For three weeks each summer, the sleepy town of Gråsten is abuzz when now-abdicated Queen Margrethe heads for some R&R at her summer residence, Gråsten Slot. When she's not staying, the lovely palace garden and richly adorned chapel are open to the public. The garden's seasonal closing times vary, from 4.30pm in winter to 8pm in summer. With a charming lakeside aspect on the banks of Slotssø, the palace was built in the mid-16th century but destroyed by fire on multiple occasions. In 1842, the main building you see today was constructed, and in 1935, the rights to the castle were handed to the royal family.
The best way to check whether the royals are in residence is to ask around (including at local tourist offices) or check online for royal family activity (kongehuset.dk). In summer, signs are posted on the garden gates indicating the dates when the site is closed to the public.
Trains between Kolding and Sønderborg stop at Gråsten. Buses also cover the 16km between Gråsten and Sønderborg.
