Munkholmanlægget
A peaceful woodland escape featuring forest trails, a whimsical troll sculpture, and a rose garden in charming Mariager.
Munkholmanlægget is a serene nature playground and woodland park in Mariager, Denmark, featuring scenic walking trails through forested terrain, a rose garden, and the famous wooden troll sculpture Ivan Evigvår by artist Thomas Dambo. This free, family-friendly destination offers peaceful paths suitable for all ages and abilities, with opportunities to explore nature while discovering local art installations.
A brief summary to Munkholmanlægget
- Klostergade 15, Mariager, 9550, DK
- Duration: 1 to 3 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
- Start your visit at the Rose Garden entrance and follow the marked trails to discover Ivan Evigvår; the troll's exact location is intentionally unmarked, making exploration part of the experience.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for woodland terrain; the hilly paths are well-maintained but can be muddy after rain.
- Visit during spring or early summer to enjoy the rose garden in full bloom while the forest canopy provides pleasant shade.
- Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the troll sculpture and forest scenery; the park offers numerous photogenic spots throughout the trails.
- Allow time to explore nearby attractions in Mariager town centre, including the historic church and museum, which are within walking distance.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Sheltered Areas
Getting There
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Car
From Mariager town centre, drive to Klostergade and follow signs toward the park entrance. Parking is available near the roundabout at Randersvej, approximately 100 metres from the main playground area. The drive from central Mariager takes 5–10 minutes. Free parking is provided on-site.
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Walking
From Mariager town centre, the park is accessible on foot via Klostergade, approximately 15–20 minutes depending on your starting point. The route is relatively flat through town before reaching the park entrance. Wide pavements and clear signage make the walk straightforward for visitors of all ages.
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Bicycle
Cycling is a practical option from Mariager town centre, with a journey time of 5–10 minutes. Local cycling routes connect the town to Munkholmanlægget, and the park area is accessible by bike. Secure bicycle parking may be available near the entrance.
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Public Transport
Local bus services operate in the Mariager area, with routes connecting to the town centre. Journey times vary depending on your starting point within the region, typically 10–25 minutes from nearby towns. Check local transport schedules for current routes and frequencies serving Klostergade or nearby stops.
Munkholmanlægget location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Munkholmanlægget
A Woodland Sanctuary in the Heart of Mariager
Munkholmanlægget is a tranquil nature playground nestled in Mariager, a charming town in East Jutland, Denmark. This expansive green space serves as a peaceful retreat from urban life, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in natural woodland beauty. The park's wide, well-maintained paths wind through lush forest terrain, creating an accessible environment for walkers of all abilities. The setting is particularly valued for its quietness and calming atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for those seeking solitude in nature.The Iconic Troll and Artistic Legacy
One of Munkholmanlægget's most distinctive features is Ivan Evigvår, a remarkable wooden troll sculpture created by renowned Danish artist Thomas Dambo. This whimsical figure was originally intended for Copenhagen but found its permanent home within the park's boundaries. The troll has become a beloved landmark, drawing visitors who appreciate both the artistry and the playful spirit it brings to the woodland setting. The sculpture exemplifies Dambo's signature style of large-scale, nature-integrated wooden art that invites exploration and wonder.Integrated Rose Garden and Seasonal Beauty
Adjacent to the nature playground is a rose garden that adds horticultural interest to the site. This garden provides seasonal colour and fragrance, particularly during warmer months, complementing the natural woodland environment. The combination of cultivated garden space and wild forest creates a balanced landscape experience, allowing visitors to appreciate both structured plantings and untamed nature within the same visit.Accessibility and Family-Friendly Design
Munkholmanlægget is designed to welcome visitors of all ages and physical abilities. The hilly terrain and wide paths accommodate families with children, elderly visitors, and those with mobility considerations. The park is free to access, with nearby parking available, making it an economical choice for day trips. The playground infrastructure supports both active recreation and passive enjoyment, whether visitors wish to walk, rest, or simply observe the natural surroundings.Wildlife and Natural Habitat
The park supports diverse wildlife within its woodland ecosystem, enriching the experience for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. The forest environment provides habitat for various species, and visitors may encounter birds, small mammals, and insects during their exploration. This ecological dimension adds educational value to visits, particularly for families interested in learning about local flora and fauna.Gateway to Mariager's Cultural Attractions
Munkholmanlægget serves as a natural entry point to Mariager's broader cultural landscape. The town itself contains several heritage sites, including Mariager Klosterkirke, a historic church, and the Mariager Museum, which documents local history. The proximity to these attractions makes the park an excellent starting point for a comprehensive exploration of the area's cultural and natural offerings.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Mariager Church
0.3 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.
