Unique Experiences in Denmark

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Photo: John Olsen

Down the rabbit hole at Anneberg Kulturpark’s art, culture and culinary retreat

In the heart of Denmark’s spectacular UNESCO Geopark Odsherred – a protected landscape in the north of Sjælland – lies Anneberg Kulturpark, surrounded by forest, fjord and fields.

By Lena Hunter

For a century, the complex of 48 buildings and stunning parkland functioned as a mental hospital. With its own church, fire station, assembly hall and public baths, the park encouraged wellbeing via space, calm and natural beauty.

In 2019, under the direction of owner Gitte Klausen, Anneberg Kulturpark opened 15 of the buildings to the public, continuing the values of joyful community as a powerhouse of arts and crafts, wellness, cultural history, gastronomy and sustainable food production.

The park houses a diverse artist community named Kunstnerfløjen, whose studios and workshops are open to visitors. Newly-opened restaurant MOTA, helmed by Michelin chef Claus Henriksen, was nominated as Breakthrough of the Year 2022 in The Danish Dining Guide.

Meanwhile, two cultural museums, an on-site brewery, a sculpture park and a calendar of festivals, events and tours are just part of Anneberg Kulturpark’s rich offering.

Local, clean, gourmet cuisine Placing Anneberg firmly on the international culinary radar, restaurant MOTA embodies the Nordic food philosophy of hyper-locality and sustainability. As such, Henriksen’s signature dishes make use of Odsherred’s rich harvest of wild herbs and ingredients. Nearby fjords and coastlines provide crabs, oysters, mussels and seaweed, while organic vegetables are sourced from the park’s many gardens, farmsteads and wild forests.

In fact, the seaweed deserves a special mention. “This has become ‘the place’ for Danish seaweed,” says Klausen. “We’re a stone’s throw from three different coastlines, which support a variety of species. Sustainable seaweed supplier Dansk Tang was one of the first food companies to come. They’re the first and only in Scandinavia delivering fresh and dried seaweed to restaurants.”

Dansk Tang delivers to Michelin spots all over the Nordics, including the pearl of its dining scene, noma. Yet no restaurant is closer than MOTA. That’s not the only uncompromising standard under MOTA’s roof. Beyond Henriksen’s exquisite food, the interior alone is worth a visit. The

furniture is custom-made by Klausen, produced in Anneberg Kulturpark’s own workshop, while Henriksen himself has designed the ceramics.

Contemporary art, social activism and a psychiatric museum The three-floor Artist Wing of the main building hosts a community of 35 contemporary artists. Formats on display include photography, jewellery, ceramics, painting, print, textiles and sculpture.

Two on-site museums – the Cultural History Museum, and the newly-opened Psychiatric Museum – also offer a range of art and history exhibitions, as well as guided tours. Alongside these retrospectives, Anneberg Kulturpark advocates art for social change: “We’re establishing a first-of-its-kind sculpture park in collaboration with 17 artists, which will present a physical manifestation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” explains Klausen.

“The sculptures in 17 Goals on My Mind fit together and interact. They ask: if you want to fight hunger, then what are you going to do about the climate? You can experience these objectives and artworks in relation to one another, by walking around and feeling connected to them.”

Good food, good drinks, goodnight Even more is blooming this springtime at Anneberg Kulturpark. Skønvirkehaven, a Baroque-inspired garden at the centre of the park is being reconstructed. A new brewery – or ‘fermentary’, as Klausen refers to it – is in the works, which will produce beers and ciders inspired by the local landscape and natural resources.

A guesthouse is also slated to open. “Until now, the best way to experience Anneberg Kulturpark has been via daytrips from Copenhagen. It’s a short drive, and local coaches offer roundtrips of the area that stop in at regional wineries and so on,” says Klausen. “But now we’re thrilled to offer overnight stays. There’s so much to experience – the gourmet treats at MOTA, the unique coastlines and wilderness, the museums, art and history – that it’s a joy to be able to extend your visit.”

Outdoor opera With so many new openings, a packed schedule of events and celebrations is on the horizon this summer, including markets and music, drinks and literature festivals. Sankt Hans – the Danish midsummer festival – will take place in June with a bonfire land-art project. September will welcome gravel-bikers for a cycling festival in the forest.

