Hadsund Animal Garden (Hadsund Dyrehave)

Free, open-all-day animal park on Hadsund’s wooded edge, where fallow deer and goats roam spacious enclosures and families enjoy calm, close-up encounters with nature.

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Hadsund Animal Garden

Hadsund Animal Garden is a tranquil, tree-fringed animal park on the edge of Hadsund, where fallow deer and goats roam spacious enclosures right beside forest paths and grassy clearings. Open all day and free to enter, it is a relaxed, low-key place to wander, watch wildlife at close range, and let children burn off energy on gentle trails. Bring carrots or apples to feed the animals, linger at simple picnic spots, and enjoy the calm, rural atmosphere a short stroll from town.

A brief summary to Hadsund Animal Garden

Ringvejen, Hadsund, 9560, DK
+4520731453
Visit website
Duration: 1 to 3 hours
Free
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 cut carrots or apples if you want to feed the deer and goats, and offer them with a flat hand to avoid accidental nips.
Wear sturdy shoes; paths are generally easy but can be muddy after rain, especially near feeding spots and under the trees.
Plan extra time in good weather to enjoy a relaxed picnic on the grass, as there are pleasant spots with shade and animal views.
If visiting with small children, talk in advance about staying calm around the animals so goats and deer do not get startled.
Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for softer light, more active animals, and a quieter, more tranquil atmosphere.

Getting There

Car

From central Hadsund, driving to Hadsund Animal Garden takes around 5–10 minutes along local roads, with no tolls. There is usually free parking close to the park entrance, but spaces can be limited on sunny weekends and school holidays, so arrive earlier in the day if you want to park nearby.
Regional bus

Regional buses connecting Hadsund with nearby towns such as Hobro and Aalborg typically stop within walking distance of the animal garden. Travel times range from about 30–50 minutes depending on the route. A one-way adult ticket on these routes commonly costs in the range of 30–60 DKK, and services run more frequently on weekdays than in the evening or on Sundays.
Bicycle

Cycling from Hadsund town centre to the animal garden usually takes 10–15 minutes at a relaxed pace. The route uses ordinary town and local roads with gentle gradients typical for the area. There are no dedicated bike lockers on-site, so bring a lock and secure your bicycle to a fence or other solid fixture where it does not block paths or gates.
On foot from Hadsund

If you are staying in Hadsund, you can walk to the animal garden in roughly 20–35 minutes, depending on where you start. The walk follows pavements and local paths with gentle hills and is suitable for most people with average fitness. In wet or icy weather, allow a little extra time for careful footing, especially near the wooded sections close to the park.

Hadsund Animal Garden location weather suitability

Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures
Hot Weather
Cold Weather
Any Weather

Discover more about Hadsund Animal Garden

Woodland sanctuary on the edge of town

Hadsund Animal Garden, known locally as Hadsund Dyrehave, sits in a band of woodland just outside the small North Jutland town of Hadsund. The setting feels quietly rural rather than wild: tall trees form a soft green backdrop, the ground undulates in gentle slopes, and narrow paths weave between grassy paddocks. It is the kind of place where you start to hear birdsong and wind in the leaves long before you see the animals themselves. Unlike a traditional zoo, the garden is essentially an enclosed slice of forest and meadow. Simple wooden fences and gates define the perimeter, but inside the animals enjoy large areas with room to graze and retreat under the trees. The sense of open space is part of the appeal, especially if you have been exploring busier sights elsewhere in Himmerland and are craving something slower and more peaceful.

Deer, goats and close-up encounters

The stars of Hadsund Animal Garden are the herds of fallow deer, sharing the landscape with small flocks of goats. The deer tend to drift in loose groups across the lawns, heads down in the grass or lifting suddenly at a sound. When they choose to approach the fence, you can appreciate the speckled pattern of their coats and the delicate movement of their ears and tails. In autumn, antlers lend the males an especially striking silhouette among the trees. Goats add a more boisterous note. They are naturally curious and will often trot over if they suspect snacks are involved, jostling one another at the fence and bleating in short, impatient bursts. Children often find them irresistible, and the goats repay the attention by nibbling gently at offered carrots or apple slices. It is a simple, tactile kind of animal encounter that feels very different from viewing creatures through glass.

