Aarhus Inside logo

Forest Botanical Garden – A world of trees and deep tranquility

Experience a magical forest gem with over 900 rare species from around the globe in the middle of green Aarhus.

Step into an oasis of peace and botanical diversity

If you need to completely disconnect from the pace of the city, then Forstbotanical Garden is the ultimate retreat for you. Here you have access to five hectares filled with idyllic lakes and nooks that invite both contemplation and tranquility.

Images

Memorial stone

Practical

Small stream between stones and plants in Forest Botanical Garden
Entrance with gate to Forest Botanical Garden

A historic gateway to the realm of nature

When you walk through the characteristic red gate at Skovridervej, you enter a world that has been allowed to develop since 1932. The park is a discreet neighbor to both Mindeparken and Marselisborg Slotspark, but it has its own wild and unique atmosphere. The well-maintained paths lead you through dense and varied vegetation, which feels like a journey far away from Aarhus C, even though you are in the heart of the city.

The forester's house and the memorial stone for silence

At the entrance you will find the charming whitewashed forester's house with its beautiful thatched roof. In front of the house is a picturesque hill and pond, which reflect the surrounding trees and create an immediate sense of harmony. It is also here that you will find the memorial stone from 2005, which bears the beautiful inscription: Silence is the language of reality. The stone was erected in memory of the spiritual figure Emmanuel Sunyata Sørensen, and it serves as a reminder of the park's purpose as a place for reflection.

Small house with garden hidden in Forest Botanical Garden
Forest floor with large rocks and roots in Forest Botanical Garden

The cave and the winding paths through history

In a secluded corner of the garden, you can explore The Cave, an enchanting grove filled with large boulders and ancient, twisted trees. The area was established in 1923 on top of an old gravel pit, and today it stands as one of the most atmospheric parts of the park. It is the perfect place if you want to experience how nature can transform a former agricultural area into a wild and lush oasis.

A botanical world journey beneath the treetops

A stroll through the Forest Botanical Garden is like a journey around the world. You can find over 900 different species of trees and shrubs, many of which are marked with signs telling about their origin and age. You can see everything from exotic species from China to the majestic giants of North America.
Keep an eye out for the impressive Sequoias, which can grow to 90 metres tall in their native land, as well as the beautiful Tulip Tree and the rare Pigeon Tree. When a tree's life ends, it is often allowed to remain as part of the park's biodiversity, creating life for both insects and birds.

Sunny path under trees in botanical garden
Stone statue by green planting along the path in the Forest Botanical Garden

Life by the lake and the serenity of the forest nymph

The lake in the heart of the park is a natural gathering point for both wildlife and visitors. Here you can observe ducks and herons while enjoying the sight of the Forest Nymph. This beautiful stone sculpture from 1941 was created by Elias Ølsgaard and stands as a symbol of the peaceful nature of the garden. Along the shore you will also find the almost 200-year-old beech trees, whose hollow trunks bear witness to the passage of generations in the East Jutland landscape.

The quiet beauty of winter

Even when the frost bites, the Forest Botanical Garden is worth a visit. When the snow falls like a blanket over the many bushes and trees, the landscape is transformed into a graphic masterpiece of silhouettes against the cold winter sky. The sound of the crunching snow under your feet becomes the only interruption to the deep winter silence, which makes the park a very special place to find peace during the dark months.

Forest Botanical Garden Winter House
Open lawn with trees in Forest Botanical Garden

Practical information about the Forest Botanical Garden

Parking at the park

There is free parking at one entrance to the park. The address of the car park is Skovridervej 10.

Public transport

Bus 6A | 31 | stops at Oddervej.
Bus 19 stops at Carl Nielsensvej.

Public toilets

There are no public toilets in the park. But in Mindeparken, which is close by, there is a toilet.

Playgrounds

There is no playground in the park.

Location

Find out Google Maps

Go exploring in the garden

You can be inspired by our photos from the Forest Botanical Garden. See the iconic red entrance gate, the peaceful benches by the lake and the impressive tree trunks that testify to the park's long history. 

Path through tall trees in Forest Botanical Garden
Two people walking along a path in the Forest Botanical Garden
Lake with reeds and reflecting water surrounded by trees in the Forest Botanical Garden
Narrow forest path with stones along it in the Forest Botanical Garden
Bench by the lake surrounded by greenery in the Forest Botanical Garden
Gravel path between tall trees and stumps in Forest Botanical Garden with blue sky
Sunlit forest path with bench at the end in the Forest Botanical Garden
Tall tree stump along winding path in Forest Botanical Garden

Find your next green excursion in Aarhus' many parks.

If you just can't get enough of the green oases and fresh air, you should also visit the city's many parks. From the rich floral splendor of the Botanical Garden to the historical setting of Marselisborg Castle Park, you'll find plenty of inspiration for your next walk in the great outdoors.

Botanical Garden

Experience beautiful greenhouses and wild nature in the middle of the city.

Ceres Park

Experience the modern city park in CeresByen close to the river.

Forest botanical garden

Find peace among rare trees close to the forest.

Hazel hills

Enjoy the wild nature and the view over Aarhus.

Marienlyst Park

Explore the hilly landscape with space for play.

Marselisborg Palace Park

Take a walk in the beautiful and royal surroundings.

The memorial park

Relax on the large lawns by the water.

The wind farm

Find a green respite close to the city's river.

Music House Park

Enjoy the central location in the middle of the city's cultural life.

Northern Cemetery

Take a peaceful stroll through the city's cultural history.

City Hall Park

See the beautiful flower beds by the iconic city hall.

Skanseparken

Visit the cozy and popular park at Frederiksbjerg.

University Park

Enjoy the beautiful lakes and unique architecture.

Vennelyst park

Explore the city's oldest park with trails and lakes.

Text by Christina Hazelden
- published on 23.10.2024- Updated on January 2026