TICKON – Tranekær International Centre for Art and Nature
Where monumental art dissolves into nature—a 83-hectare gallery of impermanence and beauty.
TICKON is a unique open-air art destination nestled within the grounds of Tranekær Castle, where over 20 international artists have created site-specific Land Art installations across 83 hectares of parkland. These monumental works—built from natural materials like wood, earth, and stone—are intentionally designed to decay and return to nature, embodying a philosophy that art reflects the cycle of life. The park remains open year-round from sunrise to sunset, offering visitors an immersive experience where the boundary between nature and human creativity dissolves.
A brief summary to Tickon
- Botofte Strandvej 4, Tranekær, 5953, DK
- +4550910203
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Budget
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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
- Bring a map from the entrance and allow at least 2–3 hours to explore the park fully. The artworks are scattered across the grounds, and wandering without rushing enhances the discovery experience.
- Visit in different seasons to see how weather and changing light transform the installations. Winter reveals the stark beauty of decaying works, while spring and summer offer lush contexts.
- Combine your visit with the Medicine Gardens for a multi-sensory experience, and plan time at the café for refreshment and reflection.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain and potentially muddy paths, especially after rain or in winter months.
- Arrive early in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy the park in quieter light, particularly during peak summer months.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Food Options
- Drink Options
- Restrooms
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
Getting There
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Car
From Svendborg (approximately 25 km away), take Route 9 southbound toward Langeland. Continue for about 25 minutes until reaching Tranekær. Follow signs to Botofte Strandvej. The location has parking available on-site. Journey time is approximately 30–35 minutes depending on traffic.
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Bus
Regional bus services connect Svendborg and other towns on Langeland to Tranekær. Journey times vary from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the route and number of stops. Services operate several times daily. Check local Langeland transport schedules for current timetables and fares.
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Bicycle
Langeland is well-suited for cycling. From central Tranekær, TICKON is accessible via local cycling routes in approximately 10–15 minutes depending on your starting point. The island's flat terrain and dedicated cycle paths make this an enjoyable option for visitors with moderate fitness levels.
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Ferry and Car
If arriving from the mainland, take the ferry from Lolland or Ærøskøbing to Langeland (approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour crossing time). Once on the island, drive or cycle to Tranekær. Ferry schedules vary seasonally; advance booking is recommended during peak summer months.
Tickon location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Tickon
A Living Gallery Where Art Meets Impermanence
TICKON represents a radical reimagining of what art can be. Rather than preserving artworks in climate-controlled museums, this international centre celebrates site-specific art—monumental installations created directly on location using materials harvested from the surrounding landscape. Since 1993, when the Ahlefeldt-Laurvig family entrusted the castle park's artistic direction to TICKON, the vision has remained consistent: create works of extraordinary beauty that are simultaneously subject to the forces of nature's decay. This philosophy transforms the park into a living, evolving gallery where artworks gradually return to the earth, making space for new creations. The artistic approach reflects a profound meditation on temporality and the natural cycle. Works are not maintained or restored; instead, they are allowed to weather, crack, and eventually disappear. Of the original installations, only 14 remain visible today—a testament to the authenticity of this commitment. New artworks are continuously added through funding from various cultural organizations, ensuring the park remains dynamic and fresh.Spanning 83 Hectares of Parkland and Discovery