In August, the Royal Theatre’s perennially popular and free-to-attend tour, Opera i Det Fri (meaning ‘Outdoor Opera’), will take place on Anneberg Kulturpark’s central green, filling the summer evenings with the sound of arias.

Anneberg Kulturpark’s beating heart The community at Anneberg is growing fast, and there’s no more exciting time than now to visit. “What’s really unique is that we’ve grown organically,” says Klausen, who humbly describes herself as a catalyst and facilitator, though her deep expertise and passion for the park’s cultural heritage is the beating heart of the project.

“There are about 100 artists and professionals here daily, working together left, right and centre. There’s a palpable synergy in the air that allows for truly interdisciplinary collaboration,” she says. “Everyone at Anneberg came to experience this –to find a community with others. I didn’t search for anyone. They found me. I am grateful to be able to share it with everyone who visits.”

Web: Annebergparken 26A, 4500 Nykøbing Sjælland Website: www.annebergkulturpark.dk Facebook: AnnebergKulturpark Instagram: @annebergkulturpark

Photo: Gitte Klausen

Photo: Goldmann Visuals Signe Goldmann Photo: Gitte Klausen Photo: Goldmann Visuals Signe Goldmann

Kaleidoscopic art and architecture at Carl-Henning Pedersen and Else Alfelts Museum

The first thing visitors notice at Carl-Henning Pedersen and Else Alfelts Museum, on the outskirts of Herning in western Denmark, is its magical exterior architecture.

By Lena Hunter | Photos: Mikael Lykke Madsen

Its radiant blue façades – mosaics of abstract ceramic art – lend a psychedelic quality to the cylindrical buildings and geometric land-art walkways. Before even stepping foot inside, you feel you’ve decoupled from urban reality and entered a fantasy world.

But the architecture is just the aperitif. The pièce de résistance is the museum’s staggering collection of works by the seminal Danish abstract expressionist artists, husband and wife Carl-Henning Pedersen and Else Alfelt.

Humble origins Pedersen and Alfelt were both raised in poverty in Copenhagen. Aged just seven, Alfelt was sent to an orphanage and began painting. She remained self-taught

throughout her career, producing work inspired by nature and philosophy that spanned the avant-garde, surrealist, experimental and political.

In 1933, she met Pedersen in Elsinore and encouraged him to paint. The modernist, free form style he adopted butted heads with the conventions of Danish art. Encouraged by the works of Picasso and Matisse he saw in Paris in 1939, he became a pioneer of abstract experimentation in Denmark. vivid, the forms are hypnotic, the scale is arresting. “The thought behind it was that if you could create an artwork that was free – rooted in the innermost intuition – then you could extrapolate to create a free community,” says Korshøj.

The painting-adorned galleries at Carl-Henning Pedersen and Else Alfelts Museum are a rainbow stroll through Pedersen and Alfelt’s minds and artistic careers. Here, the CoBrA movement remains a living, breathing force.

The CoBrA movement Despite their rich independent careers, Pedersen and Alfelt are best known for their involvement in the 1948-51 free-thinking expressionist art movement, CoBrA – spanning Copenhagen, Brussels and Amsterdam – while Europe was still reeling from the shockwaves of the Second World War.

“CoBrA came about when people began to travel again after the war. Across Europe, artists wanted to express something original and collective that could break down borders and bring people together,” says museum director Lotte Korshøj.

CoBrA artworks are grounded in an ideology of freedom and intuition, abstraction and spontaneity. The colours are What’s on? Carl-Henning Pedersen and Else Alfelts Museum was established in 1976 and today houses over 6,000 works by the two artists, from three different collections. The 2,000-square-metre museum presents the permanent displays of the artists’ essential works, plus special exhibitions that offer fresh takes on CoBrA ideas.

Previous iterations have included Pedersen’s lesser-known clay art; A Fabulous Encounter, a joint exhibition of works by Pedersen and Crown Prince Henrik; Mountaintop, Alfelt’s mountaininspired paintings; and The Flower of the Universe – a wall-to-wall, explosivelycoloured painting installation inspired by Zen Buddhist philosophy.

