being maintained. 

Additionally, I think that many of the castle's features and purposes fit in with many other models of greenspace we have seen. For example, its gardens resemble both the private suburban gardens such as the round hedges, as well as public parks such as the fortification parks. Though the castle is privately owned, it is open to the public for a fee. While this fee may deter some, It is clear when touring the grounds how much work and money it must take to maintain the land. Unlike public parks, privately owned land does not receive any help with this maintenance from the government. Therefore, I do not believe the fee indicates extortion of a green space for private benefit, but rather a means of maintaining private land the only way that it can be maintained.

Another important factor to consider is the castle's history. Though it may not be entirely fitting or appropriate within Denmark nowadays to designate large areas of land to private owners, the Castle has a large history and has been passed down through generations. I believe that this history grants it a large degree of legitimacy, even in an egalitarian country. Therefore, as a whole, I think that Egeskov Castle, though privately owned, has an appropriate purpose and place within the Danish greenspace culture.

Front view of the castle

Hedges on a lawn outside the castle

Water lilies in a fountain in one of the castle's gardens

Hedges surrounding a garden

Flowers within a garden

View from a small bridge on the outskirt of the castle