Outside the City: Off-lead at Bernstorffparken
A dog-friendly walk through Bernstorffparken, a historic palace garden in Gentofte with open meadows, woodland paths, and plenty of room to roam off-lead. Easy to reach from Copenhagen, and worth the short journey for a slower, greener kind of walk.
The first in a new series for those days when city loops aren't quite enough. Outside the City is our guide to dog-friendly walks beyond Copenhagen.
Just north of Copenhagen, Bernstorffparken offers something rare: 57 hectares of off-lead space. A mix of forest trails, open meadows and palace gardens, it's one of the easiest places to swap pavements for grass. Dogs are allowed off-lead throughout, and most of them take full advantage.
The park was opened to the public in 1945, but its roots go much further back. Originally laid out in the 1700s as a royal summer estate, it still carries that quiet sense of scale — space to move, pause, and maybe get a little muddy.
Getting to the park
By car: Park along Bernstorffsvej, Vældegårdsvej (usually quieter), or Jægersborg Allé. Avoid the palace grounds — fines are issued.
By bike: Around 30 minutes from Østerbro, if using a pet trailer or basket. The route is flat and straightforward, with cycle lanes most of the way.
By train: From Østerport, take S-tog Line B to Gentofte Station (15 mins), then walk 10 minutes to the park.
By bus: The 185 stops at Bernstorffsvej. Small dogs in carriers are allowed, but larger ones may not have space.
Off-lead and unbothered
Dogs are allowed off-lead throughout the park, under supervision. In practice, many roam freely while their people walk ahead or stop for coffee. There are no fenced enclosures, and the park's two main gates stay open year-round, so good recall is important.
The layout is varied: shaded trails through woodland, open lawns, a kitchen garden, fruit trees, and a few gently sloping meadows where dogs can burn off energy. You may also spot sheep or horses grazing in the fields.
What to see
Bernstorff Palace
Built in 1765 for Danish foreign minister J.H.E. Bernstorff, the palace later became a royal summer residence. Today, it houses a hotel, restaurant and conference centre. Dogs can't go inside, but the open space around it — including the lawns and tree-lined paths — makes a good centre point for a walk.
Svenske Villa
This yellow villa near the northern edge of the park was originally purchased by Queen Louise after the Nordic Exhibition of 1888 and moved here as a guest house. It usually opens as a seasonal café from May to August, but this year's opening has been postponed due to extensive moisture damage.
Queen Louise's Teahouse
Set within the kitchen garden, this teahouse has been run by Chaya since 2008 and serves a classic Afternoon Tea from Thursday to Sunday. The menu includes finger sandwiches, scones and petit fours, with tea on tap. Dogs aren't allowed inside the garden, so it's only an option if you're with someone who can go in while you wait outside — ideally with a view of the roses and a snack to share.
Kitchen garden and orchard
Around four hectares of the park are used as a working kitchen and fruit garden. Some of the trees date back to the 19th century, others are more recent. You'll find espaliered pears, plums and cherries along walls and near the restored greenhouses. Dogs are allowed but should be kept close around the garden beds.
Trails and terrain
The park shifts from gently formal near the palace to more natural open spaces at the edges. You'll find shaded forest paths, long grassy stretches, and low-lying muddy patches — the kind dogs are drawn to immediately. Most paths are unpaved but easy to follow.
Practical details
- Parking: Bernstorffsvej, Vældegårdsvej, Jægersborg Allé
- Toilets: At Svenske Villa and Queen Louise's Teahouse during opening hours
- Café: Yes — at Svenske Villa and Queen Louise's Teahouse
- Water for dogs: Fountain near Svenske Villa
- Bins: Near some entrances, but not everywhere — bring bags and be ready to carry them
- Partially fenced: Yes, though gates remain open
- GPS: 55.757433, 12.552522
Addresses:
- Bernstorff Slot 1
- Vældegårdsvej 70
- Jægersborg Allé 100
- Bernstorffsvej 199 (all 2820 Gentofte)
How long to stay
An hour for a loop. Two if you want to explore the garden or sit for coffee. Longer if the dog gets distracted by every trail, squirrel or muddy patch.
A last word
Bernstorffparken doesn't need much explaining. It's spacious, steady, and used the way parks should be — often, and without fuss. If your usual route is feeling too familiar, this one's worth the small trip.