Henning and Heerup International This year, two special exhibitions are in the works. The first, Henning and Heerup International, is based on sculptor Henry Heerup and Pedersen’s contributions to the 1962 Venice Biennale, which catapulted them to international fame.

At the time, the leading Danish broadsheet Politiken praised Heerup and Pedersen’s “duet that brought a fresh buzz from the Nordics”, while the Biennale committee promptly named the two as Denmark’s artistic representatives.

The same year, Pedersen went on to win the UNESCO prize. Reviving this unique chapter of cultural history, Pedersen and Heerup’s paintings and sculptures will be reunited at the Carl-Henning Pedersen and Else Alfelts Museum until 23 December.

OPHAV Concurrently, a new sound installation by Danish composer Ditte Rønn, called OPHAV, is running in the incredible Angli space – a historic outdoor gallery comprised of an amphitheatric wall with a 1,000-square-metre interior.

Rønn’s immersive musical composition, performed by the Herning Church Boys’ Choir, will accompany the Angli space’s arresting permanent artwork: Pedersen’s monumental 1968 ceramic frieze, Imagination’s Play Around the Wheel of Life.

“There are 14 speakers installed on the roof, which are activated by a sensor when you enter. So while you’re physically surrounded by this incredible masterpiece, you’re also immersed in a chorus of voices, experiencing the art in a new way,” explains Korshøj.

Lotte Korshøj. Photo: Henrik Ole Jensen

More than meets the eye “The grounds are beautiful. The whole Birk area is full of cultural diversions,” says Korshøj. A day trip to the museum can easily include visits to the nearby sculpture park and listed Geometric Garden, both designed by famed Danish architect Carl Theodore Sørensen.

Of the many draws to Carl-Henning Pedersen and Else Alfelts Museum and its home region, art lovers can be assured of this: the museum’s unique perspective on a brief, daring and impactful movement in the Danish and broader European art scene is unrivalled.

It’s more than a retrospective. By constantly offering new perspectives on the rich collection of Pedersen and Alfelt’s work before, during and after CoBrA, Korshøj and her peers have kept the spirit of its creative community alive for a contemporary audience.

Address: Carl-Henning Pedersen & Else Alfelts Museum Birk Centerpark 1, DK-7400 Herning

Admission: €10, no booking necessary Guided tours available, info online

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm Web: chpeamuseum.dk Instagram: @chpeamuseum Facebook: Carl-Henning Pedersen & Else Alfelts Museum

Photo: Bo Amstrup

Viborg Animation Festival: A celebration of all things animated

The only one of its kind in Denmark, Viborg Animation Festival (VAF) showcases the powers and possibilities of animation, truly bringing the imagined to life. With an exciting and inspiring programme, this year’s festival promises to share just some of what can be accomplished with animation in all its many forms, nourishing and supporting up-and-coming talent in the process.

By Trine Jensen-Martin

“Danish animation is developing at a rapid speed, and there are no limits to what we can create,” explains festival director Jane Lyngbye Hvid Jensen. “And we want to show what we can achieve visually.”

Viborg is one of UNESCO’s creative cities, and its popular animation festival, VAF, is a fantastic opportunity for creative and media arts to exhibit local and global talent. The festival, now in its 11th year, celebrates all aspects of animation, from films, adverts, documentaries and infomercials, to music videos and games. The focus is on developing ideas and creativity, and VAF invites visitors to actively explore the entire universe of animation.

The power of animation Thrice Oscar nominated film Flee by Jonas Pohler Rasmussen started its journey in Viborg in 2013, and its success is a wonderful illustration of how creativity is nurtured in Viborg. “We love to discover and support the development of ideas and talent,” says Lyngbye Hvid Jensen. The focus on emerging artists is at the heart of the festival, and the original idea behind Flee was supported by ANIDOX, an initiative that focuses on merging animation and documentary film making.

The film is a beautiful example of the power of animation and how this medium can be used to tell erstwhile difficult and traumatic stories, possibly relieving some of the fear and stigma in the process of film making. The stories that can be explored through animation have the potential to be both powerful and truthful without feeling dangerous, perhaps because there is a sense of safety, anonymity and universality in the animated world. Here, imagination can be used to soothe, to explain and to educate, and the stories told can be fun or serious, fantastical or realistic all at the same time.

