Tambours Have

Five gardens sheltered from the westerly wind

Tambours Have is located by Karlsgårde Sø, but feels more like a green experiment than ordinary West Jutland nature. Here the garden is divided into Lillehaven, Langhaven, Storhaven, Japanhaven and Medicinhaven, so the walk changes character along the way: from old trees and colourful beds to Japanese-inspired stone settings, levels and water.

What makes it special is the contrast. The area around the lake was once open heathland, and Gerhard Tambour planted trees to create shelter. Today, that shelter has become a setting for plants from other parts of the world, streams and small garden sections, where you clearly sense that the place has grown layer by layer.

Orangery, children and lakeside

Between Lillehaven and Japanhaven lies the orangery with citrus trees, palms and other plants that may otherwise struggle to cope with the West Jutland climate. In summer it is also used for concerts, exhibitions and events.

For children, the garden mentions activities such as treasure hunts and wooden sculptures, and outside the garden there is a nature playground. Karlsgårde Sø is close by, and the visit can be extended with a walk around the lake or a look towards Karlsgårde Vandkraftværk.

From fishing spot to visitor garden

Gerhard and Olga Tambour began here with a small piece of land, fishing and a cabin for the family. Later, the kitchen garden and fruit trees were slowly replaced by rare trees, exotic plants and themed gardens — a tailor’s garden project that ended up as a public visitor garden.