Tucked away in the peaceful suburban district of Naerum, just north of Copenhagen, is a patch of land that feels more like a living painting than a neighborhood garden. At first glance, you might think you’re looking at an aerial shot of a modern art installation. Dozens of perfectly oval plots of land, arranged in gentle curves and soft symmetry, form a mesmerizing pattern on the green landscape.
These are the “round gardens” of Naerum—one of the most unique and visually striking allotment gardens in the world. But beyond their geometric beauty lies a deeper story: one of community, intentional design, and a gentle kind of human-nature harmony that Denmark seems to master so well.
While they’re affectionately known as the “round gardens,” the plots are technically oval. There are 40 of them in total, each enclosed by a neatly trimmed hedge and filled with a small wooden cabin, vegetables, flowers, or a mix of both. From above, they look like lily pads dotting the earth.
These gardens were designed in 1948 by Danish architect Carl Theodor Sørensen—one of the most respected landscape architects of his time. Sørensen believed that outdoor spaces should be just as thoughtfully designed as buildings. His vision for Naerum was simple but revolutionary: to create a shared green space that was functional, beautiful, and emotionally uplifting.
And decades later, his vision has aged gracefully. The gardens still sit there like a quiet secret in the suburbs—serene, playful, and just a little magical.
Each garden plot is rented by local residents, many of whom don’t have access to private yards or gardens in their apartments. During the warmer months, families retreat to these oases to grow vegetables, enjoy lunch in the sun, read a book in a hammock, or just sit in the quiet. The cabins are modest and not meant for overnight stays—they’re more like garden retreats than homes.
The layout fosters a sense of privacy while still maintaining a feeling of togetherness. The hedges create personal boundaries, but the overall design naturally brings people close, with curved walking paths and shared views. It’s a perfect blend of solitude and community, something that feels increasingly rare in our fast-paced world.
Sørensen didn’t choose ovals just for aesthetic flair. The flowing lines were meant to soften the experience of being in the garden, to feel more natural and less rigid than traditional square allotments. In a sense, the shape invites you to relax. There are no hard corners, no sharp lines—just curves and circles, like nature itself.
And while the layout is undeniably beautiful, it’s also functional. The circular design allows sunlight to reach different parts of the garden throughout the day, helping plants grow more evenly. It’s a small detail, but it reflects the thoughtfulness behind every hedge and path.
What makes the Naerum gardens truly special isn’t just how they look—it’s how they feel. There’s something deeply comforting about seeing human creativity blend so seamlessly with nature. Nothing here feels forced or flashy. It’s simply a space that invites people to slow down, dig their hands into the dirt, and find joy in the little things.
In a world where concrete and noise seem to spread faster every year, places like this remind us of what’s possible when we prioritize calm over chaos, and design with care instead of convenience.
While the gardens are not a typical tourist destination, they’re visible from nearby paths and aerial viewpoints. If you’re ever in the Copenhagen area during spring or summer, a quiet stroll through Naerum offers a glimpse into a gentler way of life. Locals tend to the land with pride, and the whole area feels like a celebration of simplicity and slowness.
Whether you’re an architect, a gardener, or simply someone who finds peace in the green, the round gardens of Naerum are a soft-spoken masterpiece—proof that even in the smallest corners of the world, beauty can bloom in the most unexpected forms.