The sheer scale of TICKON distinguishes it from conventional art venues. The park encompasses approximately 83 hectares of diverse landscape, with artworks strategically positioned near the castle lake while the broader grounds invite exploration through woodland, meadow, and waterside paths. Visitors receive a brochure and map at the entrance identifying each installation, though the experience of stumbling upon a monumental sculpture emerging from dense vegetation creates moments of genuine surprise and wonder. The landscape itself becomes part of the artistic statement. Artworks appear suddenly amid luxuriant nature, prompting visitors to question what is natural and what is human-made. This blurred boundary is intentional—the art does not dominate the environment but rather integrates with it, creating a dialogue between human creativity and the organic world.Notable Installations and Artistic Vision
Among the most celebrated works is Mikael Hansen's Organic Highway, installed in 1995 and refreshed multiple times since. This optical illusion uses perspective and the hillside's gradient to create a road that appears constant in width while actually narrowing progressively—a playful commentary on human perception and our relationship with constructed landscapes. Hansen, a pioneer of Land Art, drew inspiration from Denmark's motorway junctions, suggesting that recognizable human structures paradoxically comfort us more than nature's wilderness. Other installations by international artists transform the park into a cabinet of wonders, each work inviting contemplation and interaction. The artworks range from subtle interventions to dramatic sculptural statements, all unified by their commitment to natural materials and ephemeral existence.Year-Round Access and Seasonal Rhythms
The park operates continuously from sunrise to sunset throughout the year, making it accessible in all seasons. Winter reveals the skeletal beauty of bare trees and weathered installations; spring brings renewal and fresh growth; summer offers lush canopy and comfortable exploration; autumn displays the park's transformation through changing light and falling leaves. Each season presents the artworks in different contexts, rewarding repeat visits.Complementary Experiences Within the Grounds
Beyond the Land Art installations, TICKON includes the Medicine Gardens—a sensory botanical experience where medicinal and culinary plants are carefully labeled and arranged for exploration. The gardens provide a complementary experience to the larger artworks, inviting visitors to engage through smell, touch, and observation. A café and restaurant on the grounds offer refreshment, allowing visitors to extend their stay and integrate the experience into a fuller day. The site also hosts seasonal events and programs, including family-friendly activities such as the Mythical Creatures sensory walk for children, which transforms the landscape into a narrative journey through imagination and wonder.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Tranekær Castle
0.2 km
A red-plastered island fortress turned noble family home, Tranekær Castle crowns a hat-shaped hill on Langeland, blending medieval power, romance and working estate life.
Saint Nicolai's Church
17.0 km
Svendborg’s oldest church and a quiet seafaring sanctuary, where red-brick medieval walls and a calm, whitewashed interior meet just off lively Gerritsgade.
Langdyssen "Kong Humbles Grav"
20.4 km
A 55‑metre Stone Age long dolmen in the fields north of Humble, where legend, prehistoric engineering and soft Langeland landscapes meet in quiet simplicity.
Damestenen
21.1 km
Denmark's colossal 1,200-tonne ice-age boulder, transported from Sweden 18,000 years ago.
Monument for Danske Sømænd
26.7 km
A modest harbourfront memorial in Marstal that quietly honours generations of Danish sailors who left this island port and never returned from the sea.
Ærø Turist & Erhverv
30.9 km
Explore the beautiful island of Ærø with expert insights and resources from Ærø Turist & Erhverv, your local tourist information center.
Ærøfærgerne
30.9 km
Experience the scenic ferry ride to Ærø Island via Ærøfærgerne, where Danish charm meets breathtaking coastal views.
Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps
30.9 km
Discover the sweet artistry of traditional Danish liquorice at Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps in scenic Ærøskøbing.
På Torvet
31.0 km
Experience the unique charm of På Torvet in Ærøskøbing, where historic beauty meets modern comfort in the heart of Denmark.
Andelen Guesthouse
31.1 km
Discover the charm of Ærøskøbing at Andelen Guesthouse, your cozy retreat in the heart of Denmark's picturesque island.
Danish Island Weddings
31.1 km
Experience the magic of weddings on the enchanting Danish island of Ærø, where love meets scenic beauty and unforgettable memories are made.
Hotel Ærøhus
31.1 km
Historic hotel in the heart of Ærøskøbing known for its authentic Danish charm, lush gardens, and local island cuisine—a perfect base for exploring Ærø.
Hulbjerg | Burial site from the Peasant Stone Age
31.3 km
Explore Hulbjerg Passage Grave on Langeland, a fascinating Neolithic burial site offering a unique glimpse into Denmark's prehistoric past and the lives of the Funnelbeaker culture.
