Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Denmark
Attraction of the Month, Denmark
A fun, free family day out Located at the centre of Denmark in the city of Fredericia, Madsby Legepark puts family fun and simple joy at the heart of their park – for free. “We’re all about that famous Danish concept of ‘hygge’,” says Kim Ekstrøm, deputy director of Madsby Legepark. “We’re a place where families can come to get away from the stress of the everyday and just enjoy each other’s company.”
its hugely popular inflatable water balls. “The activities are manned by friendly and charming staff who’ll help ensure the whole family has a safe, fun and comfortable day together,” says Ekstrøm.
By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: Madsby Legepark
The biggest charmers are probably the park’s team of farm animals, most of which can be petted and fed with 10DKK snacks. Human fodder is available to buy at the park’s kiosk, but visitors are encouraged to bring along their own picnics, which can be consumed inside lunch houses in case of rain or even grilled at the park’s bookable BBQ stations. Of course, visitors are also free to simply go for a stroll amongst the blooming spring flowers, have a casual game of football, or enjoy the changing colours of the landscape during autumn.
Madsby Legepark (meaning ‘pleasure park’) was founded by Fredericia’s city council as a green oasis in 1985. The 20-hectare park was intended as a place where children and their imagination could run wild without it costing a fortune. Madsby quickly grew in popularity, attracting visitors from further and further afield and today the park has over 300,000 visitors a year, including other Scandinavians, Germans and Brits. “We’ve found that we’re very well positioned for tourists going through Denmark,” Ekstrøm explains. “Madsby makes a nice break in the middle of a long drive. It’s also a fun addition to Jutland city breaks.” What is more, the park recently started collaborating 94 | Issue 87 | April 2016
with nearby LEGOLAND and makes for a fun and calming addition to your holidays at LEGOLAND Resort. As well as the fresh air and nature, the park features a range of activities and playgrounds including mini golf, family-size rowing boats and a large multi-path Mooncar track. Some of these are covered by a small fee, which helps to pay for their upkeep, but costs are kept minimal in accordance with the ethos of the park. Active visitors of all ages will love the sand playground, featuring giant swings, slides and many other innovative obstacles, while those looking for an easy ride can board the Madsby locomotive. The park even lets you walk on water with
For more information in Danish, English or German, please visit: www.madsbylegepark.dk