Rhododendronparken at Gammelkjøgegaard

A historic estate garden reborn in colour

Rhododendronparken lies within the grounds of Gammelkjøgegaard, an old manor estate just outside Køge. The park was reshaped in 1967 following plans by renowned landscape architect C. Th. Sørensen together with Else Collet, creating a composition that feels both classical and modern. What had long been part of the estate’s surrounding landscape was transformed into a carefully choreographed garden, with gently rolling lawns, groups of trees and a series of intimate clearings. Today the park is administered by the Carlsen-Langes Legatstiftelse, which continues to treat it as a living cultural landscape. Wide, simple lines and an understated structure provide a calm framework for the botanical drama that unfolds in late spring when the rhododendrons burst into flower.

One of Denmark’s largest rhododendron collections

The park is known for housing one of the country’s largest collections of rhododendrons. Along shaded paths and under the canopy of mature trees, you encounter banks of shrubs in varying sizes, from low azaleas to towering rhododendron specimens that read almost like small trees. In May and early June, the scene turns theatrical: clouds of white, deep magenta, lilac and warm apricot create layered walls of colour. Outside the main flowering season, the garden remains appealing thanks to the evergreen foliage, contrasting textures and the way the plants are woven into the broader landscape. The collection has been developed in collaboration with rhododendron specialists, so enthusiasts can spot both familiar hybrids and more unusual varieties tucked into the borders.

A calm woodland atmosphere near Køge

Despite being only a short distance from Køge’s centre, Rhododendronparken feels decidedly secluded. Tall trees buffer the traffic, and the soundscape shifts to birdsong, rustling leaves and the crunch of gravel underfoot. Long views across the lawns offer moments of openness, while narrower paths draw you back into the semi-wild understorey. The character of the park changes subtly with the seasons. In early spring, the structure of trunks and branches is most visible, and fresh greens gradually tint the canopy. Summer brings dappled shade and a deep, cool green that offers relief on hot days. In autumn, foliage and low light turn the park into a more introspective place, ideal for quiet walks and photography.

A short, contemplative visit rather than a full-day outing

Rhododendronparken is relatively compact and designed for unhurried strolling rather than extended picnics or play. There are no formal playgrounds or large activity areas; instead, the experience is about moving slowly, pausing to study blossoms up close or stepping back to appreciate the composition of shrubs, trees and sky. Paths are generally level, though surfaces can be uneven in places. Most visitors find that one to two hours is enough to explore the main routes, linger at favourite vantage points and enjoy the planting without rushing. On sunny days in bloom season, light filtering through the leaves and petals creates particularly photogenic scenes, rewarding those who like to look carefully rather than cover long distances.

Visiting a private park with limited opening hours

The park forms part of a private estate but is opened to the public at set times. Standard access is in the afternoon on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, typically from 14:00 to 18:00, with entrance from Gl. Ringstedvej. Groups can sometimes arrange visits outside these hours by prior agreement with the estate, usually for a fixed fee, which helps support maintenance of the grounds. As a guest in a privately managed garden, you are expected to treat the park with extra care: staying on designated paths, respecting plantings and wildlife, and keeping noise to a minimum. There are no commercial facilities within the park itself, so any refreshments should be brought with consideration for litter and the quiet, contemplative spirit of the place.