Kongens Have at Marienlyst, Helsingør
Historic royal gardens spilling down towards the Øresund, where formal lawns, sea views and Marienlyst Castle create Helsingør’s most quietly elegant green escape.
Kongens Have at Marienlyst in Helsingør is a romantic historic park wrapped around elegant Marienlyst Castle, just north of Kronborg and overlooking the Øresund. Laid out in formal French style and later softened with more natural landscaping, its terraces, lawns and tree‑lined paths frame sweeping sea views. Once a royal pleasure ground for Danish kings, today it is a tranquil green escape where history, architecture and coastal scenery meet on the edge of the city.
A brief summary to Kongens Have Helsingør
- Gl Hellebækvej, Helsingør, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Bring a light blanket and use the upper lawns as a viewing platform over the Øresund; ships and changing light make this an excellent slow-travel picnic spot.
- Walk the central axis from the castle façade towards the sea to appreciate how the formal garden design frames the coastline and Kronborg’s distant silhouette.
- Visit in the shoulder seasons for softer light and fewer people; clear spring and autumn days often give the sharpest views across to Sweden.
- If you enjoy architecture, circle the castle from different levels of the garden to see how the façade lines continue into the tree rows and terraces.
- In windy weather, use the slight slope and tree belts as shelter: you can often find calmer pockets closer to the castle than by the open edge.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Restrooms
Getting There
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Train and short walk from central Helsingør
From Helsingør Station, local trains and coastal services stop at Marienlyst Station in about 3–5 minutes. Trains typically run every 20–30 minutes during the day, and a standard single ticket within the local zone costs roughly 20–30 DKK. From Marienlyst Station it is an easy 10–15 minute walk on mostly level pavements to the park, suitable for most visitors, though some paths within the garden are on gentle slopes.
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City bus from Helsingør centre
Several local bus routes run north from Helsingør’s central area towards Marienlyst and nearby coastal districts, taking around 10–15 minutes depending on traffic and stops. A single journey on city buses generally costs in the range of 20–30 DKK when bought as a standard ticket or via a travel card. Buses usually run at least twice an hour in daytime, with reduced frequency evenings and weekends, and most routes stop within a short, level walk of the garden entrances.
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Bicycle along the coastal corridor
Helsingør is compact and bike‑friendly, and many visitors cycle from the town centre to Marienlyst along signed coastal and residential streets. The ride typically takes 10–20 minutes at a relaxed pace, with mostly flat terrain and dedicated cycle lanes on the busier stretches. Standard city bike rentals in Helsingør often cost around 100–150 DKK per day, and this option suits those comfortable cycling in mixed traffic and varying weather.
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Taxi from central Helsingør or ferry terminal
Taxis are readily available near Helsingør Station and the ferry terminal, providing a direct trip to the park area in about 5–10 minutes under normal traffic conditions. Daytime fares for this short urban journey commonly fall in the 80–140 DKK range, depending on exact pickup point, waiting time and time of day. Taxis are a convenient option for travellers with limited mobility or luggage, though they may be less frequent late at night.
Kongens Have Helsingør location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Kongens Have Helsingør
Royal lawns above the Øresund
Kongens Have at Marienlyst spreads out on a gentle slope above the Øresund, immediately north of Helsingør. The gardens form the green forecourt to Marienlyst Castle, a refined 18th‑century residence that once served as a royal pavilion for nearby Kronborg. From the upper lawns and terraces the view opens dramatically across the strait towards Sweden, with ships sliding past as they have for centuries. This combination of manicured greenery and maritime horizon gives the park a quietly theatrical character. The layout reflects the taste of the period: broad grass parterres, straight avenues and clipped trees, softened here and there by winding side paths and mature plantings. Even on a brief stroll you sense that this was designed as a stage for promenades, carriage arrivals and leisurely courtly life. Yet today the atmosphere is informal and welcoming, with locals using the lawns for picnics and quiet pauses rather than royal receptions.From royal pleasure ground to public park
