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Den Kreative Have (The Creative Garden), Haldrup

A lovingly crafted Japanese-inspired show garden in rural Jutland, where water, topiary and quiet corners create a serene escape just outside Horsens.

4.4

Tucked into the rolling countryside outside Horsens, Den Kreative Have is a privately created show garden that feels part sculpture park, part Japanese-inspired landscape. Winding paths guide you past koi ponds, clipped topiary, bridges and intimate seating nooks. Every vista is carefully composed, from mirror-still water reflecting cloud-scudded skies to whimsical garden art tucked between maples and conifers. It is both an inspirational stop for garden lovers and a tranquil escape where you can slow down and simply enjoy beautifully choreographed greenery.

A brief summary to Besøgshave - Den Kreative Have

  • Overmarken 44, Haldrup, Horsens, 8700, DK
  • +4529871939
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
  • Budget
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

  • Plan your visit for late spring or early autumn to see both structure and strong colors, with fresh foliage or vibrant seasonal tones reflected in the ponds.
  • Wear flat, comfortable shoes; paths are mostly easy but can be slightly uneven or damp near the water features after rain.
  • Bring a camera or smartphone with plenty of battery – the garden is full of symmetrical views, reflections and close-up plant details.
  • Allow time simply to sit in one or two of the seating areas rather than rushing through; much of the garden’s appeal lies in its calm atmosphere.
  • Check current opening days and any entrance fee in advance, as this is a private visit garden and opening periods can vary by season.
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Getting There

  • Car from Horsens

    From central Horsens, driving to Haldrup typically takes around 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic. The route follows country roads with light traffic and is straightforward. There is usually informal parking near the property, but spaces are limited on busy open days. Visiting by car is the most flexible option for timing and is suitable for all ages and mobility levels who can manage short walks on garden paths.

  • Taxi from Horsens

    A taxi from Horsens town centre to Den Kreative Have generally takes 15–20 minutes. Fares are often in the range of 180–260 DKK one way, depending on time of day and exact pickup point. This is a convenient choice if you do not have a car, but taxis should ideally be booked in advance, especially outside peak hours or in the evening.

  • Bus plus short walk

    Regional buses run from Horsens towards the villages north of the town, with some services stopping within walking distance of Haldrup. The total journey, including waiting and walking sections, usually takes 30–50 minutes. Services can be infrequent, particularly on weekends and public holidays, so it is important to check current timetables and ensure that return buses fit your planned visit time.

Besøgshave - Den Kreative Have location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Hot Weather

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A Japanese-Inspired Garden in Rural Jutland

Den Kreative Have sits in the small village of Haldrup, just north of Horsens, yet it feels worlds away from everyday life. Laid out around the owners’ home, the garden has slowly evolved into a carefully composed landscape, structured around flowing water, ponds and meandering paths. The design is clearly inspired by Japanese gardens, with borrowed views over the surrounding fields, controlled perspectives and an emphasis on balance between stone, water and plants. As you enter, the noise of the road slips away, replaced by trickling water and birdsong. Beds of evergreens and flowering shrubs are arranged to frame the main pond, where reflections and shadows become part of the scenery. Rather than a single grand view, the garden reveals itself in a series of scenes as you move through it.

Topiary, Water Features and Living Sculptures

One of the defining features here is the extensive use of topiary. Conifers and box are clipped into globes, clouds and organic shapes that give the garden a playful, almost sculptural character. These forms catch the low northern light beautifully, creating strong silhouettes at the beginning and end of the day. Water is ever-present. Brooks run under small bridges and between plantings, linking ponds of different sizes. Around the water you will spot irises, hostas and other moisture-loving plants, which soften the edges of stones and timber structures. Subtle garden ornaments and small artworks are scattered throughout, never dominating, but rewarding a slow, curious eye.

Seasonal Changes and Color Through the Year

Although the bones of the garden are evergreen, the planting has been chosen to keep interest shifting with the seasons. In spring, fresh foliage and flowering trees create soft color and fragrance along the paths. Summer brings lush greens and reflections on the water, while perennials come into their own around seating areas and terraces. Autumn is particularly atmospheric, as maples and other deciduous trees blaze against the constant greens of the clipped shrubs. On bright days the ponds mirror the fiery canopy above. Even outside the main flowering season, the strong structure of the topiary and the stones mean the garden remains engaging and photogenic.

Atmosphere, Seating Nooks and Quiet Corners

Den Kreative Have is designed as much for lingering as for looking. Benches and small terraces are tucked into corners where you can sit close to the water or slightly elevated above it, taking in the reflections and carefully framed vistas. Some corners feel almost like outdoor living rooms, with potted plants and decorative details creating a sense of intimacy. Despite the relatively modest size, the garden feels surprisingly varied. Narrow paths draw you onward, sometimes through dense plantings, sometimes opening suddenly to a wide view over a pond or out across the rural landscape. This constant shift between enclosure and openness gives even a short visit a sense of gentle exploration.

For Garden Enthusiasts, Photographers and Day-Trippers

The garden has become a reference point for keen gardeners from across Denmark, who come looking for ideas on structure, plant combinations and small-scale water features. It also lends itself naturally to photography, with reflections, repeating shapes and carefully arranged compositions at almost every turn. For visitors to the Horsens area, Den Kreative Have works well as a half-day countryside excursion. You can wander at your own pace, sit with a drink on one of the terraces, or simply enjoy the quiet atmosphere. The experience is unhurried and personal, more like stepping into an enthusiast’s lifelong project than visiting a formal park, which is precisely its charm.

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