Gavnø Castle and Park (Gavnø Slot og Park)
Rococo castle, island gardens and seasonal flower festivals create a gentle escape just outside Næstved, blending Danish heritage, art and family-friendly parkland.
Set on a small island just outside Næstved, Gavnø Castle and Park blends a pastel Rococo palace, one of Denmark’s richest flower gardens and a family-friendly estate atmosphere. Wander tulip-filled beds in spring, a rose labyrinth and woodland walks, then step inside the castle to see historic salons, a chapel and Denmark’s largest private painting collection. With treetop playgrounds, seasonal events and calm views over the water, Gavnø works as a gentle day out that balances cultural heritage with relaxed country charm.
A brief summary to Gavnø Slot og Park
- Gavnø 9, Næstved, 4700, DK
- +4555700200
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 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
- If you can, time your visit for late April or May when the tulip festival usually takes place; the beds and vistas feel completely different compared with other seasons.
- Bring comfortable shoes and plan for mixed indoor–outdoor time so you can tour the castle rooms, chapel and then explore the wider park and island paths.
- Families should allow extra time for the treetop playground and nature-based play area, which can easily add an hour of relaxed fun to a garden visit.
- Check seasonal opening dates and any event surcharges in advance, as hours and ticket prices can change between the main garden season and special events.
- Photographers get the softest light and calmest feel either soon after opening or later in the afternoon, when the castle and flower beds are gentler to capture.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car from Næstved
From central Næstved, driving to Gavnø Castle typically takes around 10–15 minutes, using main local roads that lead south-west toward the island. The route is straightforward and well signposted in the area. Parking is available close to the entrance, but on peak tulip festival weekends or during Christmas events spaces can fill quickly, so arriving earlier in the day reduces the chance of queues. Expect to pay a standard car ticket for entry to the estate; typical adult admission, which covers park and castle access in the main season, is in the range of 150–200 DKK, with discounts for children and selected groups.
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Bus and short walk from Næstved
Public buses run from Næstved toward the Karrebæksminde and Gavnø area, with journey times usually around 20–30 minutes depending on route and stops. Services are more frequent on weekdays than late evenings or weekends outside peak season, so it is worth checking current timetables before setting off. From the nearest bus stop, you continue on foot along local roads and the causeway to reach the entrance; the walk is on mostly flat surfaced paths but can feel exposed in windy or wet weather. The combined fare within the local zone structure is typically about 20–35 DKK each way for adults, with reductions for children and travel cards.
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Bicycle from Næstved
Cycling from Næstved to Gavnø usually takes around 25–40 minutes each way, depending on your pace. The route follows local roads and regional cycle paths that pass through semi-rural surroundings before crossing the short bridge to the island. The terrain is mostly flat, but be prepared for wind along open stretches, especially near the water. There is no extra fee for bringing a bicycle onto the island itself, and bike stands or suitable railings can be found near the entrance, making this a pleasant low-cost option in mild weather.
Gavnø Slot og Park location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Hot Weather
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Cold Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Gavnø Slot og Park
An island castle wrapped in water and gardens
Gavnø Castle sits on its own low-lying island in the fjord south of Næstved, reached by a short causeway and surrounded on all sides by reeds, broad lawns and mirror-calm water. The pale yellow Rococo façade stretches along the shoreline, reflected in the shallows with a backdrop of old trees and clipped hedges. Although the estate feels intimate in scale, the parkland unfurls in a series of rooms: formal parterres close to the house, looser woodland paths and quiet corners where benches invite you to pause. The sense of separation from the mainland gives the visit a country-retreat feel. Once you cross onto the island, traffic noise quickly falls away, replaced by the soft rush of wind through the trees and the calls of waterbirds out on the fjord. The castle, chapel and gardens cluster together, so you can move easily between architecture, art and nature without long walks.Centuries of Danish history behind pastel walls
Though its current Rococo appearance dates from the 18th century, Gavnø’s story stretches back many centuries. The island was recorded in medieval royal documents, later hosting a convent church founded under Queen Margrete I. Over time the site evolved from religious house to noble residence, eventually taking on the light, decorative style seen today, with its soft colors, mansard roofs and symmetrical wings. Inside, the castle holds an extensive private art collection exhibited in a suite of furnished rooms. Portraits of nobles, naval heroes and European figures line the walls, while period furniture, chandeliers and tiled stoves evoke shifting fashions over generations. The chapel, attached to one side of the main building, adds a quieter note of devotion and memorials to the families who have shaped the estate.Gardens that change character with the seasons