Feeding rituals and animal etiquette

Feeding the animals is an informal ritual here, and many visitors arrive with a small bag of vegetables tucked under one arm. Carrots, apples and similar treats are usually welcomed, while bread and processed food are best avoided to protect the animals’ health. Because the deer are both strong and easily startled, it is wise to offer food with a flat hand and keep a respectful distance, especially with younger children. The goats, by contrast, tend to push and crowd one another when food appears, which can be both funny and a little overwhelming. Calm, steady movements help keep everyone relaxed. There are no elaborate information boards or structured feeding sessions; instead, this is an uncomplicated, self-guided experience that depends on common sense and a gentle approach to the animals.

Slow wandering, picnics and family time

Hadsund Animal Garden invites unhurried wandering rather than box-ticking sightseeing. A circuit along the main paths can be done in less than an hour, yet many families stay longer, looping between enclosures and returning to favourite spots. Grassy patches beside the paths serve as ad‑hoc picnic areas, where blankets appear in good weather and prams are parked under the shade of a tree. The terrain is mostly level, with compacted paths that make it manageable for strollers and wheelchairs in dry conditions, though after rain occasional muddy patches can appear. Benches or simple seating can be found at intervals, offering quiet vantage points to watch the animals without pressing up to the fence. For small children, the combination of short walking distances, animals at eye level and the freedom to roam makes this an easy half‑day outing.

Everyday nature in the Danish countryside

Part of the charm of Hadsund Animal Garden is how seamlessly it fits into the local landscape. Beyond the fences lie more forest and the outskirts of town, reminding you that this is a community space as much as a visitor attraction. Joggers and dog walkers pass nearby, and you may hear the distant hum of everyday life carried on the wind. Throughout the year, the mood shifts with the seasons. In spring the lawns turn vivid green and new leaves appear overhead; in summer, dappled shade keeps the paths pleasantly cool. Autumn cloaks the park in warm reds and golds, showing off the deer against a rich backdrop, while crisp winter days draw out the stark lines of branches and antlers. For travellers exploring Hadsund and the Mariager Fjord area, the garden offers a gentle, grounding pause between more structured cultural sights.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Mariager Fjord

9.5 km

Denmark's longest fjord winds through pristine Jutland landscapes, offering unspoilt nature, charming villages, and exceptional outdoor adventures.

Mariager Lystbådehavn

11.3 km

Denmark's most beautiful fjord meets a thriving sailing community in this welcoming maritime harbor.

Hotel Postgaarden Mariager

11.6 km

Experience historic Danish charm and modern comfort at Hotel Postgaarden Mariager, nestled in the heart of the 'City of Roses' with easy access to Mariager Fjord's natural beauty.

Mariager Kirke

11.9 km

A lofty Bridgettine abbey church turned parish landmark, where Gothic stone, noble tombs and organ music tell Mariager’s story above the fjord.

Mariager Church

12.0 km

A towering former abbey church above Mariager Fjord, where Gothic brickwork, noble tombs and a distinctive Aubertin organ keep centuries of faith and history alive.

Restaurant BramslevGaard

17.2 km

Experience Danish history and gastronomy at BramslevGaard, a charming manor house nestled in the scenic Bramslev Bakker near Hobro, offering stunning views and French-inspired cuisine.

Hotel BramslevGaard

17.2 km

Experience tranquility and history at Hotel BramslevGaard, nestled in the scenic Bramslev Bakker by Mariager Fjord, offering gourmet dining, spa retreats, and easy access to Northern Jutland's natural wonders.

