The Korinth Kro
In the heart of South Funen, Denmark, stands Korinth Kro, a historic inn with roots reaching back to the late 18th century. More than just a building, it is a place where education, community, and hospitality have intertwined for over two centuries.
The origins of Korinth Kro lie in the vision of Count Johan Ludvig Reventlow of Brahetrolleborg Manor. In the 1780s he commissioned the construction of the first buildings, not as an inn, but as part of his pioneering efforts in education and social reform. For a period, the site housed a boarding school, a temporary teacher training college, and even a spinning
school - all reflecting Reventlow’s Enlightenment-inspired ideals of progress and learning.
The turning point came in 1801, the same year Reventlow passed away. At auction, the property was acquired by Simon Hempel Ploug, a merchant from Faaborg, who received royal permission to operate it as a kro.
In Denmark, a kro is more than an inn. Historically, it was a privileged hostelry licensed by the crown to provide food, drink, and lodging along the country’s travel routes. For centuries, kroer (plural) were vital lifelines for rural communities – places where travelers could rest their horses, share news, and find a warm meal, while locals gathered for celebrations, meetings, and community events.
Korinth Kro fulfilled this role for generations, becoming a social and cultural hub for the village. Yet like many traditional inns, it faced decline in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The kro closed in 2008, and by 2016 the buildings stood empty, even facing the threat of demolition.
What could have been the end of the story instead became a remarkable new beginning. A group of dedicated citizens formed the Association of Korinth Kro, determined to preserve the historic site. With support from foundations such as Realdania and countless volunteer hours, they breathed new life into the 2,000 m² complex. Today, the old inn serves as a modern guesthouse and event venue, while also embracing its heritage as a place of education and community. Plans to develop a “folk high school” concept – echoing the original Enlightenment ideals of Reventlow – carry the story full circle.
Korinth Kro thus embodies more than bricks and mortar. It tells of Denmark’s traditions of hospitality, of the kro as a cornerstone of village life, and of how communities can revive their past to shape the future.
Visited: August 9, 2015
Location: Faaborg, Denmark
Status: Renovated