Mariager Kirke
0.4 km
A lofty Bridgettine abbey church turned parish landmark, where Gothic stone, noble tombs and organ music tell Mariager’s story above the fjord.
Hotel Postgaarden Mariager
0.6 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 Lystbådehavn
1.0 km
Denmark's most beautiful fjord meets a thriving sailing community in this welcoming maritime harbor.
Mariager Fjord
3.1 km
Denmark's longest fjord winds through pristine Jutland landscapes, offering unspoilt nature, charming villages, and exceptional outdoor adventures.
Restaurant BramslevGaard
7.3 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
7.3 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
10.2 km
Denmark's premier fjord marina with historic charm and modern comfort.
Sven Dalsgaards Plads
20.4 km
Randers' cultural epicentre honouring a Dadaist pioneer, where art, performance, and community converge.
Randers St.
20.6 km
Historic East Jutland railway hub connecting Denmark's east coast with modern InterCity services and comprehensive traveler amenities.
Randers Railwaystation
20.6 km
Historic rail gateway of Randers, linking East Jutland’s river town with Aarhus, Aalborg and Copenhagen from a compact, practical 19th‑century station hub.
Hotel Randers
21.0 km
Explore the rich tapestry of Danish and international design at Copenhagen's Designmuseum Danmark.
Springkilden
21.9 km
Discover the mesmerizing Springkilden in Rold Forest: an artesian spring offering a tranquil escape into nature's beauty near Skørping, Denmark.
Flyverstenen i Torstedlund
21.9 km
A solemn forest memorial to eleven RAF airmen lost in 1945, carved by local hands.
Rold Forest
22.0 km
Discover Denmark's largest forest: Hike through ancient woodlands, explore unique geological formations, and uncover the legends of Rold Forest near Skørping.
Unmissable attractions to see
Rosenhaven
0.1 km
An intimate rose garden in the heart of Mariager, where hundreds of varieties, church spires and cobbled streets meet in a quietly fragrant city retreat.
Ivan Evigvår trold
0.1 km
Hunt for a gentle giant hidden deep in Denmark's enchanted forest—a whimsical woodland sculpture born from community votes and recycled dreams.
Mariager Klosterhave
0.2 km
A small, story-filled abbey garden beside Mariager’s church, where herbs, beehives and quiet corners keep the town’s monastic past gently alive.
Mariager Idræts Klub
0.4 km
Multi-sport heart of Mariager, where everyday Danish life, local matches and community spirit fill simple halls and pitches beside the fjord town.
Mariager Museum
0.6 km
Centuries of regional heritage in a charming 17th-century merchant's house.
Sødisbakkes Museum
0.9 km
An intimate local history museum revealing the everyday lives, work and creativity of residents at Sødisbakke, a long‑standing care institution near Mariager.
Veteranjernbanen Mariager-Handest
0.9 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.
Mariagerfjord Frikirke
0.9 km
Modern free church and cultural house on the edge of Mariager, blending contemporary worship, community life and flexible event spaces in a bright, welcoming complex.
