ParksandGardens, Halmstad

If you visit Sofi ero Castle Park in May or June you will be met by a magnifi cent sight of more than 10,000 rhododendron bushes in full bloom - enough to amaze anyone. King Gustav VI Adolf, who planted the first bush in 1907, would doubtless have been pleased with the collection that is now one of the biggest and most beautiful in Europe. http://www.helsingborg-helsingor.com/english/frameset/index.html?/english/touristinformation/helsingor.html&main

Welcome to one of Sweden´s finest open-air museums. The different landscape types and grounds, historic buildings and gardens make Fredriksdal a miniature Skåne. As well as the beautiful manor house from 1787, there are old city quarters, a working Skåne farm, a unique botanical garden with all the species that grow wild in Skåne, as well as a lovely rose garden. http://www.helsingborg-helsingor.com/english/frameset/index.html?/english/touristinformation/helsingor.html&main

Beautiful Huseby Bruk shows you a bygone era. Go for a stroll in the park and gardens, and visit the well-preserved castle. At the old ironworks, the stories of the 1800s are told over and over again. The main building at Huseby is reverently called the castle. Many remember Ms Stephens, the last owner of Huseby. In her last will and testament, she wrote that everything should be preserved for coming generations to take part in. The interior decor remains, and much of it comes from her parents’ time and up until the middle of the 1800s. The Stephens family were close to the royal house and sometimes had royal visitors at Huseby Bruk. The park and garden have been recreated in their 19th-century form. Much was documented – even shopping lists for seeds. The park is characterised by ‘embroidered’ flower beds that Miss Stephens’s mother Elisabeth Stephens designed. But the kitchen garden might be the best thing about Huseby - it is a real utility garden that used to supplied the work's gentry with vegetables, fruit and berries. It was designed with nine areas and follows a model from older times. Ms Stephens loved different breeds of hens and today, too, there are hens and peacocks to look at. https://www.visitsmaland.se/en/experiences/culture-and-history/huseby

Tivoli Gardens was founded in 1843 and has become a national treasure and an international attraction. Fairy tale writer Hans Christian Andersen visited many times, as did Walt Disney and many other celebrities, who all fell in love with the gardens. http://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/tivoli-gardens-gdk424504

Frederiksberg Palace Gardens is one of the largest and most attractive green spaces in Copenhagen. The park was landscaped during the reign of King Frederik IV from 1699–1730, as a baroque garden surrounding Frederiksberg Palace. The gardens now house the remains of the baroque garden and a romantic landscape garden, which held special significance for the popular King Frederik VI. The romantic landscape garden was changed during his reign from 1808–1839. Today, those wishing to sail along the canals like the king can hire boats from the boat service Svendsens Bådfart. In the summer, Frederiksberg Gardens form the setting for various cultural events, including the music festival Stella Polaris (August) and Midsummer’s Eve (June). Midsummer’s Eve is a particularly special evening in Frederiksberg, attracting some 35,000 visitors. There is a bonfire party by the water close to Frederiksberg Palace and entertainment aplenty. http://visitfrederiksberg.dk/en/emne/the-royal-parks/

The Linnéparken is located directly at the cathedral in the center of Växjö and is part of the city park of Växjö, along the lake Växjösjön. The Linnéparken consists of three differently designed areas – an English park with winding paths and large trees, a modern park with open green spaces, playgrounds and water areas, as well as a classic formal park. An important theme of the park is dedicated to the world-famous botanist Carl von Linné. Born in Råshult, Småland in 1707, Linné was a high school student at Karolinerhuset, which is located in the northern part of the park next to the cathedral. As a professor of botany at the university in Uppsala, he developed the system of the Latin naming of living creatures and plants and their classification, which has so far been used in biology. Planting in the Linnéparken illustrates the Linnaean system for dividing plants into 24 different classes. There is also a cactus planting in the park, which is included in an annual changing plant theme, a flower path, various shrubs, as well as an open-air stage. https://www.guidebook-sweden.com/en/guidebook/destination/linneparken-park-vaexjoe

Roskilde Fjord features one of Denmark’s most beautiful and diverse landscapes. The narrow inlet, which extends 40 km into the Zealand landscape, is dotted with around 30 small islands and islets, home to rich and largely undisturbed flora and fauna. http://www.visitroskilde.com/ln-int/roskilde-fjord-gdk713239

Visiting Gunillaberg is like stepping into a new world. Suddenly open fields, beautiful caroliner houses and flower arrangements are found in the dense Småland forest, in all possible colors and shapes. https://jkpg.com/sv/bankeryd-bottnaryd-taberg/gunillaberg-konsttradgard/

