Gammel Køgegård Manor & Rhododendron Park
Historic Danish manor on the ridge of Køge Ås, combining a 400‑year house with tranquil parkland, river views and a celebrated rhododendron garden.
Gammel Køgegård is a historic manor just outside Køge, set on the wooded ridge of Køge Ås with the river curling behind the main house. The estate combines a more than 400‑year architectural story with a beautifully composed park and renowned rhododendron garden. Old timbered wings, classical yellow buildings and sweeping lawns frame quiet paths, tall trees, and seasonal flower displays, creating a tranquil escape that still feels very much like a working Danish country estate.
A brief summary to Gammel Køgegård
- Gammel Køgegaard 3, Køge, 4600, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Aim to visit in late May or early June if you want to see the rhododendron park at its most colorful, when many varieties flower at once.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for gravel and natural paths; some areas follow gentle slopes along the ridge and can be slippery when wet.
- Bring a light jacket or extra layer, as the shade under the trees and the proximity to the river can make temperatures feel cooler than in town.
- Pack water or a thermos and snacks if you plan a longer walk, as food and drink options are limited directly at the estate itself.
- Have a quick look at any on-site information boards or printed materials to understand which areas are private and which are open to visitors.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Regional train and local bus from central Copenhagen
From Copenhagen’s central area, take a regional train toward Køge, with typical journey times of 35–45 minutes depending on service. From Køge Station, continue by local bus toward the southern outskirts of town; buses generally run several times per hour on weekdays and less frequently in the evening and on weekends. Expect the local bus segment to take around 10–15 minutes, plus a short walk at the end. A combined one-way ticket for train and bus is usually in the range of 50–80 DKK, depending on ticket type and time of day.
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Local bus and walking from Køge town centre
If you are already in Køge, you can use the local bus network heading south or southwest from the centre toward the countryside around Gammel Køgegård. Travel times are typically 10–20 minutes, and you should allow additional time for walking from the closest stop along quiet local roads and paths. A local bus ticket within the Køge area generally costs around 20–30 DKK one way. Services are less frequent in the evening and on weekends, so checking departure times in advance is important.
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Taxi from Køge Station
For a direct, flexible option, take a taxi from Køge Station to Gammel Køgegård. The drive usually takes around 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxis queue outside the station during the day, but it can be wise to phone ahead in the late evening or early morning. Typical one-way fares fall in the range of 120–200 DKK, varying with traffic, time of day and any waiting time.
Gammel Køgegård location weather suitability
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Gammel Køgegård
A Manor House Above the River
Gammel Køgegård sits on the natural ridge of Køge Ås, looking down towards the gentle curves of the Køge River that slip behind the main house. The estate feels slightly raised above the surrounding countryside, giving you the sense of arriving at a self-contained world of fields, woodland and water. From the moment you approach the courtyard, the composition of buildings, gravel, trees and open sky feels classically Danish and quietly grand. The location has shaped the manor’s role for centuries. The ridge provided dry ground and a natural vantage point, while the river brought water, transport and fertile soil. Today you still sense that practical foundation, but it is softened by old trees, sheltering hedges and carefully framed views from the house out across the landscape.Four Centuries of Country Life
Although one timber-framed wing dates back to the early 1600s, most of the main building reflects later centuries of rebuilding and refinement. The architecture blends brick and plastered facades with steep roofs and orderly rows of windows, more restrained than flamboyant, but full of character when you pause to notice details like door surrounds and old stone steps. Gammel Køgegård has long-standing ties to some of Denmark’s influential families and, unusually, several decisive periods in its history were shaped by capable women who managed the estate through change. Their choices helped preserve parts of the older buildings while modernising others, so you read layers of time in every facade. Outbuildings, stables and barns still hint at the manor’s agricultural backbone.Gardens, Parkland and Rhododendrons
