It is late in the 10th Century. Up on the hill above Kalundborg fjord, one of great men of that time, the broad-shouldered Esbern Snare – Absalon’s older brother and sworn brother to Denmark’s King Valdemar – sits in his newly constructed castle.


Below him in the well-protected natural harbour- hærvigen – he can enjoy the sight of his great fleet of warships, and at the same time he has a good view of enemies at sea. Together with castles in Vordingborg, Nyborg, Korsør, Sprogø and Copenhagen, Esbern’s castle in Kalundborg protects the coast against Wendish pirates.


By Esbern Snares castle, the town of Kalundborg emerged. The town got its name due to the areas many jackdaws, which at the time was called ”Kaa”. Kaa-lund in fact means jackdaw grove. The jackdaws are part of the town’s new landmark and among other places can also be found on the Esbern Snare statue in the square in Kalundborg.

Esbern Snare was born in Fjenneslev in 1128. He was part of the White-family, eldest son of Asser Rig and Inger Eriksdatter, and he was the brother of Absalon. He was named due to his quick-wittedness and was a keen warrior and chief, who joined Valdemar the 1st, who he reputedly saved from falling into enemy hands by sailing him to Jutland after having misled the enemy.

Esbern Snare took part in many historical battles and conquests, before he in about 1170 constructed Kalundborg castle and laid the foundation for the church Vor Frue Kirke. He had three sons and two daughters: Jens, Absalon, Niels Mule, Ingeborg and Cecilie. It was in all probability Ingeborg, who was responsible for the construction of Vor Frue Kirke following Esbern Snares death. Esbern Snare died in the year 1204 at Sæbygård after by all accounts having fallen down a flight of stairs in the tower.