The Mounds of Kjærsgård
Just north of the road between Horsens and Odder lies a small motte surrounded by trees. Here, the ruins of a castle are located, which burned down during the turbulent 1300s, a time when Denmark was affected by revolts.
Traces of the early history of the Odder Region
When discussing the history of the Odder area, the focus is often on the manors and the influence of Chancellor of the Exchequer Joachim Gersdorff’s heirs on the region. However, long before the current manors, there were several castles in the area during the 14th century. The 1300s in Denmark (especially in Jutland) were one of the darkest periods in history, with peasant revolts threatening the nobility and the crown.
The Kjærsgård motte is located about 500 meters east of the village Hundslund and 1 kilometer west of Åkjær Manor. It is believed to be the predecessor of the current manor.
It is not known exactly when the castle was built, but archaeological excavations have uncovered coins from the reign of Erik Menved (1286–1319).
The Motte
THe motte at Kjærsgård consists of a four-sided mound with steeply sloping sides and a flat top. Additionally, the remains of the surrounding ramparts can be faintly seen in the landscape. At the base of the castle mound, traces of posts have been found, indicating that there was likely a palisade, which made it difficult to penetrate the castle. The structure of the castle clearly illustrates the defensive needs of the time. The moat around the castle is approximately 10 meters wide, and to the east, a bridge connected the mound to a flat area where the castle's economic buildings were located. A square stone castle stood on the mound.
Excavations on the 3.5-meter-high mound revealed a wooden tower destroyed by fire in the 1930s. In the tower's cellar, a broken handcuff and a hammer were found.
The fall of Kjærsgård
The earliest known owner of Kjærsgård was the knight Laurits Trugotsen in 1331. He later transferred ownership to another knight, Marquard Rostrup. At that time, Marquard was the top commander for the Holstein count at the important stronghold, Skanderborg Castle. During the period 1332–1340, Denmark was in a state of chaos without a king, and the country was mortgaged to the Holstein counts. All of Jutland and Funen were mortgaged to Count Gerhard. As a supporter and commander for Gerhard, Marquard Rostrup (and therefore Kjærsgård) was exposed to danger. The castle likely played a central role in the battles between the Holstein mortgage holders and the Jutland rebels, who were peasants. The discovery of 30 crossbow bolts suggests that the castle's fall did not happen without a fight. 1340 was the year of the Jutland uprising, a central event in Danish history, and it is likely in this context that the castle was taken and burned.
Want to visit Kjærsgård?
The motte is open to the public. Parking is available by the roadside.
Other historical experiences
Kystlandet offers many exciting historical attractions, from ancient times to industrial history. From museums to architectural landmarks and natural attractions, this page can inspire you to explore historically interesting sites near Horsens, Odder, and Juelsminde.