Hobro Lystbådehavn

20.6 km

Denmark's premier fjord marina with historic charm and modern comfort.

Springkilden

21.8 km

Discover the mesmerizing Springkilden in Rold Forest: an artesian spring offering a tranquil escape into nature's beauty near Skørping, Denmark.

Torvekonen

21.8 km

A modest bronze market woman and fountain on Hobro’s main square, Torvekonen quietly celebrates the town’s trading roots and everyday life at Store Torv.

Thingbæk Chalk Mines / Rebild Center

21.9 km

Explore art within the depths of former limestone mines, discover natural springs, and delve into Cold War history at the Rebild Center, a unique cultural experience in Northern Jutland.

Koldkrigsmuseet REGAN Vest

22.0 km

Explore Denmark's best-preserved Cold War bunker at Koldkrigsmuseet REGAN Vest: an immersive journey into a secret world hidden beneath the forest, revealing a pivotal era in history.

Gravlev Kilde

22.5 km

Discover the tranquility of Gravlev Kilde in Skørping, Denmark, a natural spring offering serene beauty, rich history, and diverse wildlife within Rold Skov and Rebild National Park.

Fyrkat Viking Museum

23.2 km

Explore the rich Viking heritage at Fyrkat Viking Museum in Hobro, Denmark, featuring interactive exhibits and authentic Viking reconstructions.

Flyverstenen i Torstedlund

23.3 km

A solemn forest memorial to eleven RAF airmen lost in 1945, carved by local hands.

Unmissable attractions to see

Havnø Gods

3.1 km

Historic rural manor near Mariager Fjord, where yellow-brick wings, a tree-lined avenue and working fields tell a quiet story of Danish manor life.

Havnø Mølle

3.4 km

Northern Jutland's oldest active windmill, where 1842 heritage meets living history between fjord and forest.

Mariager Fjord Golf

4.0 km

Challenging forest fairways and sweeping fjord views meet at this modern North Jutland golf course above Mariager Fjord, blending technical play with tranquil scenery.

Aa Mølle

4.5 km

Historic fjordside guesthouse near Hadsund, where centuries-old buildings, leafy gardens and wide Mariager Fjord views create a tranquil North Jutland escape.

Kongsdal Fyrtårn

5.3 km

Discover Mariager Strandpark, where tranquil lawns, sandy beach, and sweeping fjord views offer a perfect blend of relaxation and natural beauty on Mariager Fjord.

Kongsdal Havn

5.4 km

A picturesque waterfront park in Mariager, offering sweeping fjord views, open green spaces, and a tranquil atmosphere ideal for relaxation or gentle adventure.

Dania Kridtgrav

5.8 km

Mariager Strandpark: Picturesque green haven along the fjord’s edge offering sandy swimming, scenic paths, and local charm in Denmark’s historic town of Mariager.

Befrielsessten i Assens

6.3 km

Mariager Strandpark blends sandy shoreline, watersports, and panoramic fjord views—a serene escape and beloved recreation spot in Denmark’s picturesque North Jutland.

Alstrup krat

11.0 km

Ancient burial mounds, forest trails, and fjord panoramas in Denmark's timeless landscape.

Mariager Strandpark

11.1 km

Small, calm and right on Mariager Fjord, this modest strandpark blends a man-made beach with green lawns and fjord views for relaxed, low-key time by the water.

Mariager Sejlklub

11.3 km

Friendly marina and sailing club on the shores of Mariager Fjord, blending sheltered berths, local sailing culture and easy access to a charming historic town.

Saltcentret

11.4 km

Denmark's salt heritage comes alive through interactive exhibits, therapeutic pools, and family adventures on the Mariager Fjord.

Veteranjernbanen Mariager-Handest

11.5 km

Denmark’s longest heritage railway, where vintage trains, fjordside scenery and a preserved rural station bring a century of Danish railway history to life.