Visit Ree Park Safari and make an unforgettable visit in the exciting world of animals. Djursland’s big safari park offers wild experiences and activities among animals from the exotic parts of the world. Djursland’s large safari park makes lots of wild impressions. On your journey through the park’s four continents, you will experience a world full of fascinating animals. The scenic surroundings provide the animals with ample space to roam about and behave naturally. Every day there are a lot of fun and exciting activities for the entire family. Go on a fascinating train ride across the North American prairie. The steam train, the Black Beauty, running on real steam, or the diesel train, Armstrong, lead the way, as you step onboard for a ride back in time, and you get really close to the bison, moose, black bears, and arctic wolves. https://www.visitdjursland.org/djursland/explore/ree-park-safari-gdk605871

Go on a delightful hike on planked trails in southern Sweden’s last wilderness. The air here is filled with the scent of marsh Labrador tea, and animal and plant life abound. From the south, the Dumme Mosse trail is accessible for both wheelchairs and prams. Dumme Mosse is classified as a nature reserve, and it is one of the county’s largest, most varied swamp areas, with many different types of wetland. The area lies 7 kilometres west of Jönköping. If you are travelling by car, take highway 40 from Jönköping towards Göteborg. Turn off towards the airport. Right next to the airport, there is a sign for Dumme Moss as well as parking. You also can get to Dumme Mosse by taking bus 27 from central Jönköping to the airport. Dumme Mosse has hiking trails for both summer and winter. The planked trail that is suitable for the period from March to October is called the Dumme Mosse Trail. You will find it in the southern part of the nature area. The choice of how far you want to go is up to you. The various trails range in length from 4 to 9 kilometres. For 2 kilometres the trail has been adapted for prams and wheelchairs. Next to the old embankment, there is a BBQ site with wood already chopped, perfect for a splendid pause. https://jkpg.com/en/jonkoping-huskvarna/dumme-mosse/

Rosenlund rosarium is beautifully situated in an old cultural environment within walking distance of Vätterstrand beach. As well as large numbers of beautiful roses, there are exotic trees and areas planted with perennials. Rosenlund manor house was built in 1788 and the steward’s residence in 1845. There is documentary evidence, including via county governor Hierta in 1820, that the buildings were surrounded by beautiful planted areas and a garden. Rosenlund rosarium is a municipal facility and is managed by personnel from the technical office. Guided tours can be arranged and booked on tel 036-10 50 00. There is a café open during the summer. https://jkpg.com/en/jonkoping-huskvarna/rosenlunds-rosarium/

Nationalpark Mols Bjerge offers a great variety of nature. Mols Bjerge is especially known for its extraordinary landscape, which was shaped during the Ice Age. Tall peaks, deep dead ice holes, and rare sand lizards – and maybe you will meet a national park guide on your trip in the 180 km2 Mols Bjerge national park. The landscape in the Mols Bjerge national park was created by gigantic ice tongues and tons of water over millions of years. In the national park, you will find about 40 of the 200 nature types worthy of preserving, called habitat areas. You can practically feel the cultural history at Kalø castle ruins, in front of the large bronze age burial mounds of Mols Bjerge and in the small cobbled streets of Ebeltoft. Adventure awaits you at the Mols Bjerge national park. Here, you will find plenty of room for exploration, which is what makes a holiday memorable. Furthermore, you can always find help and inspiration right around the corner. https://www.visitdjursland.org/djursland/explore/national-park-mols-bjerge-gdk935587

The Tropical Houses (the Greenhouses in Danish "Væksthusene" in the Botanical Gardens) is a place where numerous plant collections are presented in four different climate zones. You will have an educational and sensuous experience strolling through the beautiful and varied sceneries, and you will find plants from most parts of the world. Here, you get to witness what happens when the heat of the dense rainforest intertwines with lifelike animal sounds and the soft smells oozing from the many plants. You can also hear fascinating stories about nature and botany and gain insight into the interdependence between us humans and nature. At the outside areas of the Botanical Gardens you can experience typical, Danish types of landscape, such as heath and beach, which is sure to inspire you to visit “the real” nature on the outskirts of Aarhus. http://www.visitaarhus.com/ln-int/tropical-houses-botanical-garden-gdk653428