A four-track festival This year, VAF takes place from 26 September to 2 October, presenting All Things Animated in the festival’s four dif-

ferent categories – or tracks, as they call them: film, culture, industry and ANIMOK. The extensive film track is a celebration of all that animation can do in films and showcases outstanding short films and feature films from all over the world. The festival concludes with the exciting VAF awards, celebrating films and creators in seven different categories, each with a professional jury.

The culture track presents animation in the context of art, technology and games, with events ranging from the popular Game Expo to exhibitions with internationally renowned artists at Viborg Kunsthal, the local museum of art. The industry track concentrates on the core animation industry as well as its stakeholders, customers, and users of animation products. The attention is on customers and demand, and by tapping into diverse areas, like health care and architecture, the aim is to showcase the wide-ranging potential of animation.

ANIMOK is almost a festival within the festival, focusing on children’s activities and offering a wealth of creative workshops and film events for schools, daycare institutions, children and families.

To the moon and back in seconds The visual aspect of animation is important, and so are the stories. “We tell stories, both factual and fictitious narratives,” Lyngbye Hvid Jensen says. “And right now, it feels more important than ever to help individuals and artists convey their ideas.”

Pohler Rasmussen’s protagonist may not have dared tell his story if in the spotlight, but animation has enabled him to share an incredible and harrowing journey. The freedom and the opportunities allow for many more important stories to be told, which has the power to open both our minds and our world.

And animation truly is a gamechanger in how we tell stories. ‘”You can fly to the moon and back in one second,” says Lyngbye Hvid Jensen, which sums up the endless possibilities. And right now, the Danish animation scene is booming, and Viborg breeds both creativity and talent. “We are particularly good at telling stories and want to share the joy of film, and the joy of storytelling and the visual story,” says Lyngbye Hvid Jensen. “We focus on conveying animation both as art and as a craft.”

VAF aims to tell the story behind the story, and to show what animation can do, now and tomorrow. It does both with aplomb, and this year’s festival is sure to be inspiring, eye-opening and exciting, sharing the powers and possibilities of animation with us all.

Explore creativity and animation in Viborg: Viborg UNESCO Creative City – Media Arts: en.unesco.org/creative-cities/viborg The Animation Workshop / VIA University College: animationworkshop.via.dk Viborg Visuals & Arsenalet – Creative Industry Cluster: www.arsenalet.dk

Web: www.animationsfestival.dk Facebook: Viborg Animation Festival Instagram: @viborganimationfestival

Festival Director Jane Lyngbye Hvid Jensen. Photo: Andreas Bang Kirkegaard Audience at VAF. Photo: Andreas Bang Kirkegaard

MeatUp! VAF 2021. Photo: Bo Amstrup VAF. Photo: Andreas Bang Kirkegaard

Open Orchestra. Photo: Copenhagen Phil

Captured by the vibration and the magic

Music has the power to unite us, to soothe and heal the soul and transport us to a different place. For just a brief moment, you can forget time and place and simply allow yourself to be in the present moment, without having to do or be anything. At Copenhagen Philharmonic (or Phil for short), they believe that classical music is for everyone, not only a select few. Therefore, they are on a mission to democratise classical music so that everyone can enjoy the magic of fine arts.

By Heidi Kokborg

“Rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul,” Plato famously said. Music has always played an important role for mankind. It has the ability to connect us, inspire us, and calm both the soul and the mind. From aristocrats to tiny villages on remote islands, music has always been an essential art form across the globe.

Classical music often gets the reputation of only being for the well-educated and wealthy. Perhaps when you think of classical music, you think of grand opera houses in Vienna. Copenhagen Phil is here to change that. They believe that classical music and fine arts should be for everyone – no matter who you are, where you come from and what your background is.

“Everyone deserves to experience classical music. I didn’t grow up with a piano or classical music; I was only introduced to it later in life. But it’s not just for academics and the upper class. Our finest mission is to make classical music accessible to all,” says Peter Lodahl, music director at Copenhagen Phil.

