Gavnø Castle
Flower-filled island castle near Næstved, where rococo interiors, a vast art collection and story-rich gardens meet playful adventures and a working estate brewery.
Set on a small island just outside Næstved, Gavnø Castle is one of Denmark’s finest rococo residences, wrapped in flower-filled gardens and centuries of aristocratic history. Once a medieval stronghold and later a convent for noblewomen, it now showcases Scandinavia’s largest privately owned art collection, a richly decorated chapel, a celebrated spring tulip display, adventure activities, and a family-run brewery, all maintained by the Reedtz-Thott family.
A brief summary to Gavnø castle
- Gavnø 9, Næstved, 4700, DK
- +4555700200
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Plan your visit in late April or May if you want to see the castle park at its most colourful, when hundreds of varieties of tulips turn the island into a huge flower display.
- Allow time for both the castle and the park; touring the art-filled interiors first and then wandering the gardens works well, especially on days with changeable weather.
- Dogs are welcome on a leash in the gardens but not inside the castle, so consider bringing a travel water bowl and planning alternating indoor visits if you come with a pet.
- If you want to try the estate brewery’s beers, visit earlier in the day, as popular seasonal events can lead to queues at the café and tasting area.
- Families with active children should pack sturdy shoes and spare clothes so youngsters can fully enjoy the treetop adventure course and the pirate-themed playground.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
- Food Options
- Drink Options
Getting There
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Regional train and local bus from Copenhagen
From Copenhagen, take a regional train towards Næstved; the journey typically takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes and trains usually run at least once an hour. From Næstved Station, continue by local bus or seasonal service towards the Gavnø area, with a ride of around 15–25 minutes depending on the route. Expect to pay roughly 120–170 DKK one way in total for the combined public transport, using standard Zealand fare zones or a travel card. Services can be less frequent in the evening and on weekends, so check departure times in advance.
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Car from Næstved and wider Zealand
Gavnø Castle lies just southwest of Næstved and is reached by driving through the countryside and across a short dam to the island, a journey of about 10–15 minutes from central Næstved and roughly 1–1.5 hours from Copenhagen depending on traffic. There is typically free or low-cost parking near the entrance, but spaces can fill up quickly during tulip season and major events. Driving gives flexibility for exploring South Zealand further, yet narrow local roads and occasional farm traffic mean you should allow extra time on busy days.
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Taxi from Næstved
For a direct option from Næstved Station or town centre, taxis make the trip to Gavnø in around 10–15 minutes. Fares usually fall in the range of 150–250 DKK one way, depending on time of day, luggage and traffic. Taxis are convenient if you are travelling with children or mobility-impaired travellers, but they should ideally be booked ahead on peak-season weekends when demand can increase due to local events.
Gavnø castle location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Hot Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Gavnø castle
Island stronghold turned rococo showpiece
Gavnø Castle occupies a low-lying island at the mouth of the Suså River, where a fortified stronghold stood as early as the 12th century guarding approaches from the sea. Over time the defensive site was transformed into a stately residence, but you can still sense its strategic position, surrounded by water and approached across a causeway that emphasizes the feeling of arriving at a self-contained world. In 1398 Queen Margrete I acquired Gavnø and converted the estate into a convent for unmarried noblewomen, giving the island an unusually quiet and cloistered character for centuries. The present castle emerged in the 18th century, when the powerful statesman Count Otto Thott reshaped the complex into a refined rococo residence. Pale façades, tall windows and carefully balanced proportions lend the building an elegant lightness that contrasts with its martial origins.Art-filled rooms and a richly painted church
Inside, Gavnø Castle is known for holding one of Scandinavia’s largest privately owned collections of paintings. Portraits, landscapes and historical scenes line walls in room after room, turning corridors and salons into something close to an intimate art museum. Many works depict members of the Danish nobility and European figures connected to the Thott and Reedtz-Thott families, offering a visual record of shifting fashions and power networks. The Great Dining Room and several guest chambers preserve 18th-century interiors with stuccoed ceilings, patterned floors and ornate textiles that evoke the era when the castle entertained dignitaries and scholars. Nearby, the former convent church is richly decorated, with elaborate woodwork, heraldic symbols and memorials tying the peaceful chapel to the estate’s long spiritual and social history.Gardens where tulips and lime trees tell stories
