ParksandGardens, Oslo

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

An oasis in the middle of Örebro Stadsparken creates a perfect spot for strolling, jogging, sunbathing, playing a concert, picknicking, playing, inspiring or simply being in. There is also a year-round open-air café. http://www.visitorebro.se/en/gora/aktorer/stadsparken/

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/

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/

Meet the sea lions, the creepy - but great crocodiles, fish and the fascinating snakes at Bergen Aquarium. Film screening and feeding daily. At the Bergen Aquarium you will meet famous local personalities like Pingrid Alexandra, Vitus and Zelters. You can also experience the great atmosphere created by the young and old citizens of Bergen who keep coming back to say hello to the animals - and to meet each other. Since 1960, the aquarium has formed a vibrant part of our local identity https://en.visitbergen.com/things-to-do/bergen-aquarium-p822383

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/

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

Holmberget is a beautiful park in the middle of Torshälla. The park, which is more than 100 years old, is primarily the city gardener and the hometown enthusiast Georg Nyström's work. From the park, you have a beautiful view of the river and old Torshälla. Holmberget, originally a work of the city gardener and the hometown enthusiast Georg Nyström (1861-1944). He spent much of his life making Holmberget a distinguished park facility. During the summer season, entertainment is arranged at Holmberget's outdoor stage. On the mountain is also the restaurant Holmberget. Holmberg Park is also called Torshällas city park. It is provided with winding corridors, statues and beautiful views of old Torshälla. https://eskilstuna.nu/gora/sevardheter/holmberget-torshalla

If you enjoy heart-thumping, adrenaline-pumping thrills then Kokpunkten is the place to go! http://visitvasteras.se/en/actor/kokpunkten/

Visit Rothoff Park, a park in the heart of Eskilstuna with a botanical orientation and a fun playground for the younger ones. Here there are flowers, berries, spices and trees to learn more about or simply enjoy. Despite its central position, Rothoffsparken is a quiet and harmonious place, framed by centuries-old oaks. Here you can take it easy or have fun, young and old. In the lush park, you can have a picnic, play football or simply relax. Despite its modern details, the park retains its 17th-century charm and is today a cultural heritage site, as well as one of the city's most famous parks. When you visit the Rothoff Park you are met by trees, shrubs and flowers but also a playground, a pond with arched small bridges and a beekeeper. All plants have small descriptive signs for those who want to learn more. In the pond, you can sometimes see carp swimming around and ducks, quietly floating around on the surface. In the playground, there are swings, a climbing frame, a trampoline and a rocking jeep for the adventurous. In addition to this, there is a large lawn with space for picnics, lunches and games. The main entrance to the park is met by the Rothoffsvillan - a stately building from the late 1800s that has given the park character for many years. https://eskilstuna.nu/gora/sevardheter/rothoffsparken#googtrans(sv|en)

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

Fun for kids – educational for adults. Kungsby has both wild and farm animals including cows, goats, pigs, rabbits, sheep, donkeys, moose and wild boar. http://visitvasteras.se/en/actor/kungsbyns-animal-park/

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

Hallandsgården is an open-air museum founded in 1925, beautifully situated on Galgberget in the middle of Halmstad. Hallandsgården is a natural destination for anyone wanting to visit bygone days. https://www.destinationhalmstad.se/english/to-do/attractions.html?url=113685985%2Fdefault.aspx%3Fc%3D3%26TLp%3D361289%26TLl%3Den&sv.url=12.562a806313e8e51ee2e8bc7

As regards surface, Danska Fall is a large nature reserve. Visitors come here in both winter and summer. They are particularly attracted by the waterfall itself, its beautiful surroundings and historic associations. There is a 36-metre drop from the top of the falls to the river’s mouth. The river has several rapids and beautiful waterfalls. A walking trail passes through the scenic beech forest. The nature reserve is also crossed by the Halland trail. If you take the trail from the car park out to the waterfall, there are several benches and picnic tables where you can rest your legs and enjoy the contents of the basket you so wisely brought along! Beech forests with some oaks dominate the nature reserve. Pine bog, mixed forest, wetland forest, lakes, watercourses and open land (e.g. at the Eriksköp farm estate) complete the picture. The beech and oak forest type is over 100 years old and, thanks to their age, its trees are becoming interesting as hosts for lichens and mosses. There is water on three sides of the nature reserve, the Brearedssjön lake on the north , the Assman watercourse on the east and the Skällåsasjön lake on the west. https://www.destinationhalmstad.se/en/experience/nature-and-the-outdoor-life/danska-fall-nature-reserve

