Kongsdal Åben Have

A countryside garden escape on North Funen

Kongsdal Åben Have sits quietly in the rolling farmland between Hindevad and Padesø on the island of Funen, a green pocket of carefully shaped nature framed by open fields and patches of woodland. From the moment you step through the entrance, the outside world drops away and you find yourself in a series of garden rooms, each with its own mood. The overall impression is lush yet ordered, like walking into a painter’s study of greens and seasonal colour. The garden covers around 20,000 m², large enough to feel expansive but intimate enough that you can explore it at a gentle pace. Mature trees and tall hedges act as windbreaks and natural walls, giving structure to the landscape and shelter to more delicate plants. Throughout, benches and small seating areas invite you to pause and simply look.

Water, light and the heart of the garden

At the centre of Kongsdal Åben Have lies a sweeping 500 m² lake, its surface broken by a fountain and a small waterfall. The sound of falling water carries through much of the garden and becomes a soft soundtrack as you wander. Reflections of trees, clouds and flowers shift with the wind, turning the lake into a living canvas that looks different from every angle. Grassy banks and plantings slope down to the water, creating natural viewpoints where you can sit and watch dragonflies skim the surface. On still days the fountain’s mist hangs lightly in the air; on brighter afternoons shafts of light catch the spray. This watery heart gives the garden both drama and calm, and it is here that many visitors linger longest with a thermos or picnic.

Planting design, topiary and seasonal highlights

Kongsdal Åben Have is as much about composition as it is about individual plants. Long borders are packed with perennials, roses and shrubs that keep the garden interesting from late spring into early autumn. Early in the season, fresh foliage and spring flowers carry the show; by midsummer, roses and herbaceous planting take over, followed by late-season grasses and seedheads that give subtle structure into September. One of the garden’s characteristic features is its use of clipped forms. Carefully shaped shrubs and trees provide evergreen punctuation among softer planting, giving depth and rhythm to the views. Curving paths encourage you to keep exploring, revealing fresh combinations of colour and texture around each bend. Even without knowing plant names, it is easy to appreciate the balance of shapes and the way the owners have worked with the site’s gentle slopes and existing trees.

Quiet corners and the charm of the henhouse

Scattered throughout the garden are tables, chairs and benches where you can rest, sketch, photograph or simply watch the light change. Some seats are tucked into leafy alcoves, others look out across open lawns or towards the lake and surrounding fields. This abundance of places to pause makes the garden feel generous and unhurried, suited to slow wandering rather than rushing from highlight to highlight. A small indoor space, affectionately referred to as the “hønsehus” or henhouse, adds to the garden’s character. Here and in a self-service kiosk you can find simple refreshments such as coffee, tea and ice cream during the open season. The building’s modest, converted feel matches the rest of the site: this is not a grand estate but a personal garden gradually transformed over many years into a coherent whole.

A seasonal experience shaped by light and weather

Kongsdal Åben Have opens during the milder months, typically from May to September, when the planting is at its best and paths are easy to walk. Within this window, the atmosphere changes markedly: early in the season the garden can feel fresh and delicate; in high summer it becomes fuller and more fragrant; and towards late summer the tones soften into golds and russets. Overcast days often bring out subtle colours, while bright sunshine turns the lake and flower borders into vivid focal points. The garden is mostly level, with lawns, gravel and firm paths, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors, though some areas may feel more comfortable with sturdy footwear after rain. Because it lies in open countryside, breezes are common, and a light extra layer can make lingering on benches more pleasant, even on fine days.

Recognition, ethos and practical character

Kongsdal Åben Have has gained recognition within Denmark as an exemplary private garden open to the public, reflecting the owners’ long-term commitment to both horticulture and hospitality. Their approach is hands-on and detailed: pruning, shaping and planting are all done with an eye to how the garden will look not just today but several seasons ahead. This sense of ongoing care is visible in the well-tended borders, neat edges and healthy trees. Visitors experience the place as a blend of botanical interest, design inspiration and simple countryside peace. Beyond its visual appeal, the garden serves as a reminder of how a working rural plot can be transformed into an immersive landscape while still harmonising with the surrounding fields and woodland. It is an especially rewarding stop for anyone touring Funen’s smaller attractions, offering a concentrated dose of quiet beauty in just a few unhurried hours.