Vallø Slotspark
A 15-hectare English landscape garden surrounding a historic red-brick castle, where Danish noble history blooms among rare heritage trees.
Vallø Slotspark is a 15-hectare English landscape garden surrounding the historic red-brick Vallø Castle, located 7 km south of Køge in Stevns Municipality. While the castle itself remains a private residence, visitors are welcome to explore the beautifully maintained park featuring rare heritage trees, manicured lawns, woodland paths, and a serene lake. The grounds are open daily from 8 AM until sunset with free admission, offering a peaceful retreat into Danish noble history and natural beauty.
A brief summary to Vallø Slotspark
- Vallø Castle, Køge, 4600, DK
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 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
- Visit in late spring (May) when beech trees display their vibrant green canopy and woodland wildflowers are in bloom. The park's beauty is particularly striking during this season.
- Bring a camera for the lake and moat areas, especially during golden hour. The reflections of historic architecture and ancient trees create exceptional photographic opportunities.
- Allow at least 2–3 hours to fully explore both the formal castle park and the wilder Vallø Dyrehave woodland. The transition between cultivated and natural landscapes is part of the experience.
- Pack a picnic and settle on the lawns near the castle for a peaceful afternoon. The open spaces are ideal for relaxation and meditation away from urban crowds.
- Visit the castle courtyard between 10 AM and 6 PM to photograph the distinctive red-brick architecture, moat, and lily pads up close. The courtyard offers the closest view of the castle's exterior details.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Food Options
Getting There
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Car from Køge
Drive south from Køge town center on Route 209 toward Stevns. The journey is approximately 7 km and takes 10–15 minutes. Free parking is available at the castle grounds. The route is straightforward and well-signposted.
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Bicycle from Køge
Cycle south from Køge on dedicated bike paths toward Stevns, following Route 209. The 7 km journey takes approximately 25–35 minutes depending on fitness level. This is a popular cycling route with relatively flat terrain and scenic countryside views.
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Bus from Køge
Take local bus services from Køge town center toward Stevns or Herfølge. Journey time is approximately 20–30 minutes depending on the specific route and stops. Buses run several times daily; check local schedules as frequency varies seasonally.
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Walking from Køge
A scenic 7 km walk from Køge town center takes approximately 1.5–2 hours along country roads and paths. The route passes through rural Danish landscape with tree-lined avenues. This option is suitable for those seeking a leisurely approach and is particularly pleasant in mild weather.
Vallø Slotspark location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
Discover more about Vallø Slotspark
A Royal Gift and Noble Foundation
Vallø Castle's story begins in the 14th century, but its transformation into one of Denmark's most distinctive estates came in 1708 when King Frederick IV acquired the property and gifted it to Anne Sophie Reventlow, who later became queen. Following the king's death in 1730, Queen Sophie Magdalene received the estate from her husband, King Christian VI. On November 28, 1737, she established the Vallø Foundation—a groundbreaking institution that provided housing and support for unmarried daughters of Danish noble families. This visionary act created a sanctuary where women of noble birth could live independently, supported by the foundation and government social programs. The foundation remains active today, with Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II serving as its patron.Architectural Evolution and the Great Fire
The castle's distinctive red-brick structure evolved over centuries. The south wing and portions of the west wing were constructed between 1580 and 1586 by Mette Rosenkrantz, one of Denmark's wealthiest women of her era, establishing the castle's characteristic robust corner towers. Subsequent owners expanded the building to three storeys, and in 1721, the north wing was added. A three-winged courtyard building designed by the renowned architect Lauritz de Thurah was constructed between 1735 and 1738, further enhancing the estate's grandeur. The castle's most dramatic moment came in 1893 when a devastating fire swept through the structure. However, the outer walls proved resilient, and between 1893 and 1904, architect Hans Jørgen Holm meticulously restored the castle largely to its original design, preserving its historical integrity.The English Landscape Garden
The 15-hectare park surrounding Vallø Castle represents a masterpiece of romantic landscape design. Originally laid out in the early 18th century with formal French garden elements, the park was transformed into its current English landscape style in 1830. This transformation created the serene, naturalistic aesthetic that visitors experience today—expansive manicured lawns interspersed with carefully positioned groupings of ancient trees. The park's botanical collection is particularly noteworthy, featuring rare heritage specimens including the heart tree (hjertetræ), dove tree (duetræ), ginkgo, winged walnut, true tulip tree, and manna ash. These arboreal treasures reflect the 19th-century fashion for collecting exotic and unusual species. A picturesque lake, created as an employment project between 1878 and 1880, adds another dimension to the landscape, its waters reflecting the surrounding woodland and sky.From Formal Gardens to Wild Nature
The park's character transitions gradually from cultivated elegance near the castle to increasingly wild woodland as visitors venture further into the estate. The formal slotspark (castle park) with its maintained pathways and open lawns gives way to Vallø Dyrehave, where nature is permitted to flourish on its own terms. This intentional gradient creates a journey through different landscapes within a single visit, allowing visitors to experience both the refined horticultural vision of centuries past and the untamed beauty of Danish woodland. The estate encompasses 4,109 hectares in total, of which 1,860 hectares are woodlands, making it a significant natural and cultural landscape.Historic Surroundings and Living Heritage
Beyond the castle and park lies a cluster of historic buildings arranged around Vallø Castle Street (Vallø Slotsgade), creating an authentic herregård (manor house) landscape. The Vallø Castle Inn, which received royal privilege in 1784, continues to operate as a restaurant and cultural landmark. The surrounding countryside, protected as a heritage landscape, features tree-lined avenues and historic structures that transport visitors back through Danish history. The estate remains actively managed, with revenues derived from agriculture, forestry, house rentals, the inn, a nearby campground, and hunting areas—ensuring that Vallø continues to function as a living, working estate rather than a museum piece.Access and Visitor Experience
While the castle itself remains a private residence for its noble inhabitants, the public is invited to experience the magnificent grounds. The park opens daily at 8 AM and remains accessible until sunset, with free admission for all visitors. Between 10 AM and 6 PM, visitors may also peer into the castle courtyard to admire its architectural features and the moat filled with lily pads and croaking frogs. The park's well-maintained pathways accommodate leisurely walks, picnics, and quiet contemplation, making it an ideal destination for those seeking natural beauty combined with historical significance.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Vallø Slotskro
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Explore Denmark's largest private engine collection and maritime heritage at Maskinrummet in Skagen.
