Brændesgårdshaven – Family Fun Park on Bornholm

A countryside playground on Denmark’s sunshine island

Brændesgårdshaven sits in rolling countryside a short distance inland from Svaneke, surrounded by fields, trees and the soft light Bornholm is famous for. What began as a private garden has evolved over decades into a full‑day family destination, yet it has kept a distinctly homely, unpolished character. Instead of towering steel roller coasters and neon, you find lawns, ponds and a patchwork of small attractions spread across a green valley. The layout encourages a relaxed pace. Paths wind between trees, flower beds and open play areas, with benches and picnic tables dotted almost everywhere. The mood is less like a high‑octane theme park and more like a large, whimsical backyard designed for children to explore. Birdsong, excited shouts from the playgrounds and splashes from the water slides blend into a gentle background soundtrack.

Rides, water fun and old‑fashioned amusements

The park’s attractions are delightfully varied rather than extreme. Younger children can spend hours on traditional playground equipment, self‑powered rides and bouncy structures, while older kids gravitate towards rowing boats, go‑karts, small carousels and a few mild thrill rides. A highlight on warm days is the outdoor water area, with slides, shallow pools and sunbathing terraces where adults can keep an eye on the action. Scattered across the grounds are mini‑golf courses, ball games and simple challenges that families can enjoy together. Much of the fun here is hands‑on: pedalling, paddling, climbing and balancing rather than simply being strapped into machines. It is the kind of place where children make up their own games between attractions, racing from one corner of the park to another through grass and gravel paths.

Animals, gardens and quiet corners

Part of the park retains the feel of a small zoo and country garden. You will find animal enclosures with familiar farm species and a few more exotic residents, giving younger visitors a gentle close‑up encounter with living creatures. Ponds with ducks, stands of mature trees and flower beds provide welcome shade and colour during the summer season. These greener corners are ideal breathers between busier activities. Families spread out blankets under the trees, grandparents rest on benches with an ice cream, and there is ample space for prams. The overall scale is large enough to wander yet compact enough that groups can regroup easily, making it manageable even with smaller children.

Food, treats and practical comforts

Food at Brændesgårdshaven is straightforward and family‑oriented. Expect simple cafeteria meals, kid‑friendly favourites and plenty of sweet options from ice‑cream kiosks and candy stands. Many visitors choose to bring their own snacks or picnic, taking advantage of the numerous tables and grassy spots. Trash bins are widely available, helping to keep the setting tidy. Basic facilities are positioned across the grounds, including restrooms and sheltered areas that offer refuge from sudden showers or strong sun. Information boards and simple signage make it easy to navigate even without prior knowledge of the park. The atmosphere is casual; there is no need to dress up, and sandy feet and wet swimsuits are part of the experience on sunny days.

A full‑day family outing on Bornholm

Most visitors treat Brændesgårdshaven as a full‑day excursion while staying elsewhere on Bornholm. The island’s compact size means the park is within comfortable reach of many towns, yet once inside it feels pleasantly removed from the island’s busier coastal streets. Children can run with relative freedom, while adults enjoy the slower rhythm and fresh air. The park is especially appealing in mild, dry weather from late spring through early autumn, when rides, water activities and outdoor areas can all be enjoyed. On cooler or cloudier days, the greenery and animals still make it an inviting destination, though water activities may be less central. Overall, Brændesgårdshaven offers a nostalgic, low‑pressure alternative to large‑scale theme parks, perfectly aligned with Bornholm’s laid‑back, family‑friendly character.