The Ghosts of Dragsholm Castle: Denmark’s Most Haunted Fortress



Dragsholm Castle, located in Zealand, Denmark, is one of the most haunted places in Europe. With a history spanning over 800 years, the castle has served as a fortress, a prison, and now a hotel. However, beneath its elegant exterior lies a dark past filled with tragedy, betrayal, and restless spirits. Visitors and staff alike have reported eerie encounters with ghostly figures, disembodied voices, and phantom footsteps. Among the most famous spirits said to haunt Dragsholm Castle are the White Lady, the Grey Lady, and the Earl of Bothwell. Their tragic stories have become part of the castle’s chilling legend, drawing ghost hunters and history enthusiasts from around the world.

The History of Dragsholm Castle

Built in the 13th century, Dragsholm Castle was originally a fortress constructed to protect the region. By the 16th century, it had been transformed into a prison for noble captives, housing important figures during Denmark’s turbulent political struggles. Over the centuries, the castle witnessed executions, betrayals, and untold suffering, which many believe led to its haunted reputation.

Today, Dragsholm Castle has been restored and operates as a luxury hotel and restaurant, yet many guests report encountering spirits that refuse to leave.

The Ghosts of Dragsholm Castle

The White Lady – A Tragic Love Story

One of the most well-known spirits of Dragsholm Castle is the White Lady, believed to be the ghost of a young noblewoman who lived there centuries ago. According to legend, she fell in love with a commoner, much to the dismay of her powerful father. When her secret romance was discovered, her father was enraged and ordered her to be imprisoned within the castle walls. It is said that she was bricked up inside a small chamber, left to perish in darkness. In the 20th century, during castle renovations, construction workers discovered a skeleton wearing a white dress hidden behind a wall, lending credibility to the legend. Guests and staff frequently report seeing the White Lady wandering the halls, her ghostly form appearing as a misty figure in white. Some have even claimed to hear her soft cries echoing through the castle at night.

The Grey Lady – A Benevolent Spirit

Unlike the other spirits of Dragsholm Castle, the Grey Lady is believed to be a friendly presence. She is thought to have been a servant who worked in the castle, possibly during its time as a noble residence. According to local lore, the Grey Lady suffered from a painful toothache, which was eventually cured by someone in the castle. In gratitude, her spirit is said to remain at Dragsholm, watching over its guests and occasionally performing small acts of kindness. Those who have encountered her describe her as a gentle, shadowy figure that glides through the corridors before disappearing.

The Ghost of the Earl of Bothwell – A Tormented Prisoner

One of the most infamous spirits at Dragsholm Castle is that of James Hepburn, the 4th Earl of Bothwell, who was once the husband of Mary, Queen of Scots. After falling out of favor and being accused of treason, Hepburn fled to Denmark, where he was captured and imprisoned at Dragsholm Castle in the late 16th century. Hepburn was held in harsh conditions, chained in a small cell, where he slowly went mad before his death. It is said that his spirit remains trapped within the castle, reliving his misery. Guests and staff have reported hearing the sound of rattling chains echoing through the halls, believed to be the restless ghost of the Earl.

Some have even claimed to see a shadowy figure riding a ghostly horse in the courtyard, believed to be Hepburn’s spirit, forever searching for an escape.

Paranormal Encounters and Reports

Many guests who stay at Dragsholm Castle report unexplained phenomena, including:

Doors opening and closing on their own

Mysterious whispers and cries at night

Cold spots and sudden temperature drops

Unseen hands touching them in dark hallways

The apparition of a woman in white, fading away when approached

Ghost hunters and paranormal investigators have visited Dragsholm Castle multiple times, with many claiming to have recorded EVPs (electronic voice phenomena) and captured eerie figures in photographs.

A Haunted Destination

Today, Dragsholm Castle operates as a luxury hotel, offering guests the unique experience of staying in a place steeped in history and paranormal lore. Visitors can enjoy fine dining, scenic landscapes, and even guided ghost tours that explore the castle’s eerie past. For those brave enough to spend the night, Dragsholm Castle offers a rare chance to witness the supernatural firsthand. Whether it’s the mournful White Lady, the protective Grey Lady, or the tormented Earl of Bothwell, the spirits of Dragsholm Castle ensure that its ghostly legends live on.