Comwell Køge Strand
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Mindesmærke for slagene i Køge Bugt
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“Slaget i Køge Bugt”
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Befrielsessten i Køge
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Køge Torv
6.2 km
Denmark's largest medieval town square, where seven centuries of history unfold on cobblestones.
VisitKøges selvbetjente turistbureau
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Køge St.
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Visit
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Køge Nord
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Roskildekrukkerne
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Skänk Beer & Wine bar
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Byens Hus
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Roskilde Museum
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Marselisborg Strand offers sandy shores, sweeping bay views, and a taste of Danish beach life minutes from Aarhus city center—perfect for relaxation or water activities.
Klosterkilden
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A dried medieval spring that once sustained Roskilde's monastic community and townspeople for centuries.
Unmissable attractions to see
Mindesten for greve Christian Moltke
0.1 km
Discover Køge Church, a stunning Gothic landmark with historic interiors, breathtaking architecture, and centuries-old maritime connections at the heart of Køge.
Vallø Castle
0.2 km
A red-brick Renaissance castle in a tranquil park south of Køge, where noble history, towers and moat reflections meet open lawns and quiet woodland paths.
Dyrehaven
0.6 km
Ancient forest sanctuary where Danish kings hunted and 2,000 wild deer still roam beneath centuries-old oaks.
Solgårdparken
2.2 km
Romantic former estate gardens turned community park, where canals, statues and audio stories meet dog forest, playgrounds and Køge Bay’s fresh sea air.
Solgårdsparken
2.3 km
Romantic coastal park between Køge Bay and Tryggevælde River, where historic garden design, tranquil nature, play areas and reflective audio stories meet in one green retreat.
SEBG Badebro - Strandparksvej
2.4 km
A simple wooden bathing jetty on Køge Bugt, SEBG Badebro at Strandparksvej offers relaxed, everyday Danish sea-swimming in a quiet coastal neighbourhood.
Mindesten for Kvinders Valgret,Egeøje
2.6 km
A modest village stone and oak tree that quietly commemorate the 1915 breakthrough granting Danish women the right to vote and shape the nation’s democracy.
Strandskov
4.0 km
A wind-shaped coastal forest just south of Køge, where sandy trails, gnarled pines and a wild beach create an easy-going escape to sea air and quiet nature.
Køge Fælles Jord
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Køge Miniby
5.2 km
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Dyreskueplads
5.3 km
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Køge syd mole
5.6 km
Wind, waves and wide horizons on Køge’s southern breakwater, where a simple harbour mole becomes a front-row seat to the ever-changing mood of Køge Bay.
Tidsrummet
5.6 km
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Køge bølgebryder
5.9 km
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Drikkevandpost - Havnen
5.9 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.
Essential places to dine
Elverhøi
5.0 km
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Restaurant Kulhuset
5.7 km
Harbourfront steakhouse in Køge where you grill your own cuts at custom tables, pairing hearty meat dishes with marina views and a relaxed social vibe.
Marios Pizza Bar & Grill
5.7 km
Casual neighbourhood pizzeria and grill in Køge serving generous pizzas, kebab and classic fast-casual dishes from a no-fuss counter by Marksvinget.
Pakhuset Braunstein
5.8 km
Waterfront Danish taphouse in Køge’s harbor, pouring Braunstein craft beers alongside casual food in a light‑filled, architect‑designed social space by the quay.
Limone
5.9 km
Harbourfront Italian cooking in Køge, where candlelit tables and marina views meet generous pastas, grilled meats and classic desserts in a warm, relaxed setting.
Bossa Nova
5.9 km
Cozy harborfront restaurant in Køge blending relaxed bossa nova vibes, generous seafood and steaks, candlelit interiors and marina views ideal for slow, lingering meals.