Tivoli Friheden is a theme park in the center of Aarhus located within walking distance from the city centre in the beautiful Marselisborg Forest. The cosy garden offers plenty of experiences with beauty, entertainment, concerts, theatre and much more. With its wide range of opportunities and entertainment, Tivoli Friheden is the ideal choice for all kinds of excursions. In Tivoli Friheden you will find four roller coasters, 40 rides, stalls, games and playgrounds. Under the headline ”Power of Flower”, Tivoli Friheden will be at the peak of its form this summer with very special concept gardens. The numerous activities cater to anyone regardless of age, and this makes the festival the perfect place for families to share an endless list of flower experiences. https://www.visitaarhus.com/aarhus/plan-your-trip/tivoli-friheden-gdk603879

Randers Regnskov (Rainforest) is located in the centre of Randers, between Randers City and the river Gudenåen. It is one of Denmark's biggest tourist attractions, featuring three different rain forest continents under separate domes; South America, Asia and Africa. In the domes, you will find a fantastic environment in which you can wander around in a tropical climate between giant liana vines, buttress trees, a roaring waterfall and over 250 animal species. Stand face-to-face with free-roaming monkeys, birds and bats. Meet roaring jaguars, sloths, crocodiles and friendly manatees. In Randers Regnskov the animals are on their own turf – and you get to be extremely close! Randers Regnskov is a true nature and animal sensation. https://www.visitranders.com/randers/plan-your-trip/randers-regnskov-gdk604991

As far back as the Middle Ages, it was prescribed by law that the Crown had the sole right to make use of the country’s oak trees. Oak wood is excellent for shipbuilding, and to ensure access to oak timber for the Swedish fleet, major plantings of oak took place on Visingsö in the 1830s. Today the oak trees are ready for logging, but since the fleet uses other materials, the timber is used for other things. To ensure access to good timber for the Swedish fleet after the oak forests in Swedish Pomerania were inundated following the Napoleonic Wars, the Crown had several hundred hectares of oak trees planted on Visingsö. Up until the middle of the 19th century, about 300,000 oak trees had been planted, many of which remain today, occupying an area of about 360 hectares. Today the oak forest is administered by Sweden's National Property Board. The oak trees are currently available for shipbuilding, but technological development has long made them more valuable as oak veneers for floors, whisky barrels, furnishing details for boats and many applications requiring the hard and compact oak material. https://jkpg.com/en/visingso/the-oak-forest-on-visingso/

Since 1987, a number of artists have left their mark on the lovely Park of Music, which is located in Kildeparken, by planting a tree to commemorate their visit in Aalborg. There are currently 94 trees. Sir Cliff Richard was the first artist to plant a tree in Kildeparken in 1987 when he performed in Aalborg Congress & Culture Centre. Since then, many more trees and artists have joined and today, more than 80 great artists have left their mark on the park with oaks and wild cherry trees. https://www.visitaalborg.com/aalborg/plan-your-trip/park-music-gdk596452

On the savannah, giraffes munch alongside zebras, kudus and the rare oryx antelopes. The polar bear enjoys a cooling dip in the water, the red panda has just been served fresh bamboo and suddenly you can hear a mighty roar from the male lion Akash letting the entire zoo know that this is his territory. Aalborg Zoo is open 363 days a year - and no two days are alike. With far more than 100 different exotic animal species, educational experiences can be found all year round. You can see how the animals adapt to the different seasons and watch the baby animals grow. And you can try and find the curious and lesser known animals. In the South American house, the sloths climb freely about in the lianas above your head. This is also the place to be if you want to get close to an armadillo and perhaps see a capybara for the first time. http://www.visitaalborg.com/ln-int/aalborg-zoo-gdk596076

In the Rhododendron Valley in Skövde, foreign plants and trees such as the ginkgo tree are plants. At the end of May and early June, the giant rhododendron bushes bloom and the area turns into a fabulous place. Even during the winter, the bushes are green and regardless of the season, you get a lush feeling when you visit the Rhododendron Valley. The Rhododendron Valley was created during the early 1900s by the gardener Karl Magnusson. After a restoration in 2017, the area has once again become a park-like garden. The area contains many planted and unusual plants. Signs show you the way around the Rhododendron Valley and tell you what kind of plants you see. The Rhododendron Valley is great for a picnic with family or friends. Close to the center of Skövde, the valley is one of our most easily accessible oases. There are benches, a barbecue area and nice grassy areas where you can spread out your picnic blanket. https://www.vastsverige.com/skovde/produkter/rhododendrondalen/?site=5428&lang=sv