Gavnø’s gardens are as celebrated as the castle itself. In spring vast beds of tulips create bright rivers of colour that spill around lawns, paths and ponds, making the island a seasonal pilgrimage for flower lovers. Later in the year, mixed borders, old trees and clipped hedges provide a softer, park-like atmosphere that invites lingering strolls. One of the most intriguing features is the long lime tree avenue along the northern edge of the park. The trees once stood on a grand square in Copenhagen and were transplanted to Gavnø in the mid-18th century at the request of Count Otto Thott. After a devastating storm in the 1960s toppled many trunks, careful arboricultural work saved the avenue, which today forms a living tunnel of foliage and a remarkable example of historic tree conservation.Playful adventures and island life for families
Beyond formal gardens, Gavnø has developed a playful side aimed at families. A large nature playground known as the Land of Pirates draws inspiration from the island’s early role as a pirate stronghold, turning legends into rope bridges, towers and sand play areas. An elevated adventure course called Gavnø Go Fly runs through the treetops, offering harnessed challenges that add a dose of adrenaline to a visit otherwise steeped in history. Treasure hunts, seasonal events and open lawns give children room to explore while adults enjoy the scenery. Dogs on leads are welcome in the gardens, making it possible for the whole household to spend a relaxed day outdoors. Small details such as picnic-friendly corners and quiet benches reinforce the feeling of the island as a place to slow down.Living estate with brewery and modern comforts
Although steeped in heritage, Gavnø remains a working estate overseen by the Reedtz-Thott family, who have maintained and restored the castle for generations. Parts of the building are still used for private functions, yet extensive sections are open so visitors can experience both public display and hints of ongoing family life. On the practical side, a visitor centre area by the entrance provides orientation, facilities and access to a café. The on-site brewery produces craft beers that nod to traditional Danish brewing while giving Gavnø a contemporary flavour. Together with accessible paths, ramps to key buildings and dedicated facilities for visitors with reduced mobility, these features make the island feel welcoming without diluting its historic character, blending aristocratic past with modern-day hospitality.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hans-Jørgen Færks Plads
3.2 km
Medieval market town square where Danish history, culture, and modern commerce converge in southern Zealand.
Genforeningssten i Saltø Skov
4.1 km
A granite memorial stone marking Denmark's 1920 reunification with South Jutland, standing at a forest crossroads near Næstved.
Visit Sydsjælland & Møn
5.3 km
Discover the stunning landscapes and rich culture of Sydsjælland & Møn, a unique Danish destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Næstved Station
5.6 km
Explore the evolution of Danish and international design at Copenhagen's historic Designmuseum Danmark.
Genforeningssten i Næstelsø
8.2 km
Experience the vibrant history and charm of Copenhagen's iconic Nyhavn waterfront.
Mindesten for Hans Tausen
32.1 km
A modest granite stone in a quiet Slagelse green, marking the birthplace of Denmark’s Lutheran Reformation story at the former Antvorskov monastery.
Gammeltorv
33.3 km
Copenhagen's 12th-century heart: Renaissance fountain, Neoclassical facades, and Strøget buzz in one timeless square.
Vandtrappen
33.5 km
A small yet compelling ceramic water sculpture in Slagelse’s Rosengården, where stepped cascades and quiet sound turn an everyday square into a contemplative urban pause.
Rytterstatue af Christian IX
33.5 km
Bronze king on horseback surveys Slagelse from Schweizerpladsen—a citizen-honored tribute to Christian IX's enduring reign, sculpted with poised majesty.
Brombaergaarden B&B
33.9 km
Experience the charm of rural Denmark at Brombaergaarden B&B, a 150-year-old organic farm offering a peaceful retreat, Nordic art, and culinary delights near Lolland-Falster's attractions.
Pangea Park
34.3 km
Experience global wildlife up-close in Zealand’s countryside, with interactive exhibits, animal encounters, and a strong conservation focus at Pangea Park near Bjæverskov.
Kong Slags Dysse
34.8 km
Ancient stone burial mound with panoramic views, echoing Denmark's Neolithic heritage.
Nyord
35.0 km
Discover Nyord: A car-free Danish island offering tranquil nature, rich maritime history, and a charming village atmosphere, perfect for a peaceful escape and stargazing.
Jættestuen Hulehøj
36.2 km
Ancient Neolithic dolmen revealing 5,000 years of Scandinavian burial traditions and megalithic engineering.
The Viking Fortress Trelleborg
36.9 km
Denmark's premier Viking ring fortress: Harald Bluetooth's circular bastion of power, UNESCO-listed amid Zealand's scenic valleys.
Unmissable attractions to see
Gavnø Slot og Park
0.3 km
Romantic rococo castle on the Island of Flowers, where art-filled halls, tulip gardens, chapel and treetop adventures share a historic Danish estate.
Stenbæksholm Bålplads
2.4 km
A simple campfire spot on the edge of Næstved Flyveplads, where open skies, quiet fields and a crackling fire create a relaxed slice of Danish outdoor life.
M/S Friheden ApS
3.2 km
Slow, scenic cruises on a cosy canal boat from Næstved Harbour, combining gentle river views with relaxed café-style dining on the water.
Borgnakke Skov
3.6 km
Light-filled beech forest with fjord views, ancient burial mounds and a historic hilltop, offering a calm, low-key nature escape just outside Næstved.
