Landbohøjskolens Have: Frederiksberg's Hidden Oasis & Greenhouse Café

TLDR: Landbohøjskolens Have in Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, offers a unique, free, and tranquil botanical escape, perfect for quiet contemplation and plant enthusiasts, featuring a charming greenhouse café, making it a serene antidote to city life.

As a seasoned traveler always on the lookout for hidden gems, I always recommend Landbohøjskolens Have to visitors to Copenhagen. It's a little beautifully maintained academic garden that doubles as a peaceful public oasis. 

If you're seeking a serene, sensory experience away from the city's usual hustle, and you appreciate history intertwined with nature, then this guide will help you decide if this quiet corner of Frederiksberg is worth your precious travel time. Let's dive into what makes this garden so special.

What is the story behind Landbohøjskolens Have?

Stepping into Landbohøjskolens Have, I always immediately feel a profound sense of calm. This is a living legacy, conceived in 1858 from what were once barren fields. 

Envisioned by Julius August Bentzien for the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, it served a dual purpose: a practical classroom for plant studies and a beautiful, public green space. I noticed many original trees from the 1860s still standing tall, silent witnesses to generations. 

It’s a place where horticulture pioneers, like Frk. Johansen, honed their skills. The deliberate tranquility, free from ball games or barking dogs, stems from its academic roots, making it an ideal spot for quiet reflection. If you enjoy uncovering the deeper narratives of a place, using a tool like StoryHunt can really guide you through its captivating past as you explore - download the app here.

Where is Landbohøjskolens Have?

You'll discover this unique botanical haven nestled snugly within the Frederiksberg Campus of the University of Copenhagen. I found the main entrance on Bülowsvej 17, easily accessible and feeling like a discreet gateway to another world. 

You'll often see subtle cues to its educational role, from carefully labeled plant beds to students occasionally passing by. Established in 1858, this garden functions as both a vital study ground and a public sanctuary, boasting an impressive collection of over 6,000 plant species. 

The deep calm I mentioned earlier is quite intentional here; specific rules against bikes, dogs, and ball games are in place to protect its diverse flora and ensure a truly peaceful visit. You can explore from sunrise to sunset almost every day, and should you need a break, there's even a charming spot for refreshments right inside.

What is Væksthuset in Landbohøjskolens Have?

That charming spot I hinted at is Væksthuset, which quite literally means "The Greenhouse" in Danish. And yes, it’s a café situated inside a beautiful greenhouse! 

I first stumbled upon it, feeling like I’d uncovered a delightful secret. The air inside felt comfortably warm and humid, mingling the faint scent of earth and plants with the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee. You have the choice to sit among the lush greenery within the glass walls or find a table outside, surrounded by colorful flowerbeds. 

It's a cherished retreat for both university students and locals, truly a hidden gem. I enjoyed a coffee and a pastry – they focus on organic, fresh, and seasonal items – simply soaking in the quiet. It’s the perfect place to pause, reflect, and genuinely escape the city's rapid pace, all while surrounded by the very botanical richness the university studies.

Is it free to enter Landbohøjskolens Have?

Here’s some excellent news for your travel budget: entry to Landbohøjskolens Have is completely free! You can stroll through its gates from sunrise until sunset. 

I truly appreciate that this beautiful 19th-century garden remains so accessible to everyone. While it serves as a university garden, it functions entirely as a public green oasis. As I walked, I noticed several small groups enjoying peaceful picnics on the lawns. 

You'll encounter an incredible variety of plants, from wild Danish herbs to vibrant rose gardens and delicate alpine species, all laid out along those charming, romantic winding paths.

Is Landbohøjskolens Have nice for families?

Frederiksberg itself, the elegant district where the garden is located, is often hailed as Copenhagen's "green soul" for its abundance of tranquil parks. 

While Landbohøjskolens Have offers a genuinely lovely and calm setting, its suitability for families truly depends on your expectations. If your family enjoys quiet strolls, appreciating diverse plant life, or a peaceful picnic on the grass, then you’ll find it quite delightful. The rose garden, with its fragrant blooms, might even spark a child's curiosity. 

However, it's important to remember the rules: no ball games, no cycling, and no dogs. This means it isn't the place for boisterous play or for kids to run off steam. For more active fun, the larger Frederiksberg Gardens nearby might be a better fit. 

This particular garden truly shines for families who value quiet observation and connecting with nature, perhaps with a sketchbook or a storybook in hand.

Is it worth visiting Landbohøjskolens Have?

From my own visit, I can certainly say Landbohøjskolens Have offers a distinctive and wonderfully tranquil experience. Is it truly worth adding to your itinerary? If you appreciate botanical diversity and crave a serene escape from the urban din, then yes, absolutely. I happily spent an hour or two just meandering, breathing in the fresh, earthy air, and admiring the sheer variety of plant life – over 6,000 species, many meticulously cared for by university students. 

However, if you're expecting a grand, formal display like some other royal gardens, or if your family prefers a park where kids can run freely, this might not be your primary destination due to its strict "no ball games, no dogs, no bikes" policy. 

It really comes alive in spring and summer when everything is in full bloom, offering a vibrant display of colors and scents. For a focused, peaceful botanical retreat, it's a true gem, and it's both free and wheelchair accessible.

What else can I do in Frederiksberg?

Once you've savored the quiet charm of Landbohøjskolens Garden, Frederiksberg still holds a treasure trove of experiences. You can read our full guide to the best attractions here, and I can also recommend:

• Right next door, you'll find the expansive Frederiksberg Gardens, perfect for a longer stroll where you can admire the elegant Frederiksberg Palace and even catch glimpses of elephants from the Copenhagen Zoo. 
• For something truly unique, I highly recommend diving into Cisternerne, a former underground water reservoir in Søndermarken that's now an atmospheric art space – it’s wonderfully eerie and thought-provoking. 
• Of course, the Copenhagen Zoo itself is a fantastic option, especially if you have animal lovers in your group. 
• If history and culture are more your speed, consider The Hill House, a charming Golden Age home, or Møstings Hus for contemporary art in a historic setting. 

Frederiksberg offers a delightful blend of green spaces, culture, and history, making it easy to fill a full day or two. To really get a grasp of all these options and discover some hidden gems with engaging audio stories, download StoryHunt to get the best travel companion.