Gavnø’s park is best known for its exuberant tulip festival in late spring, when hundreds of thousands of bulbs paint the beds in stripes and swirls of color. Paths thread between blocks of pink, crimson, apricot and creamy white flowers, punctuated by daffodils, flowering cherries and early perennials. At this time of year the estate feels particularly alive, with bees working the borders and views of the castle framed by dense color. Outside tulip season, the focus shifts to other plantings: rhododendron banks in late spring, a rose labyrinth with fragrant blooms in summer, and a softer palette of perennials and mature trees as the year progresses. Water runs through parts of the grounds in narrow channels and ponds, edged by hostas and reeds and crossed by simple wooden bridges that add to the park’s storybook feel.Playful corners, treetop adventures and family fun
Beyond the flower beds, the estate caters deliberately to families. On one side of the park you find a natural-style play zone where children can balance on cut tree stumps and low beams, turning the landscape into an informal obstacle course. Above this, a treetop playground of netted walkways and trampolines stretches between trunks, giving a sense of gentle adventure under the canopy. Scattered benches and small lawns make it easy to pause with snacks or let children run while adults enjoy the views. In season, small kiosks and café areas offer refreshments, and there is room in the grounds to find either sociable spots near the main paths or quieter patches further out toward the water’s edge.Experiencing Gavnø through events and quiet moments
Across the year, different themes reveal new facets of the castle: flower festivals, historical focus days and atmospheric winter markets set against the lit-up façade. Even on ordinary days, the combination of interior visit and garden stroll gives a layered experience. One visit might focus on art and architectural details, another on photographing tulips, roses or long perspectives across the lawns. Whether you spend a short afternoon or linger longer, Gavnø lends itself to unhurried wandering rather than box-ticking. It is a place to move back and forth between rooms and paths, to notice how the light plays on plaster and water, and to get a feel for how a Danish island estate has adapted over centuries while keeping its sense of self.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hans-Jørgen Færks Plads
2.9 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
5.1 km
Discover the stunning landscapes and rich culture of Sydsjælland & Møn, a unique Danish destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Næstved Station
5.4 km
Explore the evolution of Danish and international design at Copenhagen's historic Designmuseum Danmark.
Genforeningssten i Næstelsø
8.0 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
34.0 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
34.1 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
34.9 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 castle
0.3 km
Rococo castle, flower-filled island gardens and Scandinavia’s largest private art collection, all wrapped into a relaxed day out near Næstved.
Stenbæksholm Bålplads
2.3 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
3.0 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
3.7 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
4.2 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
4.5 km
Explore Borgnakke Skov: A historic Danish forest with panoramic fjord views and ancient burial mounds.
Næstved Automobil, Nostalgi og Samler museum .
4.6 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
4.8 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
4.9 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
4.9 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
5.0 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
5.0 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
5.1 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
5.2 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
5.2 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
2.9 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
3.6 km
Straightforward fast food on Odensevej in Næstved, serving generous grilled plates, pizzas and takeaway classics in a relaxed, no-fuss setting.
Cafe Pyramiden
3.6 km
Næstved's welcoming brasserie where quality food, friendly service, and relaxed sophistication meet daily.
Restaurant Mona Lisa
3.6 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
3.9 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.
Restaurant De Hvide Svaner
4.0 km
Traditional thatched Danish inn by Karrebæksminde’s fjord, serving hearty buffets and classic cuisine in cozy dining rooms and spacious banqueting halls.
Ban Nuk
4.1 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
4.3 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
4.9 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
4.9 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
5.0 km
All-you-can-eat Japanese sushi in central Næstved with creative rolls and modern app-based ordering.
Restaurant Vinhuskælderen
5.0 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
5.0 km
Historic ground-floor dining with views of Næstved's medieval square, serving breakfast and seasonal Danish cuisine.
Hotel Vinhuset
5.0 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
5.0 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
3.6 km
Compact 1960s neighborhood shopping center in Sct. Jørgens Park, offering everyday Danish life, essential shops and simple eateries in suburban Næstved.
Næstved Vinhandel
3.6 km
Atmospheric neighbourhood wine shop in Sct. Jørgens Park, pairing a broad bottle selection with tastings, gourmet treats and knowledgeable, personal guidance.
Bigdollar
3.9 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
4.1 km
Contemporary fashion boutique offering curated apparel and accessories in central Næstved.
Kop & Kande Næstved
4.3 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
4.4 km
Curated women's fashion in the heart of Næstved's vibrant retail district.
cahécahé
4.5 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.
4.7 km
Harbour-side florist blending creative Danish floristry, seasonal blooms and cozy Nordic decor in a compact, light-filled shop in Næstved.
Kelz0r Næstved
5.0 km
Specialist trading card and collectibles shop in Næstved's town center serving enthusiasts and collectors.
Antikvariatet I Næstved v/Steffen Jensen
5.0 km
South Zealand's premier antiquarian bookshop with 10,000 rare volumes and expert guidance.