A balm for the soul If you have ever listened to classical music, or been to a classical music concert, you’ll have experienced the magic that unfolds when allowing the music to wash over you. Science has proven again and again that classical music contributes to calm and peace of mind.

“Classical music has the same effect as yoga, meditation or going to church. You fully immerse yourself in the experience. It is a stark contrast to both our daily life and society, which is often stressful and hyper focused on achieving and being efficient and rational. Ultimately, music can make people happier and more fulfilled,” says Lodahl.

Not only does this immersion in classical music evoke feelings of calm, peace, happiness and grounding. It’s also an opportunity for inner reflection. Something magical happens when you simply allow the music to transform you.

“Classical music is like a massage for the soul. Unlike other art forms, music has no physical form. Music only exists in the here and now, and it forces you to be present. It is cathartic. It sets you free. You cannot escape by scrolling through social media or watching Netflix. You just have to be present with whatever arises. It is hard to prove something that is ultimately invisible, but the proof is in the pudding,” explains Lodahl.

Exploring the wonders of classical music At Copenhagen Phil, they are not afraid to take a chance and do things differently. For instance, the orchestra has made collaborations with the Danish pop singer-songwriter Christopher. “This may seem like an odd collaboration to many, but a collaboration like this opens people’s eyes to classical music and symphony. We are ambitious and love classical music, but we are not afraid to try something new and different and combine music genres,” says Lodahl.

As such, Copenhagen Phil has also made a podcast with Third Ear, called Afgørende Øjeblikke (‘Defining Moments’), which will take you on a journey through the world of classical music. Through PHIL:LAB, Copenhagen Phil is exploring the intersection between classical music, theatre, movement, installation art and gastronomy. The idea is to reach a new audience and introduce them to the wonders of classical music.

“We wish to meet our audience where they are. It is also of great importance to us that we play across Zealand and not just in Copenhagen. Whether we are playing in a grand, historic building or in a gymnasium is never the important thing; what’s important is the music and the experience people get. We are sublime at what we do, and we think everyone deserves to listen to classical music,” says Lodahl.

Copenhagen Phil also works with schools and pupils. Here, even the most energetic pupils become mesmerised by the beauty of the music. Like everyone else they are captured by the vibrations and the magic of classical music.

Defining Moments. Photo: Kim Matthäi Leland

Copenhagen Phil was founded in 1843 and has 65 orchestra musicians. The orchestra is located in Frederiksberg in Copenhagen, in the Concert Hall of the Academy.

Concerts 2022: The Maestro and Beethoven Vol. 1: 23 September 2022 Musikverein Wien: 26 September 2022 AfgørendeØjeblikke #4 (Defining Moments): 29 September to 1 October Ravel and Brahms: 6 October 2022 Sacre and Faust: 10 November 2022 For the full programme, you can visit Copenhagen Phil’s website.

Web: www.copenhagenphil.dk Facebook: Copenhagen Phil – hele Sjællands Symfoniorkester Instagram: @copenhagenphil

Peter Lodahl. Photo: Louise Neupert Christoph Eschenbach. Photo: Per Morten Abrahamsen

A holiday experience like no other

On the island of Funen, a unique experience awaits, allowing you to slow down and feel at one with nature. This is a holiday without stressful schedules or time pressure; there’s no set tempo or destination. It’s just you, the wagon and the horses, the fresh air and the open road.

Whether you are looking to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul, or to have a day of family fun, the Garden of Tambour in Varde is a lovely spot. Kids can find their inner adventurer as they explore the garden, while adults will appreciate the serenity.

Sydfyns Heste- og Prærievogns udlejning is an extraordinary and much-loved way of holidaying. Henning Hansen has owned the business for almost 35 years, renting out old-fashioned (but safe!) horse-drawn prairie wagons. “I wanted to be my own boss,” he explains, “and that is the feeling you get when driving one of our wagons.”

At the start of each holiday trip, Hansen and his staff give detailed instructions, making sure that no-one leaves without feeling confident with the horses and wagon. All the horses are well trained and used to being handled by different people, and as creatures of habit, they know where they are going. You can take the wagon all around south-eastern Funen, where there are five designated sites for overnight camping, and let the horses roam free.

