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Villa Margarinely: A Royal Garden Pavilion in Aarhus

Discover Villa Margarinely: A unique blend of industrial heritage and royal elegance in Aarhus's Marselisborg Palace Gardens.

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Villa Margarinely, nestled within the Marselisborg Palace Gardens in Aarhus, is a charming pavilion repurposed from a copper spire of a former margarine factory. This unique structure, set amidst the Queen's Rose Garden, offers visitors a blend of industrial history and royal elegance.

A brief summary to Villa Margarinely

Local tips

  • Visit during June to witness the Queen's Rose Garden in full bloom, offering a spectacular display of colors and fragrances.
  • Check the royal family's schedule beforehand, as the gardens are closed to the public when they are in residence.
  • Attend the Royal Life Guard's changing of the guard ceremony at noon for a glimpse into Danish royal traditions.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy on the expansive lawns, but remember that public restrooms are located in the adjacent Mindeparken.
  • Explore the various sculptures scattered throughout the park, each adding a unique artistic touch to the natural surroundings.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Aarhus Central Station, take bus line 19 towards Carl Nielsensvej. The journey takes approximately 10–15 minutes, with a single ticket costing around 22 DKK. Alight at the 'Carl Nielsensvej' stop. From there, it's a short walk to the entrance of Marselisborg Palace Gardens, where Villa Margarinely is located.

  • Walking

    Starting from Aarhus City Hall, head south through the city center, passing by the ARoS Art Museum and continuing towards the Marselisborg Palace Gardens. The walk is approximately 2–3 kilometers and takes around 30–40 minutes, offering a pleasant route through some of Aarhus's notable landmarks.

  • Driving

    If driving from the center of Aarhus, head towards Kongevejen, where free parking is available adjacent to the Marselisborg Palace Gardens. The drive is short, typically taking around 10 minutes, depending on traffic. Be aware that parking can be limited during peak visiting hours.

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Discover more about Villa Margarinely

Villa Margarinely stands as a testament to Denmark's ability to blend industrial heritage with royal elegance. Originally, this quaint pavilion was the copper spire of the Otto Mønsted margarine factory in Copenhagen. After the factory's demolition in 1981, the spire found a new home in the Marselisborg Palace Gardens, where it was transformed into a charming garden retreat. The name 'Villa Margarinely' is a playful nod to its origins, combining 'margarine' with a suffix denoting a small house or pavilion. Situated within the Queen's Rose Garden, the pavilion is surrounded by over 300 varieties of roses, creating a vibrant and fragrant atmosphere. The garden itself was designed by Queen Margrethe II in the 1970s, reflecting her personal touch and passion for horticulture. The round flower beds and the central white bench offer visitors a serene spot to relax and enjoy the meticulously curated flora. The Marselisborg Palace Gardens, where Villa Margarinely resides, are open to the public when the royal family is not in residence. Visitors can explore the expansive English-style park, featuring large lawns, small ponds, and a variety of sculptures donated by various artists. The park's design encourages leisurely strolls, with pathways leading to hidden gems like the herb garden and the sculpture collection. A highlight for many visitors is the Royal Life Guard's changing of the guard ceremony, which takes place at noon when the royal family is present at the palace. This traditional event adds a touch of regal pageantry to the visit. For those planning a visit, it's advisable to check the palace's schedule to ensure the gardens are open to the public. The park is typically open from April to September between 8 am and 9 pm, and from October to March between 9 am and 4 pm. However, it remains closed during Christmas, Easter, and for three weeks in July. Access to the gardens is free, and parking is available along Kongevejen, adjacent to the park. Public transportation options include bus lines 19 and 6A, with stops at Carl Nielsensvej and Oddervej, respectively. While there are no public restrooms within the park, facilities are available in the neighboring Mindeparken. Villa Margarinely, with its unique history and picturesque setting, offers a delightful experience for visitors interested in Danish royal history, garden design, and the harmonious blend of industrial and natural elements.

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