Mariager Sejlklub
1.0 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
1.0 km
Denmark's salt heritage comes alive through interactive exhibits, therapeutic pools, and family adventures on the Mariager Fjord.
Mariager Camping
1.0 km
Award-winning fjord-side camping where Nordic nature meets charming heritage town life.
Mariager Strandpark
1.2 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.
Alstrup krat
1.3 km
Ancient burial mounds, forest trails, and fjord panoramas in Denmark's timeless landscape.
Kings Hill | Megalithic tomb
3.6 km
Discover Denmark’s most whimsical museum: a creative coastal house spectacularly covered in shells, folk art, and maritime antiques in scenic Thyborøn.
Miniseum
3.6 km
Enchanting 1:12 scale miniatures and dioramas celebrating artistry in Denmark's countryside.
Essential places to dine
A'porta
0.6 km
Unpretentious Danish cooking, a lively bodega-style bar and simple rooms under one roof in the old fjord town of Mariager.
Torve Pizza Mariager v/Kenan Atas
0.6 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
0.7 km
Casual harborfront bistro and konditori in Mariager, serving unfussy Danish café dishes and cakes just steps from the town’s quiet fjord marina.
Havnens Grill & Pølsebod
0.9 km
Casual waterfront grill serving Danish classics with fjord views and motorcycle tradition.
Landgangen
1.3 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.
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.
Restauration Orkidee Dania - Mad som man kender
6.7 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.
Restaurant Bramslev Bakker
6.7 km
Countryside Danish cooking with sweeping fjord views, where Bramslev Bakker’s rolling hills meet a relaxed, modern restaurant above Mariager Fjord.
Cafe Fyret Kongsdal
7.1 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.
Restaurant Uafhængig
8.7 km
Ambitious Nordic cooking in a calm, forest‑edge dining room at Hotel Amerika, blending seasonal Danish flavors with a relaxed, modern atmosphere near Hobro.
Restaurant The Grill Hobro
9.9 km
All-you-can-eat grill buffet and brunch inside Hobro’s Bowl’n’Fun, bringing hearty classics, soft-ice desserts and family-friendly dining under one lively roof.
Matios Det Italienske Spisehus
11.2 km
Cosy Italian trattoria-style dining on Hobro’s central square, serving generous pizzas, pasta and classic desserts in a warm, candlelit atmosphere.
Færgekroen Hadsund
11.2 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.
Nida's food
11.2 km
Casual harborfront fast-food joint in Hobro serving pizzas, burgers and grill favorites just steps from the marina on Havnegade.
Esja Bistro
11.3 km
Casual Nordic comfort food with Icelandic flavours, served in a cosy bistro on Hobro’s Adelgade where North Atlantic ingredients meet relaxed Danish dining.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
REMA 1000
0.2 km
Mariager’s handy REMA 1000 on Gl. Hobrovej is a no‑frills discount supermarket, perfect for stocking up on groceries, snacks and picnic supplies near the historic town.
Kirkepladsens Blomster Mariager ApS
0.4 km
Century-old florist crafting premium arrangements for weddings, celebrations, and heartfelt moments.
Vinspecialisten Mariager
0.6 km
Intimate specialist wine shop in the heart of Mariager, pairing personal advice with carefully chosen bottles, fine spirits and gift-ready treats for any occasion.
Klosterkaelderen.dk Antiques & Porcelain
0.6 km
Denmark's premier destination for authentic Danish and European antique ceramics and porcelain.
JamerAntik.dk
0.6 km
Intimate Mariager antiques shop specializing in Danish porcelain, ceramics and decorative treasures, where each shelf reveals another chapter of Scandinavian design history.
Helga Winther Smykkedesigner
0.6 km
Handcrafted jewelry artistry in the heart of Mariager, where bespoke designs meet timeless elegance.
Vaffelbageren i Mariager
0.6 km
Experience handmade Danish ice cream and fresh-baked waffles on Mariager’s historic square—Vaffelbageren captures the taste and spirit of hygge along the fjord.
