Rhododendronparken at Gammelkjøgegaard
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.
Tucked behind the historic Gammelkjøgegaard estate on the edge of Køge, Rhododendronparken is one of Denmark’s most remarkable collections of rhododendrons. Laid out as a landscaped woodland garden and reimagined in the 1960s by leading garden designers, it combines sweeping lawns, mature trees and shaded paths with dramatic bursts of colour each spring. Open to the public on selected afternoons, this tranquil private park offers a refined, almost secret-feeling escape into sculpted nature, just minutes from town.
A brief summary to Rhododendronparken
- P-plads, Gammel Ringstedvej 1, Køge, 4600, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Wednesday 2 pm-6 pm
- Saturday 2 pm-6 pm
- Sunday 2 pm-6 pm
Local tips
- Time your visit for mid-May to early June to experience the rhododendrons at peak bloom, when colour and fragrance transform the whole park.
- Check current opening hours before you go; access is normally limited to Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons, and the park is otherwise closed.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for gravel and grass paths, which can be damp or slightly uneven after rain.
- Bring water and any snacks you need, and be prepared to pack out all rubbish, as on-site facilities are minimal and the park’s character is deliberately quiet.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train and bus from central Copenhagen
From Copenhagen, take a regional train to Køge Station, a journey of about 35–45 minutes with frequent departures throughout the day and standard single fares generally around 80–110 DKK depending on ticket type. From Køge Station, continue by local bus towards the western outskirts of town; the ride typically takes 10–15 minutes. Services run regularly but less often in evenings and on weekends, so check times in advance. From the nearest bus stop, expect a short walk along public roads on mostly level pavement to reach the park entrance.
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Train and walk from Køge town centre
If you are already in Køge, you can start from Køge Station or the central square and walk to Rhododendronparken. The route, mostly along urban streets and then quieter residential roads, usually takes 25–40 minutes at an easy pace. The terrain is flat and paved, suitable for most visitors, though crossings and some stretches without shade can be tiring in hot weather. This option costs nothing beyond your time and is a pleasant way to transition from the town into the calmer estate landscape.
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Car or taxi within the Køge area
Driving from central Køge to the park’s vicinity normally takes around 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic. You can follow the main routes leading towards Gammel Ringstedvej and look for roadside parking areas close to the estate entrance; parking is generally free but can be limited on popular spring afternoons. A taxi within Køge often costs in the range of 120–200 DKK each way, with higher prices late at night or on holidays. The final approach from where you park involves a short walk on level surfaces to the garden gate.
Rhododendronparken location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
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Cold Weather
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Any Weather
Discover more about Rhododendronparken
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.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
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- Casual
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For the design and aesthetic lover
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For the architecture buff
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For the view chaser and sunset hunter
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For the social media creator & influencer
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For the eco-conscious traveler
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For the kind of experience you’re after
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
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- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