View Point
31.8 km
Sweeping Baltic vistas from Ærø's most scenic overlook between two charming harbors.
Slipshavn light
31.8 km
Mindesten: Frederikshavn's Tribute to World War II Heroes
Unmissable attractions to see
Medicine gardens in Tranekær
0.1 km
Northern Europe’s largest medicinal plant garden, where themed circles, an arboretum and playful kids’ areas turn botanical medicine into a vivid, hands-on landscape.
Souvenirmuseet Souvenariet
0.3 km
A whimsical museum celebrating the art of souvenir collecting in a historic Danish castle town.
Tranekær Slotsmølle
1.2 km
Historic hilltop windmill above Tranekær Castle, combining traditional milling heritage with a small seasonal museum and cosy café overlooking rural Langeland.
Leuchtturm
2.4 km
Explore Hulbjerg Passage Grave, a remarkable Stone Age burial mound with walk-in chamber, panoramic island views, and a powerful sense of Denmark’s prehistoric past.
Tobaksladen
3.1 km
A tiny former village shop in Tranekær, Tobaksladen preserves the feel of a historic tobacconist and general store on the Danish island of Langeland.
Oehlenschlägers Bøg
4.0 km
A storied beech on Langeland’s Baltic shore, where coastal light, quiet forest and a beloved national anthem come together beneath one sweeping crown.
Simmerbølle Church
8.6 km
A small medieval church on Langeland, where fieldstone walls, an east-end tower and quirky frescoes – including a playful Danish coat of arms – invite quiet exploration.
Beautiful Beach
10.7 km
Sheltered island sands, shallow waters and simple seaside fun on Thurø’s Smørmosen Beach, just off Svendborg in the heart of the South Funen Archipelago.
Langelands Museum
11.5 km
Compact island museum in Rudkøbing tracing Langeland’s story from Stone Age barrows to world wars, GDR plastics and everyday life on a Baltic outpost.
Valdemars Slot
13.2 km
Seaside baroque manor on Tåsinge where royal ambition, naval heroism and intimate family life meet amid gardens, shoreline paths and characterful historic interiors.
Ambrosius's Oak
13.9 km
A 400‑year‑old oak in Tåsinge’s Nørreskov forest, where poetry, castle history, and quiet woodland atmosphere meet beneath one vast crown.
Elvira Madigan og Sixten Sparre
14.2 km
A modest forest memorial in Nørreskoven on Tåsinge, where a quiet clearing and simple stone mark the dramatic 1889 fate of Elvira Madigan and Sixten Sparre.
Frederiksdal Kirsebærvin
15.8 km
Denmark's pioneering cherry wine estate where ancient winemaking traditions meet Nordic terroir.
Tåsinge
16.4 km
Romantic South Funen island of skipper villages, castle landscapes, hilltop views and the enduring love story of Elvira Madigan and Sixten Sparre.
Lindelse Mølle
16.5 km
Historic hilltop windmill and former mill farm on Langeland, blending rural views, traditional architecture and emerging community life in a compact village setting.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Generalen - Pichardts
0.2 km
Elegant seasonal Danish cuisine in a historic castle setting on Langeland's charming island.
Tranekær Slotskro
0.3 km
Historic Danish inn beside a castle, serving African and Nordic cuisine with genuine warmth.
Kork & Godt
7.0 km
Cosy harbourfront tapas and wine bar on northern Langeland, pairing local ingredients and Mediterranean flavours with sunset views over Dageløkke Harbour.
Spodsbjerg Kutterfisk
7.4 km
Harbor-side fish shop and casual café on Langeland serving fresh, local seafood, smoked specialties and easy take-away to enjoy on the terrace or by the sea.
Færgegårdens Mad og Is Cafe
7.7 km
Laid-back seaside grill, ice-cream bar and mini-golf course between beach and campsite in Spodsbjerg, serving classic Danish barbecue, local sausages and sweet treats.