Rundfart Friheden
4.4 km
Slow, scenic cruises from Næstved Harbour through canal and fjord to the coast, blending classic Danish boat charm with relaxed waterfront views and dining.
Mindesten for A. M. Kristensen
4.7 km
Explore Borgnakke Skov: A historic Danish forest with panoramic fjord views and ancient burial mounds.
Næstved Automobil, Nostalgi og Samler museum .
4.9 km
Step into 3,400 m² of classic cars, two‑wheelers and 1950s shopfronts at Næstved’s nostalgic automobile museum on the edge of South Zealand.
Slagkilden
5.0 km
A modest memorial stone on Næstved’s edge, Slagkilden turns a former spring and a golden wedding in 1864 into a quiet pause of history in the greenery.
Museum Sydøstdanmark
5.2 km
Regional museum in Næstved’s historic heart, weaving archaeology, medieval town life and design heritage into an accessible story of South-East Zealand.
Boderne
5.2 km
Medieval merchants’ stalls reborn as an intimate showcase of Kähler ceramics, Holmegaard glass and South Zealand craftsmanship in the heart of old Næstved.
The Violin Girl
5.2 km
A life-size bronze musician bringing a moment of quiet poetry to Næstved’s busy Købmagergade, where everyday city life meets intimate public art.
Monument for Krigen i 1864 - Næstved
5.3 km
A modest town-centre memorial where Næstved quietly honours its fallen soldiers from the wars of 1848–50 and 1864 amid a pocket of greenery off Østergade.
NæstvedArkiverne
5.4 km
Explore the documentary heart of Næstved, where municipal records, local stories and digital archives preserve centuries of South Zealand’s everyday history.
Mindesten for Peder Bodilsen
5.5 km
Historic military barracks turned bustling cultural center, Grønnegades Kaserne Kulturcenter is Næstved’s hub for arts, music, theater, and creative events all year round.
Næstved Museum
5.5 km
Compact town museum in historic Næstved, tracing South Zealand’s journey from archaeological finds and medieval streets to Holmegaard glass and modern everyday life.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Fjord
3.0 km
Casual Danish dining with fjord and fairway views on the edge of Næstved, where hearty buffets and a broad terrace make the landscape part of every meal.
Ali Baba's Grill
3.8 km
Straightforward fast food on Odensevej in Næstved, serving generous grilled plates, pizzas and takeaway classics in a relaxed, no-fuss setting.
Restaurant De Hvide Svaner
3.9 km
Traditional thatched Danish inn by Karrebæksminde’s fjord, serving hearty buffets and classic cuisine in cozy dining rooms and spacious banqueting halls.
Cafe Pyramiden
3.9 km
Næstved's welcoming brasserie where quality food, friendly service, and relaxed sophistication meet daily.
Restaurant Mona Lisa
3.9 km
Hearty plates, the signature Colorado Steak and roomy function spaces make this classic neighborhood restaurant a relaxed gathering place in Næstved.
Stacy's Diner Næstved
4.1 km
A larger-than-life 1950s American diner in Næstved, where you can eat burgers in a school bus or Cadillac amid neon lights, chrome and rock’n’roll flair.
Ban Nuk
4.4 km
Neighbourhood Thai take‑away in Næstved, serving comforting curries, stir‑fries and noodles from a small kitchen designed for quick, affordable pick‑up.
Restaurant Peking
4.6 km
Hearty Chinese and Mongolian buffet dining in Næstved, pairing generous all‑you‑can‑eat spreads with a relaxed, family‑friendly atmosphere and handy takeaway.
Madkassen
4.6 km
Relaxed Danish comfort food by the bridge in Karrebæksminde, with harbour views, hearty portions and a laid-back seaside atmosphere ideal for casual meals.
Hotel Kirstine
5.2 km
Half-timbered charm, leafy courtyards and Nordic comfort dining in the historic heart of Næstved, blending characterful rooms with a cozy wellness retreat.
Ichiban Sushi
5.2 km
All-you-can-eat Japanese sushi in central Næstved with creative rolls and modern app-based ordering.
Restaurant Vinhuskælderen
5.2 km
Intimate dinners in a centuries-old vaulted cellar beneath Hotel Vinhuset, where candlelight, stone arches and seasonal French-inspired cuisine meet in central Næstved.
Restaurant Bytinget
5.2 km
Historic ground-floor dining with views of Næstved's medieval square, serving breakfast and seasonal Danish cuisine.
Hotel Vinhuset
5.2 km
Historic town hotel and cellar restaurant on Næstved’s church square, blending centuries-old architecture, seasonal partly organic cuisine and modern, eco-certified comfort.
Den Grimme Ælling
5.2 km
Cosy, fairy-tale–named restaurant in central Næstved, serving comforting Danish-style fare in a relaxed, town-centre setting ideal for unhurried daytime meals.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Parkens Butikcenter
3.8 km
Compact 1960s neighborhood shopping center in Sct. Jørgens Park, offering everyday Danish life, essential shops and simple eateries in suburban Næstved.
