The story about Nørre Vosborg
H.C. Andersen at Nørre Vosborg
“(…) once there shall come from the west a man cloaked in blue, who shall bring the tower to tilt and fall.” Such was a cryptic prophecy about the original Vosborg’s demise. The prophecy was allegedly given to one of the first known owners, Niels Bugge, in the 14th century and concerned the castle he built in 1341. And indeed, in 1593, a massive storm surge swept over the estate, smashing it to pieces.
In the meantime, during the ownership of Predbjørn Gyldenstjerne in the 1570s, the manor had been moved to its current, more secure location further inland. Later, the de Leth family (1707–1778) and the Tang family and its descendants (1786-2004) owned Nørre Vosborg.
In the 19th century, several prominent guests visited the magnificent manor. Among others, H.C. Andersen stayed here for the summer in 1859, where he had time to write, make paper cuts, and fantasize about the many ghosts of the place.
"The farm's chapel has been transformed into a guest room; that's where I sleep. " A White Lady appears at this place, but she hasn't visited me; she probably knows that I like a good joke, but not hauntings.
The fortres at Åmunding
Where does the name come from?
The somewhat peculiar name “Vosborg” is mentioned for the first time in a preserved document from 1299, where there is talk of a castle named “Osborg”. “Os” means river mouth or outlet of water, referring to the first castle on the site, which was located at the mouth of Storås into Nissum Fjord
Nørre Vosborg is one of the most researched manor houses in the country. We can recommend the impressive two-volume work on the manor’s more than 800-year history. Politiken wrote, “Outstanding manor work sets new standards for cultural dissemination,” and awarded the work 6 hearts.
The work can be purchased in the Foundation’s shop in the castle courtyard for 600 DKK.
The buildings
Remarkable architecture
Nørre Vosborg is protected, and it has therefore required a very special expertise to restore the complex. Only craftsmanship firms with experience in restoring old buildings have been able to participate in the tenders. Many old craftsmanship traditions have been employed, ranging from straw on the walls to glazing windows.
TV Midt-Vest has followed the restoration and the many involved parties that come with such extensive restoration work. See portraits of all the actors in the series via the link below
ARCHITECTURE
GYLDENSTJERNE HOUSE
The Gyldenstjerne House, from the early 1570s, was originally built in early Renaissance style but has been rebuilt several times. The Gothic gables were erected during the time of the Privy Councillor after the mid-19th century. The Gyldenstjerne House now serves as a culturally historic building with a narrative and is also part of the restaurant operations.
THE FARM COMPLEX
The southern part of the complex was originally built in 1788 but reconstructed in the original style in 1951 after a fire. The complex has served as cow, calf, and pig stables, but today it houses a foyer and a multi-purpose hall with seating for 400 guests, as well as a conference room and three hotel rooms.
The northern part dates back to 1788 and played an important role in the cattle trade at that time. It still retains its typical local character – in dark-fired brick, hipped thatched roofs, and with doors and gates in blue-painted wood. Previously, the building housed granaries, cattle and horse stables, and in extension, a steward’s residence. Today, it houses the hotel reception, hotel rooms, and exhibition and banquet halls.
"Seaweed house" - Tanghuset
Tanghuset was built in 1838 in neo-classical style. Gyldenstjerne and Tanghuset are connected with a building featuring a bay window in neo-Gothic style built in 1857. Tanghuset now serves as part of the cultural-historical dissemination and is also involved in the restaurant operation.
DE LINDE-HUS
The so-called De Linde house was built in the 1760s on a cellar foundation from an earlier half-timbered building. It is built in Baroque style, especially characterized by the prominent staircases. Under the house were 5-6 cells, and according to legends, they served as a temporary jail for prisoners on their way to court in Viborg. There is no historical concrete evidence for this, but estate owners had the right to detain people from the estate who were suspected of a serious crime. The Lindehuset now houses a shop offering local delicacies, handicrafts, and decorative items to suit every taste.
The castle
The special thing about the castle complex is that it consists of buildings from four centuries and represents five different architectural styles.
IDE LANGEHUSE
The so-called Ide Langehus was built in 1655. It is a Renaissance-style half-timbered house – one of the oldest half-timbered houses in West Jutland, with fully mortised load-bearing wooden posts. The Ide Langehus now serves as a restaurant.
PORTTÅRNET
This remarkable structure has become the hallmark of Nørre Vosborg, and when you see it in front of you, you understand why. It was built in 1788 by the then owner Peder Tang, who may have been inspired by a piece of Dutch architecture he had seen on a business trip. Notice the clock face, which only has one hand. Have you noticed “the mistake”?