Skrøbelev Gods
10.8 km
A 17th‑century manor on Langeland, where candlelit dining, period‑style suites and tranquil island landscapes create an indulgent country‑house escape.
Restaurant hotel Rudkøbing skudehavn
11.3 km
Waterfront Danish dining with 25 years of culinary tradition overlooking Rudkøbing harbor.
Ristorante & Pizzeria "Viking Pizza"
11.5 km
Casual Italian-style pizzeria in the heart of Rudkøbing, serving hearty pizzas and easy comfort food that suits families, couples and hungry island explorers alike.
Cafe 10’eren
11.5 km
Casual hall-side café in Rudkøbing serving hearty Danish comfort food, cold beers and easy takeaway, right at the centre of everyday life in Langelandshallen.
Grand House Burger
11.6 km
Cozy, crowd-pleasing burgers, pizzas and comfort dishes in a relaxed café on Rudkøbing’s main pedestrian street, with indoor tables, street seating and a sheltered courtyard.
GAARDHAVEN
11.6 km
Courtyard tapas and wine in the heart of Rudkøbing, where a hidden garden, shared plates and candlelight turn evenings on Langeland into long, relaxed gatherings.
Thummelumsen
11.7 km
Cozy, colorful café-restaurant on Rudkøbing’s main street, serving generous Danish-style comfort food and relaxed island atmosphere from lunch through early evening.
Langelands Pizza & Kebab House
11.7 km
Casual island pizza-and-kebab joint on Rudkøbing’s main street, serving generous, budget-friendly comfort food and easy takeaway after a day exploring Langeland.
Efes Café & Restaurant
11.7 km
Cosy family‑run café‑restaurant in Rudkøbing’s old town, serving Turkish, Italian and Danish comfort food with a relaxed, easygoing atmosphere all year round.
Korea kaffebar
11.7 km
Cosy specialty coffee bar by Rudkøbing’s main square, serving light-roast brews, local baked goods and relaxed island atmosphere indoors and out.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
ANGELCENTRUM LANGELAND
8.1 km
ANGELCENTRUM LANGELAND is Langeland’s top angling center, offering fishing gear, fresh bait, expert advice, and boat rentals near Spodsbjerg Harbor.
Butik
8.2 km
Unmanned island farm shop on Ravnerydvej 11, open 24/7 for honest, self-service shopping with fresh, seasonal produce from the fields of Langeland.
XL tøj - Tøj til store mænd - Shop online og fysisk
10.8 km
Specialist plus-size menswear store in Rudkøbing, focusing on comfortable fits, extended sizes and practical everyday styles for big and tall men.
Dansk
11.3 km
A contemporary clothing boutique in Rudkøbing offering wearable Scandinavian style, seasonal collections and practical wardrobe updates in a relaxed, local setting.
Pigekammeret v/Birgitte Nygaard Jensen
11.5 km
A cosy Rudkøbing boutique where Scandinavian-style gifts, home comforts and gourmet treats come together in one lovingly curated island shop.
Littlevillagepeople.dk
11.5 km
A small, carefully curated design shop in Rudkøbing, blending children’s wear, toys, interiors, ceramics and yarn into one cozy slice of Scandinavian everyday style.
Skind og Uld Rudkøbing
11.5 km
Eco-tanned Icelandic sheepskins and wool in a historic Danish market town.
Ostehuset Rudkøbing
11.5 km
Artisanal cheese and wine shop celebrating Danish heritage and international flavors in historic Rudkøbing.
Gine Rudkøbing ApS
11.5 km
Cozy women’s fashion boutique on Rudkøbing’s main street, blending Scandinavian style with relaxed island atmosphere in a small, welcoming space.
Tøjmanden Langeland
11.6 km
Expert menswear styling in the heart of Rudkøbing's charming island center.
