A Park in Full Bloom

Frogs croak from the water lilies in the lake. The rhododendron bushes stretch several metres into the air. In the rhododendron park at The Nivaagaard Collection, you walk through cave-like passages beneath the enormous bushes. Then you emerge by the lake. By the water lilies. And by the colours. Thousands of rhododendron flowers in soft pink and deep purple.

Walk in the Park After Visiting The Nivaagaard Collection

The large rhododendron park lies next to The Nivaagaard Collection. Here you can experience an important collection of Golden Age paintings from Denmark and the rest of Europe. Among the highlights is one of Denmark’s few genuine Rembrandt paintings. You can also explore the many special exhibitions.

After your museum visit, step out into the park. Winding paths lead you around — through shaded passages beneath the bushes and out into small clearings with benches and views of the lake and the flowers. The park is open to the public. And you don’t have to visit the museum first.

When Does the Rhododendron Bloom?

The rhododendrons bloom in late May and early June. At this time, the park bursts into colour — from chalk-white flowers to bubblegum red and lemon yellow, and on to blue-purple and almost black. It is a beautiful and colourful sight when the rhododendrons are in bloom. But you can enjoy a peaceful walk among the plants all year round.

Designed According to English Principles

Today, the park belongs to the Hage Foundation, and a large part of it is open to the public. But when it was created, it was private.

The man who owned Nivaagaard was Johannes Hage. The estate, along with a brickyard and a ring kiln, was passed down to him. In 1901, he decided to create an entirely new plan for the garden — a romantic park designed according to English landscape principles. The park, as it appears today, with its beautiful rhododendrons, is a reconstruction from the 1980s.

Visit the Café at The Nivaagaard Collection

You might get hungry after a walk. Stop by the café before or after visiting the rhododendron park. The café serves lunch and dinner. We recommend booking a table in advance to make sure you get a seat.

See opening hours and the menu at The Nivaagaard Collection café.

What to See Near the Rhododendron Park

Nivå Harbour – Visit the atmospheric marina
Nivaagaard Brickworks Ring Kiln – The only brickworks museum on Zealand
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art – Boundary-pushing exhibitions at one of Denmark’s leading art museums

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