The Royal Kitchen Garden

The Royal Kitchen Garden in Graasten is a unique gem in the Sonderborg area. This 7,500 m² living garden combines historical charm with practical utility, using traditional cultivation methods in beautiful surroundings. It is both a historic palace kitchen garden and a social community. Vegetables, flowers, and fruits are grown here, while citizens, volunteers, and professionals work together to create a beautiful and inviting garden. 

You can experience the production of fresh ingredients delivered directly to the royal family at Graasten Palace, admire the beautiful garden layout, and participate in various activities.

There is also a cozy shop and café where you can satisfy your hunger and thirst before continuing to Graasten Palace and its gardens, which are also worth a visit. All profits from the café and shop go toward the garden’s development.

Admission is free for everyone.

Besøg Den Kongelige Køkkenhave

Felstedvej 8
6300 Gråsten

Opening Hours:

May: Thursday to Sunday, 10 AM – 5 PM (closed on Whit Monday)

June – August: Every day, 10 AM – 5 PM

September: Thursday to Sunday, 10 AM – 5 PM

October:
1st – 12th: Thursday to Sunday, 10 AM – 4 PM
Week 42: Monday to Sunday, 10 AM – 4 PM

Did you know...

  • More than 800 perennials have been planted in the hügel bed
  • The reflecting pool mirrors both the sky and plants, creating a peaceful atmosphere
  • Scented geraniums are associated with Queen Ingrid, who had a special love for them
  • Some apple varieties in the garden date back to the 1800s
  • The rose apple jelly sold in the shop is made from apples from old rose apple trees
  • The Royal Kitchen Garden at Graasten Palace was inaugurated in July 2020 by Her Majesty The Queen

About The Royal Kitchen Garden

Where can I park?

Parking is not available directly at the garden, but drop-off and pick-up are possible nearby. The closest parking is on Slotsgade in Graasten or at one of the many parking lots in town.

Bicycles can be parked outside the garden.

Toilets are available.

There is a dog parking area in the front garden with shade and fresh water. Dogs are not allowed inside the garden.

Who maintains the garden?

The garden is operated in collaboration between the Agency for Culture and Palaces and Sønderborg Municipality through the employment initiative “Væksthuset.” Citizens and staff participate in the operation, and volunteers from “Friends of Gråsten Palace Gardens” contribute with communication and practical work.

What plants and fruits are grown in the garden?

The cultivation beds feature a wide variety of vegetables such as squash, beans, potatoes, onions, leeks, corn, carrots, beets, spinach, lettuce, pumpkins, and peas. Many types of cabbage are also grown, including cauliflower, broccoli, pointed cabbage, kale, red cabbage, and white cabbage. Perennial crops like rhubarb and asparagus, herbs in raised beds, strawberries, berry bushes, and flowers are also cultivated.

In the orchard, apple trees are planted in espaliers, arches, and as free-standing trees. The apple varieties are specially selected for their connection to Gråsten. In the apple grove, visitors can enjoy their own food and drinks, and one of the old apple trees that has grown here for generations still stands.

What activities take place in the garden?

Throughout the season, rhubarb, fruit, and berries are harvested and used to make liqueur, jelly, and jam. Some of the harvest is frozen and processed later so products are ready for sale at the start of the season. When crops are ripe and not needed for the royal household, they are placed near the greenhouse for guests to take home or sold at the harvest market.

Annual activities include:

  • Opening day at the start of the season
  • Pot Day – every spring, Væksthuset, gardeners, and volunteers plant flowers in pots throughout the garden
  • Exhibitions and activities in the Parade House
  • Extra fun during autumn break with children’s activities
  • Harvest Market on September 12–13
  • Light Festival in December
What can I buy in the café and shop?

In the café:

  • Sandwiches
  • Quiche
  • Ice cream
  • Salads
  • Cake
  • Coffee and cold drinks

Food can be enjoyed in the Winter Garden, Parade House, or outdoors. The Winter Garden is a cozy space for both children and adults, where you can enjoy coffee while children play in the kids’ corner or help water the plants.

Groups can pre-order coffee, cake, and sandwiches.

Table reservations are not available.

In the shop:

  • Handmade items from Væksthuset
  • Sewn bags, bread baskets, and bucket hats made from fabric featuring six signature plants from the garden
  • Copper-plated flowers from the kitchen and palace gardens
  • Silver-plated geranium leaves made into earrings
  • Ceramics
  • Rose apple jelly made from old rose apple trees
  • Honey from the garden’s own bees
  • Seasonal products

Profits from the café and shop go toward improving the garden.