Folkekirkens Nødhjælp Genbrug
0.7 km
Cosy waterfront charity shop in Mariager, where curated second-hand finds, local community and global relief work meet under ét genbrugstag.
Mariager Slagterforretning
0.7 km
Classic Danish butcher shop by Mariager’s harbour, offering house-made specialties, fresh cuts and deli favourites ideal for picnics, grilling and cosy self-catered meals.
Klæd Dig - Mariager
0.7 km
Cosy, owner-run fashion boutique on Østergade in Mariager, offering curated Scandinavian-style womenswear in a relaxed, personal and distinctly local setting.
Diva
0.8 km
Curated women's fashion in the heart of historic Mariager's charming town center.
Jørgensen Sko
0.8 km
A long-standing local shoe shop and cobbler in Mariager, offering practical footwear, repairs and traditional service on cosy Østergade near the historic town centre.
Mariager Boghandel
0.8 km
Cosy village bookshop and service hub in the heart of Mariager, combining books, gifts, toys and practical everyday services in one welcoming stop.
Strikkehjørnet Mariager
0.8 km
A cosy yarn haven in Mariager’s old town, where shelves of colourful wool, friendly advice and Nordic knitting inspiration create a perfect hygge-filled pause.
SuperBrugsen
0.8 km
Modern cooperative supermarket and deli hub in small‑town Mariager, ideal for stocking up on Danish groceries, picnic supplies and prepared local dishes every day.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Olivia
6.4 km
Casual Danish beer hall where locals gather for drinks, conversation, and authentic small-town hospitality.
Jazz Hobro
10.8 km
Northern Denmark's premier jazz venue, celebrating tradition and innovation through live performances.
Bræddehytten Bar & Pub
11.1 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
11.2 km
Classic Danish bodega in central Hobro, serving traditional beers, darts and down‑to‑earth local atmosphere from morning coffee to late‑night rounds.
Vognhjulet Pub
11.3 km
Hobro's legendary rock pub where authentic Danish hospitality meets decades of local tradition.
Jagtstuen
11.3 km
Traditional Danish bodega-style bar in central Hadsund, known for its cozy atmosphere and pioneering dementia-friendly approach to everyday social life.
Madam Blå's Vandhul
11.4 km
A cozy, day‑time neighborhood bar-café in Hobro where locals linger over coffee, beer and small talk in an easygoing, homely atmosphere.
Kælderen
11.6 km
Intimate basement bar at the heart of Hadsund's town square, open for evening gatherings Thursday through Sunday.
Den Graa Kok Vinkælderen
11.7 km
Refined wine bar and cellar in North Jutland offering curated selections and elegant dining.
ar
12.3 km
Unpretentious waterfront bar on Ved Stranden in Hadsund, where simple drinks, fjord views and small-town atmosphere create an easygoing evening stop.
Rottehullet / Bodega
13.6 km
Laid‑back Danish bodega in quiet Arden, where cold beer, worn wood and easy conversation create a timeless neighborhood hangout.
Center Pubben ApS
19.2 km
Cozy neighborhood pub in Terndrup Center, pouring cold beer, simple drinks and warm small-town atmosphere in a no-nonsense Danish bar setting.
Sunes Bodega
19.9 km
A classic Randers neighbourhood bodega serving cold beers, local stories and uncomplicated hygge from morning until late evening.
Bykroen
20.7 km
Traditional Randers bodega with cold beer, simple smørrebrød and everyday hygge in the heart of Vestergade’s city-centre streets.
Cocktail Klubben
20.8 km
Experience Randers' vibrant nightlife at Cocktail Klubben, where expertly crafted cocktails and a lively atmosphere await.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Instagrammable
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Nature Reserve
- Wildlife Habitat
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Nature Escape
- Photowalk
- Mindfulness
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Pet Friendly