“We have 18 wagons and 46 horses and always ensure the right fit between horses and customers,” Hansen assures. Time and again, parents and grandparents return for a holiday with the next generation, proving that it is a wonderful experience for all ages and abilities.

This is a great way to switch off from the hectic pace of everyday life, and a different way to see this beautiful part of Denmark.

By Trine Jensen-Martin Photos: Henning Hansen

Web: hestevognsferie.dk Facebook: Sydfyns Heste & Prærievognsudlejning Instagram: #sydfynshesteogprærievognsudlejning

Explore a blooming world

Nestled in a forest by Karlsgårde Lake, you’ll find the historic, enchanting Garden of Tambour. Here, you’ll not only discover an abundance of flowers, trees and plants, but you’ll also find an orangery, a cottage from 1939, and a teahouse.

“It is a very tranquil place, where guests can enjoy summer and just be in the present moment,” says Gitte Røn Dalsgaard, tourism and event coordinator at the Garden of Tambour. The Garden of Tambour was founded by Gerhard Tambour in the 1950s. Tambour envisioned creating a paradise on Earth, and when strolling through this oasis, there’s no doubt that his vision has come alive.

When wandering around the garden, you might feel nostalgic. You can be served home-made rolls on floral china that reminds you of your grandmother, or perhaps come across an ancient herb in the physic garden that takes you back to your childhood.

With 25 events each year, ranging from concerts to outdoor church services, there is something for everyone. Kids will also have plenty to explore, and a treasure hunt is on the drawing board. Outside the garden, there’s a playground and a fire pit, making it an ideal place for a family outing. The small café serves coffee, tea, fizzy drinks, delicious cakes and ice cream.

By Heidi Kokborg | Photos: Tambours Have

Web: www.tambour.vardekommune.dk Facebook: Tambours Have

MDR - Death fromLaughter, Los Galindos. Photo: Klara Pedrol Avion Papier. Photo: Pierre

Experience living street theatre in Helsingør and Helsingborg

Every year, Helsingør and Helsingborg come alive when PASSAGE Festival takes place. The festival is enjoyed and loved by both locals and tourists. Here, you can experience living street theatre performed by talented artists from all over Europe. Whether you are here for the full six days or you just stumble upon one performance, one thing is certain: you will have a good time.

By Heidi Kokborg

PASSAGE Festival is a one-of-a-kind experience, and with 150 to 200 performances at each festival, it is one of Northern Europe’s largest living street theatre festivals. “You can experience performances in the streets, in the harbour, on the beach and in the surrounding areas. Our ambition is to create a festival that is diverse, accessible and enjoyable for everyone,” explains Camilla Hasseriis Dietz, head of communications at PASSAGE Festival.

Most of the performances at PASSAGE Festival are free, and they have performances for all age groups. Whether you are an avid theatre-goer or you have never been to the theatre, PASSAGE Festival is for you.

From eccentric circus shows to unheard stories of fishing “We offer a cornucopia of performances. It is of great importance to us that we are not just for a select few, but that we truly embrace every citizen. Therefore, we also present performances at nursing homes, kindergartens, in residential areas and the surrounding areas. You don’t have to come to us; we will happily come to you,” says Hasseriis.

This year, the festival will host an abundance of artists and performers from all over Europe. For instance, you can experience the internationally renowned French company Le G. Bistaki, which creates unique and spectacular performances. Or how about an eccentric circus show called Death from Laughter? Or a show called Breast in Peace, performed by a feminist punk circus? “Street theatre performances always have several layers, making them relevant for both adults and children. The majority of the shows are non-verbal, so everyone can understand the performances,” says Hasseriis.

In the small town of Espergærde, you can also experience a new, interactive performance about the unheard stories of fishing. There is quite literally a performance for everyone. “The most important thing is that you come with an open mind, and then you can’t avoid being pleasantly surprised,” says Hasseriis.

The Secret. Photo: Tombs Creatius PASSAGE Festival is organised by Helsingør Theatre in Helsingør and Dunkers kulturhus in Helsingborg. Dates: 25-30 July 2022 The ferry to and from Helsingør and Helsingborg takes 20 minutes.

