Marselisborg Palace Park: Royal garden with art and roses
Marselisborg Slotspark is one of Aarhus' most visited parks with a rose garden, sculptures, old trees and views of the Memorial Park. When the royal family is not staying at the palace, the garden is open to everyone.
A royal park with history and art
Marselisborg Slotspark was built around Marselisborg Castle and is today known for its many works of art, the large rose garden and the well-kept gardens. Here royal history, modern sculptures and flowering gardens meet in one of Aarhus' most distinctive parks.
Images
The Sculpture Garden
Practical
The history of Marselisborg Castle
Marselisborg Castle was built in 1902 as a wedding gift from the Danish people to King Christian X and Queen Alexandrine. Today, the castle serves as the royal family's residence in Aarhus, and when the castle is not in use, the castle park is open to the public.
The park is maintained in collaboration between the Royal House and Aarhus Municipality, which together look after the historic gardens and the many works of art.
Art between flowers and old trees
Marselisborg Castle Park contains more than 20 sculptures distributed around the garden. Already at the entrance you will encounter Piet Hein's Super Egg, while several of Prince Henrik's own sculptures are located around the park, including The Mask.
You will also find the Malteserbuen, the six-meter-high Grand Passeurer by Lake Åkandesøen, and the three large granite lions in front of the castle, created by Claus Ørntoft. Together, they make the park one of the largest outdoor art areas in Aarhus.
The Rose Garden and Villa Margarinely
The rose garden is one of the park's most visited areas. The garden was designed by Queen Margrethe in the 1970s and contains more than 300 different rose varieties, which bloom mainly in June and July.
In the middle of the garden is Villa Margarinely, a small pavilion built from the spire of a former margarine factory. Here also stands Prince Henrik's sculpture Loving Couple, one of the garden's most photographed works.
The sculpture garden tells its own story
Further into the park is the sculpture garden, where several of the works have a special connection to the royal family. Here you will find, among others, A Place Between Dream and Reality, Headless Angel, Chess Piece and The Ring Bearer's Jacket, which are based on Queen Margrethe's own illustrations for Tolkien's universe.
The small paths between hedges and flower beds make the area a quiet part of the park, where art is allowed to fill the space.
Experience the changing of the guard and park highlights
If you visit Marselisborg Castle Park while the royal family is staying at the castle, you can experience the changing of the guard of the Royal Life Guards in front of the castle every day at 12:00.
Regardless of the season, it is worth taking a walk through the park to experience the rose garden, the sculptures, the old trees and the view over Mindeparken and Aarhus Bay.
Practical information about Marselisborg Castle Park
Parking
There is free parking on Kongevejen right at the entrance to Marselisborg Castle Park.
Public transport
Buses 17 and 19 stop at Carl Nielsens Vej, while bus 6A stops at Oddervej. From here it is a few minutes' walk to the castle park.
Toilets
There are no public toilets in Marselisborg Slotspark. The nearest toilets are in Mindeparken right next door.
Location
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See all sculptures in the park
See pictures from Marselisborg Castle Park
See pictures from Marselisborg Castle Park and experience the rose garden, the sculptures, the historic gardens and the many details that make the castle park one of Aarhus' most distinctive parks.
Discover more parks in Aarhus
Aarhus has parks, each with their own unique character. Some are known for their historical surroundings, others for their lakes, flowers, playgrounds or large grassy areas. Here you will find our guides to the city's parks with inspiration for walks, picnics, nature experiences and excursions all year round.