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Gavnø Castle and Park: An Enchanted Island Estate

Baroque castle, vast flowering gardens, butterfly house, and Denmark’s grand tulip festival on a private island near Næstved.

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Gavnø Slot og Park, set on its own island near Næstved, is one of Denmark’s most enchanting baroque castles. Visitors experience opulent interiors, a world-renowned tulip festival, centuries-old art collections, playful butterfly houses, and lush gardens that bloom throughout spring and summer, making it a perfect blend of history, elegance, and natural beauty.

A brief summary to Geomuseum Faxe

  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Spring is peak season for the spectacular tulip displays; plan a visit in April or May for the full effect.
  • Allow extra time for the butterfly house—ideal for children and photographers seeking vibrant close-ups.
  • Parking is complimentary but fills up quickly during festivals and weekends, so consider early arrival.
  • The on-site café is known for traditional Danish cakes and craft beer brewed from historic castle recipes.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Buses from Næstved Station run toward the island’s bridge; it’s a brief 10–15-minute ride, with single tickets costing approximately 24–30 DKK. From the bridge, the castle’s gardens and iconic yellow towers are visible—entry is a short walk along signposted, accessible paths through the island’s woodland.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from the Næstved town center offers a direct ride in about 8–15 minutes, usually priced between 120–170 DKK depending on traffic and time of day. Private vehicles are dropped near the main gate, where the estate’s picturesque parkland and castle façade come immediately into view.

  • Driving

    Drivers approach from Næstved on clearly marked roads leading toward the Gavnø Bridge, with the castle estate immediately signposted as you cross onto the island. Free parking is available close to the entrance, but it is often busier during events and festival periods.

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Discover more about Geomuseum Faxe

Rising from its own tranquil island on the outskirts of Næstved, Gavnø Slot og Park is a baroque masterpiece that fuses aristocratic grandeur with the gentle rhythms of nature. The present-day castle was built in the mid-18th century atop older medieval foundations and remains the private home of the Reedtz-Thott family, adding palpable authenticity to the stately rooms you wander through. Step inside to discover gilded salons and an astonishing collection of over 1,000 paintings—the largest private art collection in Denmark. The castle’s atmospheric chapel dazzles visitors with its rococo elegance and fascinating noble tributes. Gavnø’s real magic awakens outdoors, with one of the most celebrated formal parks in Scandinavia. Each spring, the park erupts in color with the national tulip festival, featuring more than half a million flowering bulbs from rare heritage varieties to dazzling hybrids. Giant centuries-old trees, ornate fountains, and themed gardens—ranging from the romantic rose collection to a playful historic adventure playground—make wandering here a delight for all ages. Kids gravitate to the butterfly house, where exotic species flutter freely around tropical blooms, while grown-ups can savor the estate’s locally brewed beer by the sun-dappled lake. More than just a showcase of Danish nobility, Gavnø is a living estate. In summer, cultural events and open-air concerts infuse the grounds with energy, while the castle café and specialty shop offer refined Danish treats and souvenirs. Walk the gentle footpaths to glimpse deer grazing in meadows and enjoy sweeping views of the bay. Easy to access yet tucked away from urban bustle, Gavnø feels like a fairy tale come to life—each visit shaped by the season, the weather, and a sense of old-world Danish hospitality.

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