Sødisbakkes Museum

11.5 km

An intimate local history museum revealing the everyday lives, work and creativity of residents at Sødisbakke, a long‑standing care institution near Mariager.

Mariager Camping

11.6 km

Award-winning fjord-side camping where Nordic nature meets charming heritage town life.

Essential places to dine

davinci RISTORANTE

1.3 km

Waterfront Italian dining on Mariager Fjord, blending classic pasta, pizza and seafood buffets with bright fjordview rooms and a lively, welcoming atmosphere.

Færgekroen Hadsund

1.8 km

Classic Danish inn and restaurant by the Mariager Fjord, blending hearty kromad, Nordic flavors and simple rooms with wide-reaching views over the water.

Cafe Fyret Kongsdal

5.4 km

Unpretentious harbour café on the quay at Kongsdal Havn, serving simple, good‑value meals and ice creams with wide‑open views over Mariager Fjord.

Restauration Orkidee Dania - Mad som man kender

5.6 km

Relaxed fjordside restaurant and event venue at Dania, serving classic Danish dishes, buffets and catering in cozy banquet rooms with wide views over Mariager Fjord.

Restauration Orkidee Dania - Mad som man kender

Star Pizza & Grill

6.3 km

Straightforward pizzas and grill favorites in the heart of Mariager, offering easy takeaway and no-frills dining after a day by the Danish fjord.

Terndrup Kro

10.5 km

Traditional Danish inn and restaurant in the heart of Terndrup, serving hearty local dishes with simple rooms and welcoming village atmosphere near Rold Skov.

Landgangen

10.9 km

Homely Danish comfort food and generous plates served with wide-open views over Mariager Fjord on the quiet edge of this charming North Jutland town.

Havnens Grill & Pølsebod

11.4 km

Casual waterfront grill serving Danish classics with fjord views and motorcycle tradition.

Torve Pizza Mariager v/Kenan Atas

11.6 km

Casual, central pizzeria and grillhouse on Mariager’s main square, serving generous, affordable comfort food to locals and visitors from afternoon through evening.

Mariager Bistro & Konditori

11.6 km

Casual harborfront bistro and konditori in Mariager, serving unfussy Danish café dishes and cakes just steps from the town’s quiet fjord marina.

A'porta

11.7 km

Unpretentious Danish cooking, a lively bodega-style bar and simple rooms under one roof in the old fjord town of Mariager.

Jægerhuset

12.7 km

Rustic forest-side restaurant at Als Odde, serving generous traditional Danish comfort food in a nostalgic hunting-lodge atmosphere near the Mariager Fjord.

Rustik - Øster Hurup

12.9 km

Modern Nordic plates, minimalist design and a cosy terrace, all just steps from the beach in the relaxed seaside town of Øster Hurup.

MADUMSØHUS ISBAR

13.1 km

Homely countryside ice cream stop by Madum Lake, where classic Danish soft ice meets quiet Jutland landscapes and relaxed summer-evening vibes.

Restaurant Vildmose

13.1 km

Harbourside Danish comfort food in a relaxed, light-filled dining room overlooking the boats and calm waters of Hadsund’s waterfront.

Denmark's premier destination for authentic Danish and European antique ceramics and porcelain.

Klosterkaelderen.dk Antiques & Porcelain

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Den Graa Kok Vinkælderen

0.8 km

Refined wine bar and cellar in North Jutland offering curated selections and elegant dining.

ar

1.0 km

Unpretentious waterfront bar on Ved Stranden in Hadsund, where simple drinks, fjord views and small-town atmosphere create an easygoing evening stop.

Kælderen

1.0 km

Intimate basement bar at the heart of Hadsund's town square, open for evening gatherings Thursday through Sunday.

Jagtstuen

1.2 km

Traditional Danish bodega-style bar in central Hadsund, known for its cozy atmosphere and pioneering dementia-friendly approach to everyday social life.