Behind and beside the house, formal structure relaxes into parkland. Broad lawns flow into groups of mature trees, while paths lead you towards the most celebrated feature: the rhododendron park. Here, in late spring and early summer, banks of rhododendrons and azaleas erupt in colour, creating shifting corridors of pinks, purples, whites and oranges beneath tall trunks. Even outside the main flowering season the garden remains atmospheric. Evergreen shrubs, textured bark, and the filtered light under the canopy give the park a quietly theatrical feel. The planting has been curated over time, with different varieties extending the bloom period and adding subtle differences in leaf shape and growth habit. Benches and clearings invite you to pause and listen to birdsong or the faint sound of the river.Strolling the Estate Grounds
A visit here is unhurried by design. You wander on gravel, grass and forest paths rather than following a rigid route. One moment you are close to the house, smelling sun-warmed stone and hearing the crunch of footsteps in the courtyard; the next you are beneath tall trees, with the air cooler and the light softened. Seasonal shifts are part of the experience: crisp leaves in autumn, bare silhouettes in winter, fresh green on the beech trees in spring, and deep shade in high summer. The terrain is mostly gentle, though some slopes reflect the natural ridge. This variety adds depth to the walk without turning it into a strenuous hike. Glimpses of fields and distant farm buildings remind you that this is still a working estate, not a detached show garden.Heritage Atmosphere on the Edge of Town
One of the quiet pleasures of Gammel Køgegård is how close it lies to Køge and yet how rural it feels. You step from a small town context into an environment that has evolved over centuries with relatively subtle changes. The combination of manor architecture, historic ownership, and designed but still naturalistic parkland makes it an evocative place to reflect on Danish country life. Whether you come for a short garden stroll, a longer walk across the ridge of Køge Ås or simply to enjoy the sight of the manor framed by ancient trees, the estate offers a calm, slow-paced contrast to urban Denmark, anchored in its riverbank setting and long, quietly told history.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Visit
0.8 km
Historic lighthouse and bird observatory at Denmark’s northern tip, with panoramic sea views, interactive nature exhibits, and a vibrant café in wild coastal surroundings.
VisitKøges selvbetjente turistbureau
0.9 km
An iconic 19th-century lighthouse at Denmark’s northern tip, famed for panoramic views, migrating birds, and immersive maritime and nature exhibits.
Køge Torv
1.0 km
Denmark's largest medieval town square, where seven centuries of history unfold on cobblestones.
Befrielsessten i Køge
1.0 km
A solemn memorial to Denmark's liberation from Nazi occupation, standing in Køge's historic market square.
Køge St.
1.2 km
Experience Skagen’s iconic Det Grå Fyr, an elegant lighthouse offering breathtaking views, unique birdwatching, and local culture at Denmark’s northernmost edge.
Mindesmærke for slagene i Køge Bugt
1.3 km
Harbourfront monument where stone, sea breeze and maritime symbols keep the naval battles of Køge Bugt and their admirals alive on Køge’s working waterfront.
“Slaget i Køge Bugt”
1.3 km
Harbourfront monument on Køge’s quay, quietly marking the dramatic naval battles once fought in the bay where today only fishing boats and leisure craft glide.
Comwell Køge Strand
2.0 km
Historic lighthouse and world-class bird observatory at Denmark’s northern tip, with sweeping sea views, immersive exhibitions, and a welcoming café.
Køge Nord
4.5 km
A soaring timber‑lined footbridge and high‑speed rail hub turning everyday commuting into a slice of contemporary Danish architecture and panoramic landscape.
Vallø Slotskro
7.1 km
Explore Denmark's largest private engine collection and maritime heritage at Maskinrummet in Skagen.
Roskildekrukkerne
20.7 km
Three colossal ceramic jars rising from a mirrored basin transform Roskilde’s station square into an open-air monument to a thousand years of city history.
Skänk Beer & Wine bar
20.7 km
Experience Aarhus’ celestial heritage at the Ole Rømer Observatory, where history, culture, and astronomy converge for hands-on stargazing and exploration.
Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde
21.1 km
Baroque palace where Danish royalty met democracy, now a vibrant hub for art and culture.
Viking Ship Museum
22.0 km
Beautiful sandy beach blending city and sea, with grassy dunes, safe swimming, and a friendly promenade—Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’ closest seaside escape.
Roskilde Harbour
22.1 km
Aarhus waterfront blends modern design, maritime history, and vibrant city life along Denmark’s lively Kattegat shoreline—an essential urban seafront experience.