Næstved Vinhandel
3.9 km
Atmospheric neighbourhood wine shop in Sct. Jørgens Park, pairing a broad bottle selection with tastings, gourmet treats and knowledgeable, personal guidance.
Bigdollar
4.2 km
Big, bright and budget-friendly, Bigdollar Næstved is a warehouse-style discount store packed with everyday essentials, quirky finds and seasonal deals under one roof.
AJ Clothing
4.4 km
Contemporary fashion boutique offering curated apparel and accessories in central Næstved.
Kop & Kande Næstved
4.6 km
Compact Danish homeware store on Kanalvej in Næstved, combining practical kitchen gear, stylish tableware and thoughtful gifts in a bright, well‑organised space.
MyHeaven
4.6 km
Curated women's fashion in the heart of Næstved's vibrant retail district.
cahécahé
4.7 km
Intimate Danish fashion boutique in a local Næstved neighbourhood, offering curated everyday style, calm browsing and quietly confident wardrobe staples.
The Green Shop Ltd.
4.9 km
Harbour-side florist blending creative Danish floristry, seasonal blooms and cozy Nordic decor in a compact, light-filled shop in Næstved.
Kelz0r Næstved
5.2 km
Specialist trading card and collectibles shop in Næstved's town center serving enthusiasts and collectors.
Antikvariatet I Næstved v/Steffen Jensen
5.3 km
South Zealand's premier antiquarian bookshop with 10,000 rare volumes and expert guidance.
A-Antik.dk
5.3 km
A compact Næstved antique shop where Danish porcelain, glass and vintage homeware bring everyday design history to life on a quietly curated high-street shelf.
Linie 2
5.3 km
A compact, Scandinavian-style clothing boutique in the heart of Næstved, offering curated, wearable fashion in a calm, personal shopping atmosphere.
TIPPY NÆSTVED
5.3 km
Contemporary women's fashion in the heart of Næstved's downtown shopping district.
World Of Danish Design Aps
5.3 km
A compact, curated showroom in central Næstved dedicated to classic and contemporary Danish furniture, blending vintage originals with thoughtfully chosen new design.
Marie-Lou Næstved
5.3 km
Intimate women’s fashion boutique in central Næstved, blending Scandinavian style, curated brands and a relaxed, personal shopping experience on Torvestræde.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Pub Dyssen
3.3 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in Næstved where Danish hygge, cold beer, and local conversation come together in a simple, welcoming setting.
5'eren
4.5 km
Laid-back neighborhood beer hall in Næstved, where cold beer, conversation and local charm matter more than cocktails or design.
Humle Ølbar
5.2 km
Cosy craft beer bar in central Næstved, pairing a rotating selection of Danish and international brews with intimate, hygge‑rich surroundings.
Sluk Efter
5.3 km
Unpretentious local pub on Kindhestegade in central Næstved, pouring cold beers and simple drinks in a cozy, social setting from midday to late night.
La Boutique
5.3 km
Elegant wine bar and bottle shop on Næstved’s Axeltorv, where curated wines, fine spirits and gourmet details turn a simple drink into a small celebration.
Underhuset
5.3 km
A classic Danish bodega on Næstved’s Axeltorv, blending cosy wood-panel charm, cold beer and local live music into a friendly town-square living room.
Champagne Riget
5.4 km
Næstved's premier champagne bar where curated bubbles meet refined gastronomy in elegant surroundings.
Bar z
5.4 km
Cosy late-night bar in central Næstved, blending easygoing drinks, music and a compact club vibe on weekend evenings along historic Ramsherred.
The Old Irish Pub
5.4 km
Authentic Irish pub energy in central Næstved, open late Friday and Saturday with live music and draught beer.
Step Inn I / S
5.4 km
Long‑running Irish pub in central Næstved, blending cosy wooden interiors, sociable pints and late‑night weekend vibes on historic Ramsherred.
Cheers
5.4 km
Næstved's cozy social hub where genuine Danish hospitality meets lively evening atmosphere.
Landsby Pubben
5.4 km
A classic Næstved "værtshus" with cold beer, billiards and a lived-in charm that turns a simple drink into a slice of local everyday life.
The Beach
5.5 km
Næstved's vibrant karaoke bar where everyone becomes a star in a tropical-themed celebration of music and community.
Sct. Jørgens Jazzklub
5.5 km
Volunteer-run jazz club in Næstved’s historic barracks courtyard, hosting intimate live concerts in the cosy Musikstalden hall at Grønnegades Kaserne Kulturcenter.
Birk´s Bar
5.6 km
Næstved's authentic neighborhood pub where community, billiards, and genuine hospitality thrive.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