Web: www.passagefestival.nu Facebook: PASSAGE·Festival –international street theatre in Helsingør & Helsingborg Instagram: @passagefestival

Nature Park Bornholm –adventure is out there

Finding holiday activities for the whole family can be challenging, so what better option than a place that has something for all ages and abilities? Whether you crave action-based excitement, a competitive round of sports, or a quiet stroll in stunning surroundings, this exciting and ambitious adventure park on the island of Bornholm has it all.

By Trine Jensen-Martin | Photos: Nature Park Bornholm

The island of Bornholm is one of Denmark’s must-visit places, with dramatic coastal cliffs, idyllic towns and a breathtaking landscape. A trip here would not be complete without taking in one or all of the activities on offer at the fantastic Nature Park Bornholm (NPB). Here, you can indulge your competitive spirit, test your skills, relax in wonderful nature, and spend quality time with the family. A whole day is easily filled, and it is little wonder that people return time and again. You can take part in fun-filled activities or just switch off and enjoy the scenery and fresh air. Inclusive activities for all Park director Tor Madsen has been at the helm of NPB for ten years, as well as running an events company that oversees activity-based holidays and events, and creating climbing and adventure parks all over Europe. Madsen’s enthusiasm is evident in all that he does, and he is keen to dispel any myths about the activities requiring a certain ability or level of fitness. “Anyone can take part, and all our activities are inclusive,” he explains fervently. “Some people think they won’t be able to do the high ropes, but they really are for everyone.” While age is but a number, it is saying something that the eldest visitor to date was 87 and the youngest just two, proving that this truly is adventure and fun for all ages and abilities.

More than a climbing park The climbing facilities at NPB are excellent, offering two practice courses and eight different climbing courses. The high

ropes are suspended in the trees between one and 18 metres off the ground, so there are courses for the faint-hearted among us, as well as the intrepid adventurist.

But there are many other things to do when you visit NPB. Disc Golf is an increasingly popular sport, and the park’s disc golf course is regarded as one of the best in Europe, suitable for beginners and experienced players alike. The park’s course and facilities are so popular that they are hosting the Disc Golf tournament Bornholm Open, which is part of Danish Tour 22.

In the middle of NPB, there is a huge football golf pitch with an impressive 18 holes. This activity is particularly wonderful for the whole family and does not require any previous experience, just a willingness to have fun and perhaps a soupcon of competitiveness!

If you are in the mood for something less physical, NPB has a quiz labyrinth where you have a choice of 20 very different quizzes to challenge your mind. All the activities on offer at NPB are CO2-neutral, something that is crucial to the ethos of the park and certainly fits with what the future of holidays look like: sustainable, mindful and respectful to nature.

Expanding the park A very exciting project in the pipeline is a 3,000-square-kilometre activity lake with a variety of water sports, such as kayaking and paddle boarding. Madsen’s ambitions are impressive, and he is tireless when it comes to ideas for both NPB and other projects.

“It takes three to five years to get permission to expand or build here on Bornholm,” he explains – which might feel slightly frustrating with a booming business, particularly post-Covid-19, when all you want is to build on success and continue the upward direction. But Madsen is as patient as he is ambitious. “It takes time to do these things, but it is worth the wait.”

And NPB is very much a work in progress, as Maden and his team continue to expand on exciting ideas and develop the place.

Watch this space Madsen has been putting on nature-based activity events for many years, and NPB is a wonderful example of what his company has to offer. This is more than just a climbing park, more than just a nature park; the possibilities are endless, and what Madsen can arrange for your family, your school class or your corporate event knows very few bounds.

And it seems that more exciting things are to come from NPB this autumn. “I can’t say too much at this stage, but there is something very exciting being aired on TV2 in Denmark this autumn,” Madsen teases. And while he can’t divulge more at present, it’s safe to say you should watch this space. Madsen and Nature Park Bornholm are onto something; the combination of fun, adventure, family time and CO2-friendly, nature-based activities on stunning grounds is a winner. And many more adventures are clearly still to come.

Web: naturepark.dk Facebook: Nature Park Bornholm Instagram: @natureparkbornholm