Unmissable attractions to see
Rhododendronparken
0.3 km
A quietly spectacular woodland garden on Køge’s outskirts, home to one of Denmark’s largest rhododendron collections and an elegant fusion of estate history and landscape art.
Bronzestien - Køge Ås
0.4 km
A peaceful Bronze Age–inspired trail along the wooded ridge of Køge Ås, where manor landscapes, river views and ancient traces meet just outside Køge.
Lovparken
0.8 km
Experience Køge’s centuries-old Sankt Nicolai Kirke—a showcase of Nordic Gothic architecture, unique artworks, and vibrant local history in the town center.
Brønden på Køge Torv
0.9 km
A German-inspired historic well on Køge’s grand market square, where everyday water, medieval trade and modern town life quietly flow together.
Drikkevandpost - Torvet 14
1.0 km
A small but essential drinking water fountain on Køge’s historic Torvet, offering free, clean tap water and a brief pause amid cobblestones and town life.
Mindesten for Elias Andersen
1.0 km
Historic Gothic church in central Køge featuring an iconic spire, centuries-old interiors, Renaissance woodwork, remarkable maritime artwork, and peaceful churchyard.
the old house
1.0 km
One of Denmark’s oldest dated half‑timbered houses, this 1527 gem in Køge’s old town now hosts a cosy children’s library and atmospheric vaulted cellar.
Køge Church
1.0 km
Explore Køge Church: a landmark of Danish Gothic architecture with Renaissance treasures, vibrant frescoes, and a pivotal role in the historic heart of Køge.
KØS Museum of Art in Public Spaces
1.0 km
Denmark’s dedicated museum for art in public spaces, revealing the sketches, models and stories behind monuments, murals and urban artworks in the heart of Køge.
Køge Museum
1.1 km
Time‑travel through Køge’s past inside a 17th‑century merchant’s house where Viking treasures, buried secrets and a tranquil courtyard meet in one intimate museum.
Mindesten for Træskoslaget
1.1 km
Discover Køge Church—a late medieval architectural gem, celebrated for its stunning murals, ornate interiors, and centuries of local history in the old town center.
Køge Byhistoriske Arkiv
1.1 km
Køge’s documentary memory bank, where quiet shelves of papers, photos and maps reveal centuries of local life to anyone ready to start researching.
Vandkunsten - Stationspladsen
1.2 km
A sculptural fountain anchoring Køge’s station square, where moving water, stone and light turn a busy transport hub into an inviting urban meeting place.
Drikkevandpost - Havnen
1.3 km
Solgårdsparken in Køge is a riverside retreat featuring woodlands, lawns, playgrounds, public art, and event spaces—an ideal escape for families and nature lovers.
Drikkevandpost - Nørre Boulevard/Græsmarksvej
1.3 km
Free public drinking water station serving Køge's residents and visitors with sustainable hydration.
Essential places to dine
Azuma
0.7 km
Lively sushi belts, generous all-you-can-eat menus and relaxed Japanese dining in the heart of Køge’s historic town center.
Kuruki Sushi
0.8 km
Casual, modern sushi in Køge’s historic center, serving fresh rolls, ad libitum menus and takeaway from a relaxed spot on bustling Vestergade.
Hofu
0.8 km
Contemporary sushi crafted with creative precision in the heart of historic Køge.
Køge Grill House
0.8 km
Compact Turkish-inspired grill bar in the heart of Køge, serving shawarma, kebabs, wraps and the indulgent Kapsalon in a simple, casual setting.
Vin-O
0.8 km
Intimate wine and tapas bar in Køge’s historic center, pairing candlelit hygge, generous sharing boards and a carefully curated wine list in a cozy townhouse setting.
Duevangs Deluxe Spiseri & Catering
0.9 km
Intimate modern Danish dining in Køge’s old town, where a compact seasonal menu, smart wine pairings and warm service turn lunch or dinner into an occasion.
Café T
0.9 km
A snug, retro-furnished tea and brunch café tucked off Køge’s main square, serving homemade breads, cakes and generous brunch plates in true Danish hygge style.
Cafe Vivaldi
0.9 km
Bright, all‑day café dining and prime people‑watching on Køge’s historic market square, with generous plates, cakes and a broad outdoor terrace on Torvet.
