The apple orchard at Brabrand Lake with goats, cider and a break from everyday life

By Michael, Children's Aarhus – Photo: Æblehaven

Some places in Aarhus are almost hard to find. Not because they are secret, but because they are hidden just outside of the ordinary, where many people don't notice.

That's the case with the Apple Garden at Brabrand Lake.

From the path you only see a hedge, a gate and some old trees. But when you go inside, the garden opens up. Here goats and chickens roam among the apple trees, children run towards the paddock, and guests sit at tables with a cup of coffee or an ice cream, enjoying a break from their walk around the lake.

It's not a place that makes much of a fuss. On the other hand, it's a place that many people come back to.

It all started with a small container

The story of Æblehaven is not very old. During the corona pandemic, when cafes were closed, many Aarhusians sought out the nature around Brabrand Sø. This is where the idea of ​​a small kiosk arose, where you could buy a cup of coffee or an ice cream and take a break along the way.

“It started during corona. Sebastian Kromann opened a small kiosk because there were so many people walking out here. You weren't allowed to sit inside the cafes, so here people could take a coffee with them on their walk,” says Trine From, who works at Æblehaven.

The small container is still there, but a lot has happened since then. The barn has been put into use, the garden has gained more seating, and the place has quietly developed as more people have become aware of it.

More than coffee and ice cream on the menu

On paper, Æblehaven is a kiosk with coffee, ice cream, French fries and light meals. But it's rarely the menu that's the main attraction.

It usually doesn't take long for the children to spot the goats. This year, a group of baby goats joined the group, and they have quickly become the biggest stars in the garden.

"We've had a lot of baby goats this year, and it's really something that many families with children find nice. There are also many children from the city who don't otherwise have much contact with animals, so it means a lot," says Trine and smiles.

There are also chickens roaming around the garden, and the atmosphere is more rural than you normally associate with Aarhus, even though the city center is only a few kilometers away.

Cider made from the garden's own apples

The local area is a big part of the thinking behind Æblehaven.

When the apple trees were full of fruit last year, the apples were collected and made into cider in collaboration with the Aarhus producer Æblefald.

“It's fantastic to be able to sit and drink a cider under the trees that the apples come from. We try to keep it as local as we can,” says Trine From.

The same goes for the bread. There is a small micro-bakery in the barn that bakes the sourdough buns for the kiosk, and after the summer holidays, the plan is that guests will also be able to buy freshly baked bread to take home.

“We are constantly trying to figure out how we can develop the place. After the summer holidays, we plan for the bakery to have fixed opening hours, so that you can also buy bread to take home for breakfast.”

The garden continues to develop

Throughout the year, Æblehaven also provides the setting for yoga among the trees, a Christmas market, Shrove Tuesday, bonfires and various running events. At the same time, they are constantly working on new ideas in collaboration with local actors.

“We really want to collaborate with people in the local area. If we can help each other and create some good experiences, that's fantastic.”

On the wish list are communal meals and creative workshops. “It’s a fantastic garden to sit and draw or paint in.”

A place where you want to stay

Many people stop by Æblehaven after a walk around Brabrand Sø. Some just have a cup of coffee or an ice cream, while others stay a little longer.

There's no loud music, no stress, and no one rushing you. It's all about finding a seat at the tables, letting the kids greet the goats, or just enjoying the fact that the pace is a little slower than the rest of the city.

Perhaps that is precisely why Æblehaven has become much more than a kiosk for many. It has become a small sanctuary by Brabrand Lake, where both locals and visitors meet, and where a short break can quickly turn into a few pleasant hours.

Facts: The Apple Garden

Location: By Brabrand Lake, close to the white bridge.

If you are driving, you can stop at Sylbækvej 32, 8230 Åbyhøj.

Here you can experience:

● Kiosk with coffee, ice cream and light meals
● Goats, kids and free-range chickens
● Sourdough buns from the local micro bakery
● Cider produced in collaboration with Æblefald from Æblehaven's own apples
● Yoga, Christmas market, carnival, running events and other local activities
● Beautiful surroundings with a view of Brabrand Lake

Founded by Sebastian Kromann in 2020