[1] Originally called Møgeltønderhus (Møgeltønder House), the former stronghold on the site was the property of the Roman Catholic bishops of Ribe.

Count Hans von Schack, a Schleswig nobleman and soldier, was given Møgeltønderhus as a token of King Frederick III of Denmark's gratitude for his military achievements in the Northern Wars.

[2][3] Schack demolished most of the mansion in 1661 due to its bad condition,[4] building the more impressive, baroque style "Schackenborg Castle".

In 1993, Schackenborg and the extensive estate were transferred to Prince Joachim of Denmark, the younger son of Queen Margrethe II.

[2] The castle and the surrounding park are not open to the general public; however, guided tours of the gardens are sometimes available during the summer.