Det Sunde Køkken
0.9 km
Bright, casual salad and bowl bar right on Køge’s medieval market square, serving fresh, customizable healthy meals, juices and easy takeaway all day.
Brasseriet Baum
0.9 km
Warm wine bar and tapas brasserie on Køge’s main square, pairing generous boards and classic comfort dishes with an impressive selection of wines by the glass.
Dhaba Køge
0.9 km
Colorful Indian street food–inspired dining in the heart of Køge, serving aromatic curries, kebabs and naan in a relaxed, evening-only neighborhood setting.
Frokost MALT
1.0 km
Classic Danish smørrebrød served in a historic courtyard just off Køge’s main square, blending local lunch traditions with a cosy, modern Scandinavian touch.
Cups 'n Cones Køge
1.0 km
Handcrafted ice cream and frozen yogurt in the heart of Køge's historic town square.
Bistro17
1.0 km
Modern bistro and bar in a former 1940s cinema on Køge’s central square, serving generous brunches, comfort food and cocktails in a lively, historic setting.
Sanne's Desserter
1.0 km
Cosy dessert café on Køge’s main square, serving Belgian waffles, homemade cakes and coffee with a front-row view of life on historic Torvet.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bjergkæden
0.7 km
Denmark's trusted specialist in premium outdoor equipment, blending 25+ years of expertise with hands-on service.
Mom and me
0.8 km
Cozy Køge boutique for mums and kids, blending soft Nordic style, gentle products and a relaxed, family-first atmosphere on charming Vestergade.
Vitrinen og vitrinens Købmandshandel
0.9 km
Historic Køge merchant’s shop where aromatic teas, coffees, chocolates and charming homeware fill a centuries‑old timbered building with cozy Danish hygge.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.9 km
Danish design meets budget-friendly shopping in Køge's most colorful retail destination.
Zhenzi
0.9 km
Curve-friendly Scandinavian women’s fashion in the heart of Køge, offering modern everyday styles and occasion outfits with a relaxed, boutique feel.
Johs. Clausen Køge
0.9 km
A welcoming women’s fashion boutique on Køge’s historic main square, blending Scandinavian elegance, quality brands and personal service in a cosy town-centre setting.
Krybben V/helle Frost
1.0 km
Atmospheric women’s fashion boutique in a historic Køge courtyard, blending Scandinavian style, leather and fur pieces, and curated accessories right on Torvet.
Kop & Kande
1.0 km
Independent homeware expertise in the heart of Køge's historic town center.
La Belle
1.0 km
Contemporary women's fashion in the heart of Køge's charming old town.
køge butikker brogade
1.0 km
A cosy antiques haven on historic Brogade, where pewter, brass and pre‑1900 treasures from South Zealand fill creaking rooms with stories from another era.
Zizzi - Køge
1.0 km
Modern Scandinavian plus size fashion in the heart of historic Køge, offering curve-friendly styles, relaxed fitting rooms and personal styling help on Brogade.
Pioneer V/søren Marsner Hansen
1.0 km
Owner-led menswear boutique in Køge’s historic center, offering curated Scandinavian-inspired clothing and a calm, personal shopping experience.
Rokkjær-Køge
1.0 km
A contemporary Scandinavian womenswear boutique on Køge’s historic market square, blending modern style, local brands and a building marked by centuries of town history.
Den Blå Dør
1.0 km
A cosy blue-doored boutique in Køge’s old town, blending Scandinavian interiors, fashion and small everyday luxuries in a colourful, carefully curated setting.
Tendens Køge
1.0 km
A cosy multibrand fashion boutique in the heart of Køge, blending Scandinavian style, curated labels and a relaxed, town-centre shopping vibe.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ellemarkens Bodega Drøvlen
0.7 km
Unpretentious local bodega and community hangout in Køge’s Ellemarken district, serving inexpensive drinks, sports on TV and a relaxed slice of everyday Danish life.
Café Asti
0.8 km
Intimate wine and tapas bar in Køge's heart, where Italian flavors meet European sophistication.
RICHTERs Ølstue
0.8 km
Characterful beer hall in Køge’s historic centre, pouring quality specialty brews and serving hearty Danish smørrebrød in a warm, wood-accented pub setting.