Himmelbjerget ("The Sky Mountain") rises 147 metres above the landscape and is one of Denmark’s finest and most traditional places for outings. This has been the case ever since the old steamer Hjejlen made its call at the foot of the mountain for the very first time in 1861. The steamboat Hjejlen and the other tour boats sail from Ry and Silkeborg to Himmelbjerget in the summer season. Climb the proud mountain slope from the lakeside and fill up your senses, hunger and thirst when you’ve reached the top at Hotel Himmelbjerget or in one of the souvenir shops. Relax on the big lawn and look up into the sky. You can also drive, walk or cycle to Himmelbjerget - from the parking lot at the top there is only 200 meters to the top and the beautiful viewpoint that is worth a visit all year round. https://www.visitskanderborg.com/skanderborg/plan-your-trip/himmelbjerget-sky-mountain-gdk604901

Cultural Botanical Garden is one of Odense's green parks, but with its own distinctive character. The garden has several functions, as the municipality wants it used both as a common green area, inspiration garden for garden lovers and as a training location for kindergartens and schools. http://www.visitodense.com/ln-int/botanical-garden-gdk1087680

Enjoy a very good day at GIVSKUD ZOO. Here you can ride a safari in your own car or take one of GIVSKUD ZOO's safari buses. Get very close to the animals and drive beyond the African savannas where the rhinos are located and where giraffes and zebras cross the road right in front of you. Continue into the lions' territory and feel the thrill as the big cats roll around right outside your car. Take a nice stroll between the safaris and meet the zoo animals. spiders, gorillas, giant otters and goggles, which can be experienced in Europe's largest goggles. GIVSKUD ZOO also has Denmark's largest dinosaur exhibition. Here are 50 different natural-sized dinosaurs - ranging from the very largest herbivore at about 40 meters to the death-defying carnivore Tyrannosaurus Rex. In addition to many exciting animal experiences, GIVSKUD ZOO also offers play, fun and presence for young and old. Enjoy the park's small oases and let the children romp on the large playgrounds - among other things, they can try out the nine-meter-high play tower "Skywalk" - then the parents can relax themselves. https://www.visitbillund.dk/billund/service-information/givskud-zoo-gdk608163

There is something about sculptures as an art form that can soften the heart of even the harshest critic – the battle between the artist and his materials, the hidden meanings behind a simple object and the expression of the artwork itself. http://www.visitbillund.dk/ln-int/billund/sculpture-park-billund

WOW PARK Billund - The wildest forest! WOW PARK is a brand new play and amusement park in the wild nature of the forest. In an area equivalent to more than 40 football fields, the whole family can romp in the tree-crowns, in the forest floor and underground. There are activities for the whole day - so take your time for a walk-in WOW PARK. You get red cheeks, sweat on your forehead, fresh air, high to the sky and bird flute! In the treetops, you can play right up in the wooden crowns, slide down at full speed and run from tree to tree in the fun hanging bridges. Also, try the many GIGA nets that are stretched out between the wooden crowns - here you can jump between huge balls, crawl on multi-storey nets and finally feel the rush down the 40-meter long slide. In WOW PARKS many battle-fields you can play football pool, walk on the line, play old Viking games and enjoy our little game mecca for the little ones. Also, make your way past the sweet pat goats who love getting some grass served from your hand. https://www.visitbillund.dk/billund/service-information/wow-park-billund-gdk1116063

Meet the whole world in LEGOLAND®: Put your head back and experience five of the world's tallest buildings in WORLD'S TALLEST in Miniland. More than 830,000 LEGO® bricks have become one of the world's tallest buildings, Burj Khalifa, the Shanghai Tower, Makkah Royal Clock Tower Hotel, One World Trade Center and Taipei 101. http://www.visitbillund.dk/ln-int/legoland-billund-gdk611651

Randbøl Hede, southwest of Randbøl, is one of the few remaining heathland landscapes and with its 750 hectares one of Denmark's largest inland units. Randbøl Hede was already protected in 1932. At that time it was the largest landscape peace in Denmark. The conservation area covers 750 hectares, of which the state currently owns approx. 650 hectares. The purpose was to preserve the open heather-covered plains and ensure the heat against cultivation and planting. It has since been found that heatherness is an unstable natural state. There will be forest if man's influences on the heath cease. Randbøl State Forest District has therefore been allowed to care for the heath so that it is preserved for posterity. Randbøl Hede used to be much bigger than it is today. It was inconvenient, deserted and feared by everyone, especially travelers, because robbers housed here. The trail from Vorbasse stud road, where cattle have been brought to market in Vorbasse or even further south for centuries, continues to meander across the moor. https://www.visitbillund.dk/billund/service-information/randboel-hede-og-frederikshaab-plantage-gdk607894