The Uppsala University Botanical Garden stylishly houses more than 7,500 plant species and is part of the Linnaean Gardens, with the Linnaeus Garden and Linnaeus Hammaby. What you can expect and get here is a botanical and gardening experience par excellence. Visit the baroque garden and the park during spring, summer and autumn for brilliantly coloured summer flowers, charming alpine plants, trees and shrubs from all around the world. Make a pit-stop at charming summertime Café Victoria for coffee and buns before heading for the gorgeous 200-year-old Orangery (Orangeriet) for cacti, Linnaeus’ bay trees, as well as fig and olive trees. End on a sweaty note by taking in Uppsala’s only rain forest at the Tropical Greenhouse and see the coffee bushes, banana plants and orchids. The Botanical Garden is a short walk from the city centre. https://destinationuppsala.se/en/activities/the-botanical-garden/

Who was 18th-century Swedish super-scientist Carl Linnaeus? What did he do that was so important and why should you visit his garden? Linnaeus’ biological naming system (the binomial nomenclature) made sense of the system of naming animals and plants, so that (at least in Latin) scientists had a common reference name, for example for the Polar bear (Ursus maritimus). Otherwise, they wouldn’t know what each other was talking about. Biologists, bird-watchers and gardeners all around the world have much to thank him for. This feat alone makes him a giant among scientists. The reconstructed gardens are here because Carl Linnaeus lived and worked in Uppsala where he was a professor of medicine at Uppsala University. The gardens are a copy of Uppsala University’s botanical garden as it would have looked during Linnaeus’ lifetime and have been restored according to his and Carl Hårleman’s design from 1745. All of some 1,300 species in the garden are known to have been cultivated by the great man himself according to his own system and that makes it very special indeed. https://destinationuppsala.se/en/activities/the-linnaeus-garden/

Stadsträdgården is Uppsala’s city park situated beside the Fyris river. The powers that be in Uppsala took the first steps towards creating this city park in the late 19th century. Now in the early 21st century, open-year-round Stadsträdgården is a firm favourite among Uppsala city folk for strolls, lazing around and its various children’s play, picnic and event areas. Visit the wonderfully-named Lycksalighetens ö, or ‘Bliss Island’ in English – a tiny island in the middle of a water-lily pond. Plonk yourself down and bliss out surrounded by greenery. Nearby is a large playground for the kids and other family attractions. The former home of the master gardener, Gula Villan or ‘Yellow House’, is in the middle of the park and is now a café serving coffee and eats during the summer months. It’s an ideal stop-off before visiting the southern end of the park for Parksnäckan for open-air theatre shows and events in the summer months. Being a park, Stadsträdgården is packed with flowerbeds the varieties of which are too many to go into here. One of the highlights though is the rose garden featuring many different types of roses, as well as clematis and perennials. https://destinationuppsala.se/en/activities/uppsala-city-garden/

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

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

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

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

This idyllic island is a popular spot for picnics, swimming and recreation for Stockholmers and visitors alike, but this wasn’t always the case. From the eighteenth century until 1974, Långholmen was a dreaded prison island. https://www.visitstockholm.com/see--do/attractions/langholmen/

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

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

Beloved by both Stockholmers and visitors, Djurgården is a tranquil oasis in the middle of Stockholm. The island has been in possession of the crown since the 15th century. Like no other place in Stockholm it collects many of the city’s most famous museums and cultural attractions (the Vasa Museum, Gröna Lund, the Abba museum and Skansen to name a few) with green nature, parks, and family-friendly activities. Djurgården can be reached by bus, tram or ferry from central Stockholm. Though on a beautiful summer day a walk along Strandvägen, from The Royal Dramatic Theatre to Djurgårdsbron, is highly recommended. https://www.visitstockholm.com/see--do/attractions/djurgarden/

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

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

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