Den høje stue
0.9 km
Cosy sportspub on Køge’s historic Torvet, pairing classic bar vibes with big-screen matches and relaxed small‑town atmosphere late into the evening.
Bodega Slap A
1.1 km
Køge's electric nightlife hub where quality drinks meet vibrant DJ sets and dancing until dawn.
Vinbaren Køge
1.1 km
Intimate wine bar in Køge’s old town, serving well-chosen bottles, tapas-style plates and plenty of Danish hygge from relaxed afternoons to late-night last pours.
Grillen
1.3 km
Casual grilled fare in the heart of Køge, open daily for straightforward dining and drinks.
Ibsens Pub & Vinbar
1.4 km
Waterfront wine bar and pub where Nordic hospitality meets harbor views and live entertainment.
The Old Irish Pub
1.4 km
Køge's benchmark for weekend nightlife with live music, cocktails, and authentic Irish pub atmosphere.
MC 19 Køge
5.2 km
Unpretentious roadside bar on the edge of Lille Skensved, blending motorcycle-club spirit with classic Danish pub hospitality and a relaxed, locals-first atmosphere.
Vinbaren Muicon
19.5 km
An intimate wine bar in Roskilde’s Musicon district, pairing cozy Nordic warmth with a curated wine list and relaxed, conversation-friendly vibes.
Musicon Mikrobryggeri
19.5 km
Local craft beer, stainless-steel tanks and live music energy in the heart of Roskilde’s creative Musicon district.
Charlie Chaplin
19.5 km
An unfussy neighbourhood bar in Roskilde, Charlie Chaplin pours cold beers and warm conversation in a relaxed local bodega setting far from the city’s tourist crowds.
Bykroen
19.6 km
Cozy local bar and live music hangout on Haslev’s main street, offering simple drinks, late-weekend nights and an authentic small-town Danish atmosphere.
Roskilde Bodega
20.5 km
Classic Danish corner bar on Holbækvej with pool, darts, slot machines and a lively local crowd, offering an unpolished, authentic bodega atmosphere from day to late night.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Bloom Nightclub
1.3 km
Late-night harborfront beats and a compact dance floor bring big-night energy to small-city Køge every Friday and Saturday.
The Flame
1.3 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub by Køge’s harbor, serving up youthful beats, live acts and weekend dance-floor vibes in an intimate, no-frills setting.
LUSIO
1.3 km
Compact harbor-side nightclub in Køge with late Friday hours, a tight dance floor, and an intimate, no‑frills setting for Danish weekend nights out.
Tropicana DC
18.2 km
Compact Latin-flavoured nightclub on Roskilde’s industrial edge, delivering loud beats, simple drinks and a late-night dancefloor focused purely on partying.
Klubhuset
18.3 km
Low-key local clubhouse turned disco-style nightspot, where a simple bar, small dance floor and regulars’ vibe create relaxed, unpretentious nights in Roskilde.
Dansebar Roskilde
20.6 km
Roskilde's premier multi-floor nightclub with dual dance spaces, three bars, and DJ-driven energy until dawn.
Garbos Roskilde
20.6 km
Cozy neighborhood nightclub in central Roskilde, blending casual bar vibes with a compact dance floor and late-night weekend energy on Hersegade.
Danseriet
21.0 km
Frivilligdrevet danseklub i Roskilde med stort dansegulv, livebands og hyggelig stemning for danseglade gæster på tværs af aldre og niveauer.
Haven - Events
33.3 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.
KB3
33.7 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at KB3, a lively night club in Vesterbro offering unforgettable music and vibrant experiences.
The Union
33.8 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.
Baggen
33.9 km
Discover the electrifying atmosphere of Baggen, where Copenhagen's nightlife comes alive with vibrant music and unforgettable experiences.
Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub
34.0 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub, where adult entertainment meets unforgettable performances.
Falafelberg
34.0 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
Vela Lesbian Lgbtq+ NightClub
34.1 km
Experience the inclusive spirit and vibrant nightlife at Vela Lesbian LGBTQ+ Nightclub in Copenhagen, where every night is a celebration of love and diversity.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Romantic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
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
- LGBT Friendly
