Guldborgsund Zoo & Botanisk Have

A Green Pocket on the Edge of Nykøbing Falster

Guldborgsund Zoo & Botanisk Have sits in a gently sloping parkland on the eastern side of Nykøbing Falster, wrapped in mature trees and sheltering hedges that soften the town around it. The grounds feel immediately intimate rather than grand, with winding paths that encourage unhurried strolling rather than strict routes. Grassy lawns open between enclosures, and benches are tucked into corners where you can pause to listen to birdsong and the distant sounds of animals. Although not vast, the zoo is laid out to feel varied: one moment you are beside a pond fringed with reeds, the next you are looking across a paddock or peering into a warm house for smaller species. The botanical side is woven through the site, with planting beds, shrubs and small trees adding texture, shade and seasonal colour.

Animals at a Manageable Scale

The zoo has traditionally focused on a mix of familiar and more unusual animals in enclosures sized to match the compact grounds. Domestic species such as goats, sheep and other farm animals have given younger visitors a chance to see creatures they might only know from picture books. Alongside them, the park has housed more exotic residents, from birds to small mammals and larger carnivores in purpose-built spaces. Enclosures are connected by clearly marked paths, making it easy to create your own loop through the park. At feeding times, the energy shifts noticeably, with animals becoming more active and vocal. Information boards near many habitats help put what you see into context, summarising where the animals come from, how they live in the wild and what threatens them there.

Botanical Corners and Quiet Paths

The "Botanisk Have" element reveals itself gradually as you wander. Planting here is less about formal flowerbeds and more about a layered, park-like landscape, with stands of trees, flowering shrubs and pockets of perennials. On calm days you can catch the scent of blossoms or resin, especially in late spring and early summer when the foliage is at its fullest. Some of the most pleasant parts of the site are the quieter paths that loop away from the busiest animal areas. These stretches, often edged by plantings, give a sense of being in a small urban garden rather than a zoo. They work well as short breathing spaces for adults while children race ahead toward the next enclosure or playground.

Playgrounds, Picnics and Family Time

Guldborgsund Zoo & Botanisk Have has long leaned into its role as a family outing spot. Playgrounds with climbing frames, swings and sand areas punctuate the grounds and often end up being just as memorable as the animals themselves. These areas are usually set by lawns and seating, allowing adults to rest while still keeping a close eye on children. Picnicking is part of the experience here. Several designated picnic spots, some with tables and others simply open grass, make it easy to unpack a bag of snacks or a full lunch. On warm days the mix of sun and shade is especially welcome, and the steady background chorus of animal sounds gives the park a distinct character compared with a standard town green.

A Local Fixture in Transition

Over the years the zoo and garden have played a steady role in the life of Nykøbing Falster, providing schools, families and visitors with an accessible space to encounter animals and enjoy greenery within the town. Like many smaller zoos, it has had to adapt to evolving ideas about animal welfare, conservation priorities and how best to use compact urban land. Recent information indicates that operations here have been reported as permanently closed, reflecting wider changes in how such sites are run and funded. Even so, the layout, plantings and structures tell the story of a place shaped by decades of everyday outings: prams on the paths, children at the fences, and countless picnics on the grass. If reopened or repurposed in the future, the grounds are well placed to continue serving as a pocket of nature and learning on Falster.