Kalo Castle Ruins

Kalo was built in 1313 by Erik Menved to hold down a rebellious Jutland, on a small islet in the bay with a cobbled causeway five hundred metres long running out to it, which was and is the only approach. The causeway is medieval and still in use, which makes the walk out the best part of a visit: water on both sides, birds on the shallows, and the ruin ahead. What remains is the great tower standing to a good height, curtain walls and outworks, in a grassy enclosure open at all hours and free. Gustav Vasa, later king of Sweden, was held prisoner here before escaping. The surrounding Molslaboratoriet land is a large rewilding project with grazing horses and cattle.

What you actually see

• The medieval cobbled causeway - five hundred metres out to the islet.
• The great tower - the main surviving block of the royal castle.
• Tidal shallows on both sides - birds along the walk out.
• The rewilding land behind - grazing horses and cattle on the surrounding hills.

When to go

April to October for comfortable walking; the site is open at all hours year round and free. Two hours including the causeway both ways. Low light in the evening across the bay is the best time.

Honest expectations

The causeway is uneven cobble and awkward underfoot, and it can be wet in high water and onshore wind. There is no shelter on the islet. Interpretation is limited to a few panels. Parking fills on summer weekends.

Nearby

Mols Bjerge National Park is south; Ebeltoft lies east on the coast.