Books & Paper Rudkøbing
11.6 km
Cosy island bookshop on Rudkøbing’s main street, combining Danish literature, games and stationery with local-flavoured gifts and practical supplies for everyday life.
Butik Knag I/S
11.6 km
Cosy Rudkøbing specialty shop with liqueurs, gourmet treats and beautifully arranged gift baskets that add local flavour to your Langeland visit.
Imerco
11.6 km
Compact Danish homeware store on Rudkøbing’s main street, blending everyday kitchen essentials, stylish tableware and gift ideas for locals and island visitors.
Kaj Hansen
11.6 km
Intimate goldsmith’s atelier and art-filled gallery in Rudkøbing, where handcrafted jewellery and local creativity capture the quiet spirit of Langeland.
Købmandsgården-Tingstedet- v/Torbjørn Brun Madsen
11.7 km
Characterful antique shop in an 18th‑century merchant’s house in central Rudkøbing, where Langeland’s history is stacked on shelves, tables and timeworn beams.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Paa Drejet Beach Bar
9.0 km
Laid-back beach bar and grill by Drejet Beach on Langeland, pairing sea air, sand and simple comfort food in the heart of Spodsbjerg’s holiday‑home area.
Basicbigband
11.2 km
Local big band headquarters in a quiet Rudkøbing neighbourhood, where brass, reeds and rhythm bring Langeland’s intimate jazz scene to life on select evenings.
Langelands Jazzklub
11.2 km
Tiny island jazz hub in Rudkøbing, blending close-up concerts, seasonal outdoor gigs and decades of Danish jazz heritage in a warm, community-run setting.
No. 10
11.4 km
Cozy, adults‑only lounge bar in a former butcher’s shop, serving Champagne, craft beer and cocktails with island hygge and a colourful courtyard in central Rudkøbing.
Kasket karl
11.6 km
A classic Rudkøbing bodega where locals gather for cold beer, warm conversation, and an authentic slice of island everyday life from morning to late evening.
Sukker
11.7 km
Intimate wine bar where Danish heritage meets Nordic sophistication in historic Rudkøbing.
Dybendal
11.7 km
Easygoing local bar on Rudkøbing’s main square, blending billiards, darts and drinks with small‑town atmosphere and summer concerts on the cobbled Torvet.
Havnekiosken v/Ole Damgaard Hansen
11.8 km
A tiny historic kiosk-bar on Rudkøbing’s harbor front, serving simple drinks and snacks with big maritime views and the easy rhythm of island harbor life.
Havnekiosken 6kanten
11.8 km
Quirky octagonal harbour kiosk turned cosy café-bar, serving simple Danish fare and cold beer with front-row views of Rudkøbing’s boats and Langelandsbroen.
Marina's Sportslounge
15.3 km
Laid-back village sports bar in Tranekær, mixing live matches, simple small plates and a friendly Langeland local-pub feel.
Den Gyldne Hund
15.4 km
Smoky, harbourfront pub in Lohals where locals, sailors and visitors share simple drinks, sea air and classic Danish værtshus atmosphere.
tøsingen ivs
16.3 km
Discover Tøsingen IVS, Svendborg's cozy bar offering a diverse selection of drinks in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Grønne Post
16.4 km
Unpretentious neighborhood beer hall on Nyborgvej, where loud laughter, low prices, and everyday Svendborg life blend over cold draughts and casual company.
Svendborgsund Bryghus - Svendborg
16.6 km
Family-run South Funen microbrewery in a compact Svendborg tasting room, serving small-batch beers and organic lemonades with a relaxed, local feel.
Spillestedet Kammerateriet
16.6 km
Creative cocktail bar and live venue in a converted harbor warehouse on Frederiksø, blending industrial charm, Nordic drinks and Svendborg’s waterfront nightlife.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Artistic
- Contemplative
- Scenic
- Nature Escape
- Unique
- Tranquil
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Rustic Designs
- Art & Design
For the architecture buff
- Art & Design
- Parks & Gardens
- Historic
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
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
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access