Linie 2
5.0 km
A compact, Scandinavian-style clothing boutique in the heart of Næstved, offering curated, wearable fashion in a calm, personal shopping atmosphere.
TIPPY NÆSTVED
5.1 km
Contemporary women's fashion in the heart of Næstved's downtown shopping district.
A-Antik.dk
5.1 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.
Marie-Lou Næstved
5.1 km
Intimate women’s fashion boutique in central Næstved, blending Scandinavian style, curated brands and a relaxed, personal shopping experience on Torvestræde.
World Of Danish Design Aps
5.1 km
A compact, curated showroom in central Næstved dedicated to classic and contemporary Danish furniture, blending vintage originals with thoughtfully chosen new design.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Pub Dyssen
3.1 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in Næstved where Danish hygge, cold beer, and local conversation come together in a simple, welcoming setting.
5'eren
4.2 km
Laid-back neighborhood beer hall in Næstved, where cold beer, conversation and local charm matter more than cocktails or design.
Humle Ølbar
5.0 km
Cosy craft beer bar in central Næstved, pairing a rotating selection of Danish and international brews with intimate, hygge‑rich surroundings.
La Boutique
5.0 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.
Sluk Efter
5.0 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.
Underhuset
5.1 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
5.1 km
Næstved's premier champagne bar where curated bubbles meet refined gastronomy in elegant surroundings.
Bar z
5.1 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
5.1 km
Authentic Irish pub energy in central Næstved, open late Friday and Saturday with live music and draught beer.
Step Inn I / S
5.1 km
Long‑running Irish pub in central Næstved, blending cosy wooden interiors, sociable pints and late‑night weekend vibes on historic Ramsherred.
Cheers
5.1 km
Næstved's cozy social hub where genuine Danish hospitality meets lively evening atmosphere.
Landsby Pubben
5.2 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
5.2 km
Næstved's vibrant karaoke bar where everyone becomes a star in a tropical-themed celebration of music and community.
Sct. Jørgens Jazzklub
5.3 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
5.3 km
Næstved's authentic neighborhood pub where community, billiards, and genuine hospitality thrive.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Crazy Daisy Næstved
5.2 km
High‑energy weekend nightclub in central Næstved, packing loud beats, flashing lights and a late‑night local crowd into a compact, classic Danish town‑club setting.
Avenue Næstved
5.3 km
Lively nightspot and flexible event hall in central Næstved, mixing dancefloor energy, festive dinners, stand-up comedy and themed parties under one roof.
Swingergaarden
31.2 km
Discreet countryside swingers club near Slagelse, offering themed adult nights, intimate play spaces and a rules-based, consent-focused environment for open-minded guests.
Loke MC - Helheim
32.9 km
Rural Danish biker clubhouse with Norse-mythology flair, offering intimate late-night gatherings, loud rock playlists and a no-frills bar far from mainstream nightlife.
Bloom Nightclub
41.5 km
Late-night harborfront beats and a compact dance floor bring big-night energy to small-city Køge every Friday and Saturday.
The Flame
41.5 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
41.5 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.
Første sted
47.7 km
Compact, music-driven nightclub on central Slotsgade, offering an intimate, local slice of Nykøbing Falster’s late-night dancing and drinks scene.
Den Sorte Engel
47.9 km
Iconic live music bar in central Nykøbing Falster offering energetic gigs, local brews, and a vibrant social scene steeped in authentic Danish nightlife tradition.
Billie Jean Bar
47.9 km
Billie Jean Bar is the beating heart of Nykøbing Falster’s nightlife—friendly crowds, handcrafted drinks, DJs, and vibrant atmosphere in Falster’s central urban hub.
N.Y.K. Event
48.1 km
Compact late-night bar and nightclub in central Nykøbing Falster, mixing strong drinks, loud beats and a sociable dance floor that runs into the early morning.
Billy Booze
48.1 km
Compact late-night disco in Nykøbing Falster with inexpensive drinks, loud hits and a casual dance floor vibe from Thursday to Saturday.
Riverside Jazz Club
48.1 km
Experience authentic Danish jazz in an intimate riverside setting where local musicians and jazz enthusiasts gather to celebrate live music in Nykøbing Falster.
jazz på tværs
48.5 km
Intimate local jazz room on Østre Alle, where close-up live music, simple comforts and a relaxed Nykøbing Falster vibe create quietly memorable evenings.
Tropicana DC
52.4 km
Compact Latin-flavoured nightclub on Roskilde’s industrial edge, delivering loud beats, simple drinks and a late-night dancefloor focused purely on partying.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Romantic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Sacred Sites
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
- Colorful Backdrops
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Weekend Getaway
- Myth & Legends
- Mindfulness
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
- LGBT Friendly
