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Gavnø Castle & Park: South Zealand’s Floral Wonderland

Historic rococo palace, world-class tulip displays, botanical beauty, art collections, and family attractions combine at South Zealand’s iconic Gavnø Castle & Park.

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Gavnø Castle and Park, set on a tranquil island near Næstved, is famed for its rococo palace, vast tulip displays, and lush botanical grounds. The estate features exquisite 18th-century interiors, Denmark’s largest private painting collection, a butterfly house, and seasonal festivals, making it a vibrant destination full of color and history.

A brief summary to Køge Sønakke

  • Klippinge, 4672, DK
  • 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

  • Tulip season in April and May is the park’s most spectacular—and busiest—period. Arrive early to avoid crowds.
  • The butterfly house is pleasantly warm and humid—ideal for a break on cooler or rainy days.
  • Save with a combination ticket that includes the castle, park, and the Go Fly adventure course for families.
  • Mobility access is generally good in most garden areas, but some historical rooms have steps and uneven floors.
  • Bring a picnic or enjoy homemade pastries at the visitor café, which offers local treats and estate-brewed beers.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Næstved town center, frequent regional buses run to Gavnøvej’s main bus stop, recognizable by signs for the castle. The journey generally takes 15–20 minutes and costs around DKK 24 for a single ticket. From the stop, it’s a brief walk across the moat, with the castle visible ahead between the trees. During high season, look for castle-themed shuttles departing from central landmarks.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from central Næstved to Gavnø Castle takes about 10–15 minutes, with fares typically between DKK 120 and 160. The entrance is set beside ample greenery and signposted visitor parking.

  • Driving

    Drivers approach by following signs to Gavnø Island, crossing a short bridge to reach the estate. Visitor parking near the entrance is usually free, but slots can fill quickly on festival days.

  • Cycling

    From Næstved, cycling routes wind past coastal inlets and farmlands to Gavnø, a scenic ride of about 25–35 minutes. Secure bicycle stands are available at the park entrance.

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Rising on an island amid calm waters close to Næstved, Gavnø Castle is the kind of place where South Zealand’s aristocratic past comes alive in full bloom—quite literally. The castle, a rococo jewel completed in the 1750s, welcomes visitors to a world where art, horticulture, and fairy-tale history intermingle inside sweeping landscaped gardens and palace halls. For centuries, Gavnø has been the private domain of Danish nobility, and today it is especially renowned for its enchanting tulip festival every spring, where over half a million bulbs create a rainbow blanket across the park’s lawns and meandering paths. But even outside tulip season, the botanical gardens remain a delight, featuring rare trees, an English-inspired rose garden, and peaceful woodland trails ideal for family strolls or slow contemplation. Inside, the castle’s elaborately painted ceilings and intricate stucco set the stage for Denmark’s largest privately owned art collection. With more than a thousand paintings—grand portraits, historical tableaux, and a fascinating assortment of curiosities—visitors can trace the shifting tastes and fortunes of the Danish aristocracy over the centuries. Children will adore the Gavnø Go Fly adventure park and one of the country’s best butterfly houses, where hundreds of exotic butterflies dance in tropical warmth. Many come for the castle’s legendary events: medieval fairs, car exhibitions, and special Christmas markets transform the estate throughout the year. Gavnø is also a favored spot for weddings and celebrations in its scenic function rooms. A charming café and brewery round out the experience, offering craft beer brewed on-site and classic Danish treats with a view of the park. A visit to Gavnø isn’t only a walk through flowers but a serene immersion in Danish heritage a stone’s throw from the coast, where the grandiose meets the welcoming and every visit promises fresh discoveries.

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