The story of Kongens Have is closely tied to the evolution of Marienlyst itself. In the late 16th century, King Frederik II created a pleasure retreat called Lundehave here, with a garden and a tall pavilion to compensate for the lack of a proper castle garden at heavily fortified Kronborg. Over the following centuries the grounds shifted between monarchs, courtiers and, eventually, the municipality, each leaving their mark on the landscape. In the mid‑18th century the area was reshaped when French architect Nicolas‑Henri Jardin rebuilt the residence in a light rococo‑tinged neoclassical style. The surrounding gardens were adjusted to match this new elegance, with axial views, ornamental details and carefully framed vistas towards sea and town. Later, when Helsingør bought the estate and sold off most of the farmland, the remaining core became a public green space. That transition from exclusive royal enclave to civic park still underpins its character: formally composed, yet open to all.Architecture and garden in dialogue
At the heart of Kongens Have stands Marienlyst Castle, its pale façade and strong cornice forming a crisp architectural backdrop to the lawns. The building’s restrained ornamentation, straight lines and flat roof balustrade reflect early neoclassical ideals, while decorative touches hint at its rococo origins. Seen from the garden side, tall windows and central projections create rhythm and symmetry, emphasizing the visual axis that runs out across the grass. The planting reinforces this dialogue between building and landscape. Rows of trees extend the castle’s lines outward, while terraces step the slope down towards the water, turning level changes into viewing platforms. On the seaward side, the geometry gradually relaxes and the mood becomes more picturesque, with looser clusters of trees and shifting perspectives. Walking here, you move between composed courtyard feeling near the house and a more natural park ambience closer to the shore.Moments of quiet in a coastal city
Despite its royal origins, Kongens Have feels decidedly human in scale. Paths are short and inviting rather than grand and overwhelming, and there is usually space to find your own corner under a tree or on a bench facing the sea. The soundscape is a mixture of wind in foliage, distant ship engines and the occasional train or city murmur from Helsingør behind you, a reminder that this is both urban park and historic estate. Seasonality plays a big role in the experience. Spring brings fresh greens and flowering trees against the pale castle walls, summer invites leisurely hours on the grass, and clear autumn days can offer some of the sharpest views across the Øresund. Even in winter the park has a spare beauty, with bare branches outlining the garden’s geometry and the castle standing out more starkly against sky and water.Literary echoes and layered heritage
Over time, Kongens Have has inspired more than gardeners and architects. In the 19th century, the romantic setting and seaward outlook drew writers and artists; Hans Christian Andersen is among those known to have admired the area. The idea of a cultivated garden perched at the edge of a working seaway, with Kronborg’s towers visible nearby, fits neatly into Denmark’s literary fascination with coastlines and castles. Today the park also carries the imprint of its museum period, when Marienlyst Castle housed local historical collections. Even though exhibitions have changed over the decades, that role helped secure restoration and careful maintenance of both building and grounds. Walking through Kongens Have you encounter not only a pleasant green space, but a compact slice of Danish cultural history: medieval religious land, Renaissance royal escape, neoclassical estate and modern municipal park all layered onto the same slope towards the sea.Experiencing the garden at your own pace
Kongens Have invites unhurried exploration rather than a fixed route. Many visitors start near the castle, then drift along the main axis towards the water, pausing at viewpoints where the grass breaks off into the coastal drop. Others weave through side paths to find quieter benches tucked among trees. The park’s openness makes it suitable for everything from a quick breather between city sights to an extended picnic with time to watch changing light over the Øresund. Because it is directly linked to Helsingør’s urban fabric, Kongens Have also works well in combination with nearby attractions: a calm counterpoint to the drama of Kronborg, or a green interlude between the harbourfront and residential districts inland. However you structure your visit, the essence of the place lies in that meeting of architecture, garden design and wide maritime horizon.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Elsinore Cemetery
0.6 km
Historic burial ground where 16th-century roots meet artistic legacy in Denmark's literary heartland.
'Time of the shipyard' mural
0.8 km
A hyper-realistic tribute to Helsingør's legendary shipyard, painted by American master Garin Baker.
Helsingør harbour
1.0 km
Where maritime heritage meets Shakespeare's legacy at Denmark's gateway to Sweden.
'The Middle Ages and the Sound Dues' mural
1.0 km
A vivid gable mural that turns Helsingør’s medieval tolls and ship traffic into a richly detailed open-air history lesson in the heart of the old town.
Odd Fellow Logerne Helsingør
1.1 km
A dynamic hub for contemporary and experimental art in the heart of Roskilde, showcasing thought-provoking exhibitions and interactive creative experiences.
Helsingor
1.2 km
Dynamic exhibitions, daring performances, and boundary-pushing installations in Roskilde’s historic royal palace—discover Denmark’s vibrant contemporary art scene.
