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Restaurant Villa Gallina, Hesede Skov

Historic forest inn by a tranquil lake at Gisselfeld, pairing rustic 1852 charm with Danish, Italian and French‑inspired cooking in a uniquely scenic woodland setting.

4.4

Tucked deep in Hesede Skov near Gisselfeld, Restaurant Villa Gallina is a half-timbered forest inn dating from 1852, now a lunch and events restaurant with one of Denmark’s most idyllic settings. Overlooking a tranquil forest lake, it pairs classic Danish cooking with Italian and French touches, served in low‑ceilinged, timbered rooms and on a broad terrace above the water. It is as much an excursion destination for nature and history lovers as it is a place to linger over a well‑crafted meal.

A brief summary to Restaurant Villa Gallina

  • Villa Gallinavej 3, Haslev, 4690, DK
  • +4556326216
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Mixed
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Wednesday 12 pm-4 pm
  • Thursday 12 pm-4 pm
  • Friday 12 pm-4 pm
  • Saturday 12 pm-5 pm
  • Sunday 12 pm-5 pm

Local tips

  • Reserve ahead for weekend lunch or group visits, especially in spring and autumn when the forest colors make it a popular excursion spot.
  • Arrive early to walk a forest trail or circle the lake before your meal; sturdy shoes are useful if paths are wet or muddy.
  • Check seasonal menus in advance if you have dietary requirements, and mention them when booking to give the kitchen time to adapt.
  • On sunny days aim for a terrace table overlooking the lake, but bring an extra layer—breezes across the water can feel cool even in summer.
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Restaurant Villa Gallina location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
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A woodland inn with a 19th‑century soul

Restaurant Villa Gallina sits at the end of a forest road in Hesede Skov, its whitewashed half‑timbered walls and steep roof looking much as they did in the mid‑1800s. Built in 1852 as a “bekvemmelighedssted og traktørsted” – a combined rest stop and wayside eatery – it originally served local farmers and travellers following the old road between Copenhagen and Næstved. Today, the creak of old wooden floors and low beams preserves that historic charm, giving the place the feel of a country inn lost in time. Inside, a series of intimate dining rooms unfold, some with leaded windows and dark timber framing, others brightened by simple Scandinavian furniture and white walls. The layout reflects its evolution from modest roadside retreat to beloved excursion restaurant, with spaces that can host anything from a quiet lunch for two to large celebratory gatherings. Despite its popularity, the character remains resolutely rural and unfussy, more about warmth than formality.

Forest, lake and manor landscape

Step out onto the wide terrace and the setting steals the show. Villa Gallina stands on a slope above a glassy forest lake, surrounded on all sides by tall beech and conifer trees. The restaurant and surrounding woodland belong to the historic Gisselfeld Kloster estate, one of Denmark’s largest manors, whose gently rolling landscape of woods, streams and small valleys has inspired writers and artists for centuries. On calm days the lake mirrors the treeline, and you may hear nothing but birdsong and the splash of ducks below. The terrace and nearby garden tables are oriented towards the water, making this as much a lookout as a dining space. Paths lead off into the trees towards viewpoints and ravines, so it is easy to combine a meal here with a forest walk beneath the tall beech canopy or a leisurely circuit around the lake.

From Danish classics to continental flavors

Villa Gallina is primarily a lunch and function restaurant, with menus that lean on familiar Danish dishes while drawing inspiration from Italian and French kitchens. You can expect seasonal soups, fish and shellfish, crisp schnitzel or roast pork, alongside lighter salads and plates built around local vegetables. Weekend brunch plates, smørrebrød‑style open sandwiches and special set menus for holidays or groups often feature on the changing card. The kitchen focuses on straightforward presentation and good ingredients rather than experimental cuisine. Portions are generous, and the style suits the excursion atmosphere: comforting food to round off a walk in the woods or a visit to the broader Gisselfeld area. For celebrations, the house designs multi‑course menus that make use of the historic dining rooms and flexible seating plans.

Stories woven into the Gisselfeld woods

The woods around Villa Gallina are tied closely to Gisselfeld Kloster’s long history, dating back to the 16th century and the era of Peder Oxe. Over time, the romantic manor landscape has drawn well‑known figures; Hans Christian Andersen is said to have found inspiration here for the tale that became “The Ugly Duckling,” while poet Christian Winther used the surroundings as a backdrop in his work. Spending time at Villa Gallina, it is easy to see why this landscape stirred imaginations. Mist over the lake on a cool morning, shafts of light through the trees and the silhouette of the old house on the water’s edge give the area a quietly theatrical quality. The restaurant has also played host to generations of local festivities, from family gatherings to seasonal feasts, layering its own social history onto the estate’s older stories.

A slow afternoon in the forest

For visitors, the experience here unfolds at a gentle pace. Many arrive for a forest walk, then settle on the terrace or by a window for coffee and cake, a leisurely lunch or a celebratory meal. Children can watch ducks on the lake, wander the nearby paths or simply explore the grassy slope below the terrace while adults linger at the table. Because opening hours focus on daytime service, the light is often soft and natural, shifting from bright midday sun on the lake to the long shadows of late afternoon. Indoors, candles and simple table settings highlight the rustic timbers. Rather than rushing through, most guests allow time either side of their meal to explore the surroundings, making Villa Gallina feel less like a standalone restaurant and more like the heart of a small, self‑contained forest outing.

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