The tranquil Sorgenfri Palace Gardens skirt the northern edge of the busy shopping area in Lyngby, north of Copenhagen. The Mill Stream flows serenely through the forest and a walk down some of the many winding paths provides peace of mind. There is more to Sorgenfri than tranquillity, though. A large number of historical buildings and other fixtures are always poised to surprise the inquisitive visitor, popping up out of the landscape to relate the history of the old royal garden.
The gardens have little in common with the stringent baroque gardens designed in 1706 for the site's owner Carl Ahlefeldt. The quadratic parterre beds were laid out according to symmetrical patterns as per the precepts of the baroque period, emerging from the middle of the palace.
The beds resembled balls, cones, pyramids, chess pieces, etc., and statues, busts and urns adorned the rectangular network of paths. The only feature left from that era is the main axis stretching from Sorgenfri Palace straight across Kongevejen.
Romantic landscaped gardens
In the years 1791-94 the Heir Presumptive Frederik had the gardens totally converted to romantic landscape gardening in the English style. Even though the terrain looks natural, it is all carefully planned.
A walk in the historical gardens
The Mill Stream is the only really natural element and no visit to the gardens would be complete without a walk along its banks. Starting from the north and following the path along the west bank, you pass several unique small buildings, all of which were built in the 1790s.
First, you come across "The Queen's Well". Until the early 20th century, "the well woman" would frequent the spot, selling liquor. It was up to the customer to decide whether to mix it with the cold spring water.
Continuing downstream, a short detour to the big rough-hewn stone grotto is recommended. Further down, the path passes White Bridge, which leads to the part of the gardens east of the stream. Straight ahead, is a commemorative bench in a stone alcove, dedicated to the poet Viggo Stuckenberg, one of whose love poems is chiselled in the stone.
The Swiss House
A small timber-frame building is to be found in amongst the trees at the southern end of the palace gardens. The Swiss House was originally covered in white plaster, as timber-frame constructions were not considered exclusive enough in those days.
Many royal gatherings have been held there, and at one stage Queen Caroline Amalie housed orphans in the building.
Last updated:: Monday, March 16, 2009