Olivia

6.2 km

Casual Danish beer hall where locals gather for drinks, conversation, and authentic small-town hospitality.

Rottehullet / Bodega

9.4 km

Laid‑back Danish bodega in quiet Arden, where cold beer, worn wood and easy conversation create a timeless neighborhood hangout.

Center Pubben ApS

10.2 km

Cozy neighborhood pub in Terndrup Center, pouring cold beer, simple drinks and warm small-town atmosphere in a no-nonsense Danish bar setting.

Carsten fenger

14.9 km

A low-key rural bar near Skørping where locals gather, travelers are welcomed, and simple drinks fuel long conversations in a relaxed countryside setting.

Skørping Bodega

18.3 km

Down-to-earth local bodega in central Skørping, serving cold beers, simple drinks and small-town atmosphere from midday until late on weekends.

Jazz Hobro

21.6 km

Northern Denmark's premier jazz venue, celebrating tradition and innovation through live performances.

Vognhjulet Pub

21.8 km

Hobro's legendary rock pub where authentic Danish hospitality meets decades of local tradition.

Bræddehytten Bar & Pub

21.8 km

Unpretentious local bar on Hobro’s main street, pouring cold beer and warm hygge in a classic Danish pub setting with friendly, small-town atmosphere.

Torvebaren

21.8 km

Classic Danish bodega in central Hobro, serving traditional beers, darts and down‑to‑earth local atmosphere from morning coffee to late‑night rounds.

Madam Blå's Vandhul

22.0 km

A cozy, day‑time neighborhood bar-café in Hobro where locals linger over coffee, beer and small talk in an easygoing, homely atmosphere.

Happy Friday

24.0 km

Cozy Støvring cocktail bar with crafted drinks, warm lighting and a Friday-night feeling any day of the week.

Hadsund Animal Garden (Hadsund Dyrehave)

A brief summary to Hadsund Animal Garden

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Car

Regional bus

Bicycle

On foot from Hadsund

Hadsund Animal Garden location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Hadsund Animal Garden

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Hadsund Animal Garden

Woodland sanctuary on the edge of town

Deer, goats and close-up encounters

Feeding rituals and animal etiquette

Slow wandering, picnics and family time

Everyday nature in the Danish countryside

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Mariager Fjord

Mariager Lystbådehavn

Hotel Postgaarden Mariager

Mariager Kirke

Mariager Church

Restaurant BramslevGaard

Hotel BramslevGaard

Hobro Lystbådehavn

Springkilden

Torvekonen

Thingbæk Chalk Mines / Rebild Center

Koldkrigsmuseet REGAN Vest

Gravlev Kilde

Fyrkat Viking Museum

Flyverstenen i Torstedlund

Unmissable attractions to see

Havnø Gods

Havnø Mølle

Mariager Fjord Golf

Aa Mølle

Kongsdal Fyrtårn

Kongsdal Havn

Dania Kridtgrav

Befrielsessten i Assens

Alstrup krat

Mariager Strandpark

Mariager Sejlklub

Saltcentret

Veteranjernbanen Mariager-Handest

Sødisbakkes Museum

Mariager Camping

Essential places to dine

davinci RISTORANTE

Færgekroen Hadsund

Cafe Fyret Kongsdal

Restauration Orkidee Dania - Mad som man kender

Star Pizza & Grill

Terndrup Kro

Landgangen

Havnens Grill & Pølsebod

Torve Pizza Mariager v/Kenan Atas

Mariager Bistro & Konditori

A'porta

Jægerhuset

Rustik - Øster Hurup

MADUMSØHUS ISBAR

Restaurant Vildmose

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Din Lokale Outlet - Mariager

SKAGEN MO

Original Nordmann

Hvirvelkærgård

SuperBrugsen

Strikkehjørnet Mariager

Jørgensen Sko

Mariager Boghandel

Diva

Klæd Dig - Mariager

Mariager Slagterforretning