Kronborg Castle Church
1.3 km
Renaissance sanctuary that miraculously survived fire, preserving royal religious heritage within Hamlet's legendary castle.
Heracles and the Hydra
1.3 km
Mythological bronze warrior frozen in eternal combat on Helsingør's historic waterfront.
Helsingborg City Hall
5.7 km
A monumental red-brick city hall and coastal gateway, where neo-Gothic towers, National Romantic detail and civic stories overlook the Øresund in central Helsingborg.
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
8.8 km
Experience world-class modern art where architecture and nature meet in perfect harmony, offering breathtaking views and a serene escape just north of Copenhagen.
Hornbæk Batteri
9.4 km
WWII coastal fortress commanding the Øresund strait from Denmark's dramatic northern cliffs.
Hornbaek beach
11.0 km
Discover Hornbæk Beach, the gem of the Danish Riviera, offering pristine sands, clear waters, and a charming seaside atmosphere perfect for relaxation and unforgettable summer memories.
Observationsvärn nr 741
11.5 km
Explore the historical significance and scenic beauty of Observationsvärn nr 741 in Viken, a captivating landmark steeped in military history and stunning views.
Falkonergården
12.7 km
Explore the enchanting Falkonergården Zoo in Fredensborg, a captivating destination for wildlife enthusiasts and families seeking adventure in nature.
Esrum Kloster & Møllegård
13.9 km
Discover the captivating history and serene beauty of Esrum Kloster & Møllegård, a former Cistercian monastery nestled in the heart of North Zealand's stunning landscapes.
Unmissable attractions to see
Reberbaneparken
0.4 km
Waterfront park hosting seasonal events and cultural performances in historic Helsingør.
Gummistranden
0.4 km
Compact city-side beach on Helsingør’s waterfront, with Øresund views, quick-dip swimming and a promenade linking neighborhood life to Kronborg Castle.
Promenaden
0.5 km
A broad, breezy waterfront walk linking Helsingør’s old harbor, shipyard culture hub and Kronborg’s fortress headland with big views across the Øresund.
Øresund Aquarium
0.6 km
Intimate saltwater aquarium on the Helsingør waterfront, offering hands-on touch pools, a harbor Water Laboratory and sea safaris focused on Øresund’s rich marine life.
St. Vincent's Church
0.6 km
North Zealand’s only Roman Catholic church, a white-towered 1930 sanctuary in Helsingør offering quiet reflection, modest Romanesque-inspired architecture and living parish life.
Helsingør Havne
0.7 km
Twin harbours beneath Kronborg Castle, where ferries, yachts and culture share a historic waterfront on the narrow Øresund Strait between Denmark and Sweden.
Danhostel Helsingør
0.7 km
Waterfront hostel with private beach access and garden terrace in historic Helsingør.
Arte callejero
0.7 km
Industrial-era Helsingør splashed across a gable wall: a bold shipyard mural that fuses street art style with the town’s maritime past on Allegade 7B.
Dancer's fountain
0.8 km
A delicate bronze trio of Royal Danish Ballet dancers, Danserindebrønden is a quiet green-corner fountain where Helsingør’s everyday life meets timeless grace.
Udsigtspunkt
0.8 km
Explore Tidens Tunnel in Helsingør—a boundary-blending street art installation where public space, creative energy, and local stories merge in a vibrant urban experience.
'The maritime history' mural
0.8 km
A harbour gable transformed into a sweeping, collage-like tribute to 300 years of Danish seafaring, anchoring Helsingør’s shipyard era in vivid colour and form.
Udsigtsplateau
0.8 km
A dramatic sculpture marking Kronborg Castle’s entrance, 'Heracles and the Hydra' merges Greek mythology with Danish heritage for an unforgettable arrival in Helsingør.
Erik af Pommerns Mindebrønd
0.8 km
Compact yet grand, this memorial fountain on Axeltorv turns a busy Helsingør square into a vivid snapshot of royal power, maritime trade and urban ambition.
Elsinore Public Museums
0.9 km
Three interconnected museums preserving 600 years of Elsinore's maritime, commercial, and industrial heritage in Denmark's historic city center.
St. Mary's Church
0.9 km
Historic public square at the heart of Roskilde, home to markets, festivals, and community life, framed by centuries-old buildings and vibrant Danish tradition.
Essential places to dine
Marienlyst beach hotel
0.4 km
Historic seaside resort on the Danish Riviera with beach spa, private shore and views to Kronborg Castle and Sweden across the Øresund.