Grene Sande and Gyttegård Plantation are unique natural areas and cultural history! Gyttegård Plantation is a so-called "Copenhagen plantation", which has only existed for well over 100 years. In the past, it was an area of ​​hard-working heathen peasants who struggled with sand escape. Today, you can see traces of both the "Copenhagen plantation" and the sand escape, as the area consists of woodland, dry heathland with cranberries and heather, as well as many larger and less humid meadows and marsh areas. There are large dunes, of the finest light sand, which you can run and play in as much as you like. https://www.visitbillund.dk/billund/service-information/grene-sande-gdk611741

The nature area around the Baldersbæk pleasure castle tells the story of the Copenhagen plantations, their owners and nature views in the early 1900s. Here are original sandstone statues from the Copenhagen Stock Exchange, lush carp dams and a smaller castle - which contrasts sharply with the once heathen pauperous landscape. The area around Villa Baldersbæk was renovated in 2013-14, so it is possible to experience the many details of the place on the nearest team. There is a marked path that leads around the area to the Treherreds stone, the stone nozzle, the ice cellars, the carp ponds and the fountain "The insidious boy". (The boy can't hold tight and you start the beam by stepping on the step. The fountain is in operation in the summer). The "castle", which is called the villa at Baldersbæk, is modelled with Frederiksdal Castle. There is no public access to the villa, but you can get close. The private area is clearly marked. The villa is still used for residential purposes. https://www.visitbillund.dk/billund/service-information/baldersbaek-plantage-og-villa-baldersbaek-gdk622699

Just outside Norrköping you will find the most inspiring gardens! A visit to Billbäcks display gardens is a treat for all your senses. Whether you are looking for some family-fun or just a relaxing day in beautiful surroundings you have found just the place. Billbäcks can offer you ideas to your own piece of garden with different displays in varied settings. They have their own Garden Café embedded in the greenery with fresh produce. Smell the roses, visit the goldfishes in the ponds and get inspired by the art of nature. https://upplev.norrkoping.se/en/item/billbacks-visningstradgard

In Glottern forest you can wander through the beautiful old-growth forests or swim in lakes Glottern clear waters. If it is cold, you can warm up in the sauna! Here you are treated to a mixture of spruce forests, rock outcrops, twigs bogs and damp depressions. The forest provides a wild impression with mossy boulders and old lowes. The reserve has almost twenty kilometres trailhead. There is also a shelter and a forest hut. An adventure for many tastes! https://upplev.norrkoping.se/en/item/glotternskogen

THE WADDEN SEA CENTRE 1000 m2 exhibition is a journey through the landscape of the Wadden Sea, as seen through the millions of migratory birds. You get to see at close quarters the world of birds which normally is only seen at a distance. You enter into the large swarms of birds, feel them and travel on with them. http://www.visitribe.com/ln-int/wadden-sea-centre-gate-unesco-world-heritage-gdk610542

Geological formations, woods, flowers, lakes and water streams. This ravine was created as a fracture for 200 million years ago. You can easily, on a small path, follow Getå stream from its start in Bråviken and up through a small and deep ravine. In the lower part of the ravine, you will find lots of broad-leaf trees and in the upper part, there is a beautiful spruce forest. Here you have a great variety of flowers. It is an oasis for all flower lovers. https://upplev.norrkoping.se/en/item/getaravinen

Let the adventure begin! Enjoy one of Scandinavia’s most exciting experiences! Nestled in the beautiful countryside outside Norrköping, covering 1.5 square kilometres (370 acres), Kolmården Wildlife Park is among the most popular tourist attractions in the Nordic countries. Home to 750 animals from all over the world, Kolmården offers activities for the entire family. In the Dolphin Show “Life”, an international hit, dolphins leap from the water into the hearts of the audience. Board the Safari gondola, the only one of its kind in the world, to quietly glide close above lions and giraffes. Come face to face with big cats in Tiger World, and watch enthralled as raptors swoop overhead in the Birds of Prey Show “Wings”.Here too you can meet Bamse – the world’s strongest bear – and his friends in a magical world of their own. There are plenty of accommodation options to suit your plans. Vildmarkshotellet is an African-themed hotel adjacent to the park, with fabulous sea views. If you really want to experience the animals close up, the Safari Camp tent village is the place to stay. http://upplev.norrkoping.se/en/item/kolmardens-djurpark