Rib House Køge
5.9 km
Casual harborfront steakhouse in Køge serving hearty ribs, grills and buffets in relaxed, family-friendly surroundings by the waterfront.
Skippers Dreng
5.9 km
Casual harbourfront brasserie and bar in Køge, blending Danish comfort food, steaks and brunch with long, relaxed evenings by the waterfront.
Jenners Dockside
5.9 km
Harborfront Danish dining in a yellow half-timbered house, combining smørrebrød, smoked seafood and sunny terrace views over Køge’s atmospheric old quay.
Chiang Mai Thai Cuisine Restaurant & Take Away
5.9 km
Authentic Thai cuisine with generous portions on Køge harbour—casual, friendly, and excellent value.
Sandwich Cafeen
6.0 km
Hearty, freshly made sandwiches in the heart of Køge’s old town, ideal for a quick, tasty stop between historic streets and harbour strolls.
Restaurant Il Gallo
6.0 km
Authentic Italian cuisine and fine wines in Køge's charming pedestrian quarter since 1997.
Hugo's kælder
6.0 km
Atmospheric beer cellar and jazz bar in historic Køge, known for craft brews, live music, and a sociable garden—where local heritage meets Danish hygge.
Bone's Køge
6.0 km
Family-friendly American BBQ in the heart of Køge, serving generous ribs, burgers and salad bar in a cosy, saloon-inspired setting ideal for relaxed group meals.
Restaurant Christiansminde
6.0 km
Traditional Danish and Chinese-inspired comfort cooking in a 19th-century building on Brogade, offering generous portions and a relaxed, old-town Køge atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Den Blå Dør
6.0 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.
Zizzi - Køge
6.0 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.
Miss O
6.0 km
Contemporary women's fashion in a hidden courtyard boutique at the heart of Køge's historic shopping district.
køge butikker brogade
6.1 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.
My Apartment Køge
6.1 km
A cosy, apartment-inspired fashion boutique in central Køge, blending Scandinavian style, curated brands and a relaxed, home-like shopping atmosphere.
Pioneer V/søren Marsner Hansen
6.1 km
Owner-led menswear boutique in Køge’s historic center, offering curated Scandinavian-inspired clothing and a calm, personal shopping experience.
Zhenzi
6.1 km
Curve-friendly Scandinavian women’s fashion in the heart of Køge, offering modern everyday styles and occasion outfits with a relaxed, boutique feel.
La Belle
6.1 km
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Krybben V/helle Frost
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Johs. Clausen Køge
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Kings & Queens Køge
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VILA
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Rokkjær-Køge
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NORMAL Køge, Strædet
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A bright, maze-like discount shop in Køge’s Strædet centre, where everyday branded essentials and quirky finds turn a simple errand into a low-cost mini treasure hunt.
JACK & JONES
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Grillen
5.7 km
Casual grilled fare in the heart of Køge, open daily for straightforward dining and drinks.
The Old Irish Pub
5.9 km
Køge's benchmark for weekend nightlife with live music, cocktails, and authentic Irish pub atmosphere.
Ibsens Pub & Vinbar
5.9 km
Waterfront wine bar and pub where Nordic hospitality meets harbor views and live entertainment.
Vinbaren Køge
6.0 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.
Ellemarkens Bodega Drøvlen
6.1 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.
Den høje stue
6.2 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.
Café Asti
6.3 km
Intimate wine and tapas bar in Køge's heart, where Italian flavors meet European sophistication.
RICHTERs Ølstue
6.3 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.
Bodega Slap A
6.4 km
Køge's electric nightlife hub where quality drinks meet vibrant DJ sets and dancing until dawn.
MC 19 Køge
11.6 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.
Bykroen
17.9 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.
Charlie Chaplin
26.1 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.
Vinbaren Muicon
26.2 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
26.2 km
Local craft beer, stainless-steel tanks and live music energy in the heart of Roskilde’s creative Musicon district.
Roskilde Bodega
27.2 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
5.8 km
Late-night harborfront beats and a compact dance floor bring big-night energy to small-city Køge every Friday and Saturday.
The Flame
5.8 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
5.8 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
25.0 km
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Klubhuset
25.1 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
27.3 km
Roskilde's premier multi-floor nightclub with dual dance spaces, three bars, and DJ-driven energy until dawn.
Garbos Roskilde
27.3 km
Cozy neighborhood nightclub in central Roskilde, blending casual bar vibes with a compact dance floor and late-night weekend energy on Hersegade.
Danseriet
27.7 km
Frivilligdrevet danseklub i Roskilde med stort dansegulv, livebands og hyggelig stemning for danseglade gæster på tværs af aldre og niveauer.
Avenue Næstved
34.2 km
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Crazy Daisy Næstved
34.3 km
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Haven - Events
36.4 km
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KB3
36.5 km
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The Union
36.6 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.
Baggen
36.7 km
Discover the electrifying atmosphere of Baggen, where Copenhagen's nightlife comes alive with vibrant music and unforgettable experiences.
Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub
36.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub, where adult entertainment meets unforgettable performances.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
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
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Wheelchair Access