Aastrup Kloster – Manor near Tølløse

The last convent for noble women in Denmark

Aastrup Kloster sits tucked away in the rolling landscape between Tollose and Kirke Saaby in Holbaek Municipality. The main building rises on a rectangular moated site surrounded by the original water-filled moats, and the tree-lined avenue leading to the estate offers a first glimpse of the red brick facades and crow-stepped gables that speak of more than 500 years of history. The manor has been shaped by successive owners with close ties to the Danish crown and is known today as the last convent for unmarried noble women in Denmark.

From medieval village to country estate

The story of Aastrup begins in the 16th century, when the village of the same name was dissolved and its lands gathered under a new manor. The first owner, Erik Krabbe, was the son of Marshal Tyge Krabbe and himself a man of learning who arranged the republication of Saxo Grammaticus Danish Chronicle in 1534. The eastern wing of the present main building was erected in 1613 by Enevold Kruse. Above the gate, you can still see the sandstone tablet bearing his name and that of his wife Else Marsvin. The building stands as a fine example of Danish Renaissance architecture with vaulted cellars and red brickwork.

Royal blood and pious women

In 1842, Frederik Vilhelm Dannemand purchased the estate. He was the illegitimate son of King Frederik VI and married into the nobility. Having no children, he established the Dannemand Foundation, a convent for unmarried women and widows of his own lineage. From 1928 to 1988, Aastrup functioned as a convent with a prioress and five ladies, making it the last active convent of its kind in Denmark. Today, the estate remains under the foundation and is used for concerts, guided tours and cultural events.

Architecture and cultural heritage

The main building consists of three wings from different periods. The east wing from 1613 is the oldest part, while the north wing is thought to be somewhat younger. The south wing was added in 1856 during Dannemand ownership. The entire complex was restored in the 1920s by architect V. Holck. Around the main building stretches a large landscape garden featuring a rose garden from 1927, and in the estate deer park stands a tea pavilion from the 1860s. The bridge across the moat is guarded by two charming brick-built doghouses that lend the arrival a distinctive character.

Location and surroundings

Aastrup Kloster lies roughly 8 kilometres southwest of Tollose and 15 kilometres from the town of Holbaek. The area is characterised by a hilly moraine landscape with mixed woodland and farmland. Nearby, you will find other historic manor houses such as Eriksholm, Sonnerupgaard and Tollosegaard, which together paint a picture of the dense manor culture in this part of West Zealand. A visit to Aastrup can easily be combined with a trip to Skarreso lake or a walk through the surrounding forests.

Experiences nearby

West Zealand offers a wealth of experiences close to Aastrup Kloster. Nature lovers can drive to Magleso lake, surrounded by lush woodland with several hiking trails and scenic viewpoints. Brorfelde Observatory just north of Tollose has interactive astronomy exhibitions and makes for a great family outing. In Holbaek town, a cosy harbour with cafes and the historic Holbaek Museum await. Culture enthusiasts will find Soroe Academy and the beautiful lakes of Soroe just a short drive south. Whether you seek quiet manor atmosphere, active nature experiences or historical exploration, you will find inspiration at destinationsjaelland.dk.