Brasserie 1861
0.4 km
Fine Nordic-French dining with Øresund views and Kronborg Castle as backdrop
Marienlyst Restaurant, Bar & Lounge
0.4 km
Elegant seaside restaurant and lounge at Helsingør’s historic Marienlyst Strandhotel, blending Nordic flavours, crafted cocktails and sweeping Øresund views.
Restaurant Kaj
0.6 km
Modern Danish brasserie fare and generous seafood served in a light-filled dining room with sweeping Øresund views on Helsingør’s tranquil Nordhavn waterfront.
The Eatery of Jan & Christian
0.7 km
Contemporary Danish cooking in a welcoming neighbourhood setting on Helsingør's central street.
Café Kronborg
0.7 km
Waterfront seafood café where fresh fish, harbor views, and genuine hospitality meet in Helsingør.
Restaurant OE
0.8 km
Modern Asian cooking with a Nordic touch in the heart of Helsingør’s old town, mixing fragrant Thai flavors, cozy design and an intimate, relaxed dining room.
Restaurant Dansk
0.8 km
Cosy, low-key spot in Helsingør’s old town serving straightforward Danish comfort food in a lived‑in, neighbourhood setting.
Chums Vinbar & Bistro, Helsingør
0.8 km
Cosy wine bar and bistro in Helsingør’s old streets, known for baked cheeses, tarte flambée and well-chosen European wines in an intimate, candlelit setting.
Café Chaplin
0.8 km
Cozy, Chaplin‑themed café in Helsingør’s old town, serving hearty brunches and relaxed daytime meals in a warm, unpretentious neighbourhood setting.
Gæstgivergården
0.8 km
Cosy Helsingør gastropub serving traditional Danish comfort food, a changing daily dish and relaxed drinks in a central old‑town setting.
Axelbar
0.8 km
Cozy brasserie-bar in Helsingør’s historic centre, serving generous comfort dishes, brunch and drinks in a relaxed, grown-up atmosphere close to the harbour.
Restaurant MOS
0.8 km
Fine-dining Nordic cuisine in an intimate Helsingør setting with gastronomic ambitions and artistic presentation.
The black olive
0.8 km
Casual Greek street food served in Helsingør’s lively Værftets Madmarked, blending grilled gyros, warm pita and a buzzing shipyard‑hall atmosphere by the harbour.
Værftets Madmarked
0.8 km
Bustling shipyard food hall on Helsingør’s waterfront, where industrial heritage, global street food stalls and sociable long tables create an easygoing harbour hangout.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danmission Op Shop
0.7 km
Ethical treasure-hunting in Helsingør’s old town, where ever-changing second-hand finds support Danmission’s humanitarian work far beyond Denmark.
Butik Chaplin
0.9 km
A cosy Helsingør boutique brimming with handmade jewelry, retro interiors and knitwear, where every carefully chosen piece tells a small, colourful story.
Krystallen
0.9 km
Helsingør's premier crystal and mineral shop with expertly curated specimens and atmospheric presentation.
Levende Lys
1.0 km
A cosy, colour-filled fashion and lifestyle boutique in the heart of Helsingør, blending contemporary women’s clothing with playful home décor and gift ideas.
HL Mode A/S
1.0 km
Contemporary Danish fashion retailer offering curated brands and personalized styling in Helsingør's vibrant shopping district.
Normal
1.0 km
Smart, budgetvenligt pitstop i Helsingør Bycenter, hvor du hurtigt fylder kurven med beauty, rengøring og snacks til hverdagen og weekendturen.
Ide Nyt
1.0 km
A contemporary women’s fashion boutique on lively Bjergegade, Ide Nyt blends Scandinavian style, quality brands and a calm atmosphere in Helsingør’s historic heart.
Intersport Helsingør
1.0 km
Centrally located in Helsingør Bycenter, this locally run Intersport blends big-brand sports gear with practical advice for active days in town, forest and along the Øresund.
Jutebar Denmark ApS
1.0 km
Small Helsingør boutique specialising in stylish, sustainable jute bags and gifts, blending Scandinavian design sensibility with everyday practicality.
Happy Gifts & Souvenirs
1.0 km
Compact, cheerful and central, Happy Gifts & Souvenirs is Helsingør’s easy stop for Danish-themed keepsakes and Kronborg-inspired mementos after a day of exploring.
Østens Perle
1.0 km
Colourful Indian-inspired gift and handicraft shop in historic Helsingør, filled with hand-picked textiles, spiritual objects and cosy home décor since 2001.
Jørgensen & Co.
1.0 km
Exclusive curated fashion for discerning tastes in historic Helsingør's charming pedestrian district.
Ophelia
1.1 km
Curated Scandinavian boutique in historic Helsingør, where literary heritage meets contemporary design.
Dark Blue
1.1 km
Independent Helsingør skate and surf hub blending quality boards, cold‑water gear and streetwear in a compact, characterful old‑town shop.
Imerco
1.1 km
Compact Scandinavian home store on Helsingør’s main street, packed with kitchenware, tableware and cosy design gifts for practical living and stylish souvenirs.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Joker Bar
0.4 km
Relaxed Danish bar offering casual drinks and friendly conversation in historic Helsingør.
Axelhus Udeservering
0.8 km
Open-air corner bar on Bjergegade, where simple food, cold beer and Axeltorv’s street life come together in the historic heart of Helsingør.
Hold-An
0.9 km
Unfussy beer hall and local bar in central Helsingør, pouring cold brews, simple bites and everyday Danish hygge from late morning to late night.
Axelhus
0.9 km
Casual bodega and burger bar in Helsingør's old town, open late on weekends with beer and Danish comfort food.
Pitten Sport Bar
0.9 km
Straightforward sports, cold beer and local Helsingør character in a relaxed neighbourhood bar just a short stroll from the harbour and historic centre.
Gefion Bodega
0.9 km
Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in Helsingør offering classic Danish bodega atmosphere, simple drinks and a relaxed glimpse into everyday local life.
12`er Pubben
0.9 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bodega in Helsingør with billiards, sports on TV and cold beers, offering an authentic slice of Danish local bar life.
Helsingør Musikteater
1.0 km
Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.
Banana joe
1.0 km
Compact late-night bar above Helsingør’s nightlife strip, serving straightforward drinks, warm lighting and a relaxed local vibe long after the streets quieten.
Holger
1.1 km
Cozy cellar bodega on Helsingør’s Stengade, pouring inexpensive beers and spirits, with live music nights and a laid-back local crowd deep into the night.
Strandborg
1.1 km
Waterfront bar and restaurant where Helsingør's harbor views meet casual Nordic dining and evening social scene.
Head/Foam
1.2 km
Modern neighbourhood bar near Helsingør’s historic centre, pouring craft beer and cocktails from midday to the early hours in a lively, social setting.
Kardusen
3.1 km
Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.
Brewski
6.5 km
Craft beer excellence in the heart of Helsingborg, where global brewing traditions meet Nordic innovation.
Oddies Beach Bar
18.0 km
Relaxed beach bar on the sand at Rungsted Havn, blending Nordic coastal charm with a hint of tropical island mood and sweeping Øresund sea views.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Retro
1.0 km
High-energy weekend nightclub in central Helsingør, mixing big-room beats, bright lights and a young crowd in what calls itself the largest club north of Copenhagen.
Rustik
1.2 km
Helsingør's premier weekend nightclub with craft cocktails and high-energy dancing until dawn.
Walther's grillkylling og svuppeklub
4.2 km
Intimate neighborhood nightclub in Helsingør with loud music, simple drinks, and a playful local vibe behind an unassuming facade on Rødegårdsvej.
Socialz
22.5 km
Intimate cocktail bar and nightclub in the heart of Hillerød, blending shisha lounge vibes, late-night DJ sets and a compact dance floor on lively Slotsgade.
SIGURD CPH
37.7 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at SIGURD CPH, where vibrant dancing, fine wines, and pachinko gaming come together for an unforgettable experience.
Afrobeat Palace Nightclub
38.2 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
RUST Natklub
39.1 km
Discover the pulsating heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at RUST Natklub, where eclectic beats and vibrant energy come together for an unforgettable experience.
Temple Bar
39.3 km
Discover the energetic vibe of Temple Bar in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, where great drinks and lively entertainment meet.
Culture Box
39.5 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Falafelberg
39.8 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
Den Dansende Viking
39.8 km
High-energy suburban nightclub in Egedal Centret, serving packed dance floors, late-night DJ sets and budget-friendly drinks for party-focused weekends.
Mini Bar
40.0 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Mirage
40.1 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
40.1 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Moon Club
40.1 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Copenhagen at Moon Club, where electrifying beats and vibrant energy create unforgettable nights.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Romantic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
