Hortulus Gardens – a fantastic place in Pomerania

If you are planning a stay in Western Pomerania, make a note of this place: the Hortulus Gardens in Dobrzyca, about 20 kilometers west of Koszalin. It’s a great place for those looking for relaxation in peace and greenery, but also for families with children. How is it possible that there is something for everyone out there? We invite you to read :)

We rarely, far too rarely visit Pomerania. As a rule, we do not go to the Baltic Sea from May to October, and this is when it is the most beautiful and the most happening there: events, concerts, picnics, it is blooming, green, warm. And yes, that’s when there are the most tourists too…. And that’s exactly when it’s hardest to find accommodations, so we let it go.

However, things have been different recently. We took a longer route doing a loop: Poznań-Majaland-Szczecin-Reval-Koszalin-Poznań. And it was the eponymous Hortulus Gardens that was one of several places that delighted us the most, and this despite the fact that we visited during the peak season.

In this post we will show you what you can do in two gardens (yes, there are two facilities here, with separate entrances: Hortulus Theme Gardens i Hortulus Spectabilis Gardens), whether they are suitable for children, when to come, how much it costs and where to spend the night in the area, in other words, everything you need to know to plan a good day at Hortulus Gardens. Yes! A whole day, because the facilities are so large and so interesting that 2-3 hours is definitely not enough (by the way, also according to the facility’s suggestions, you should spend 3.5 to 5 hours on both parks, and in our opinion even more ;) ).

Hortulus Gardens on film

Before we get to the description of the Hortulus Gardens, we also recommend you our 🎬 YouTube video Hortulus Gardens in Dobrzyca. We invite you to take a virtual tour of the Gardens:

Two Gardens

To begin with the most important: when we write gardens we mean two separate facilities: Hortulus Thematic Gardens and Hortulus Spectabilis Gardens. Although they are quite close to each other, if you decide to see both, the route between them is by car (mainly because the entrances are on the outer sides).

How are they different? Which to choose? We write about the differences below describing each of these gardens in detail, but we won’t tell you which one to choose. In our opinion, it’s worth entering both! These are various facilities, hiding many interesting places. We recommend looking at the Theme Gardens first, to leave more strength for Spectabilis, where there is more walking.

Hortulus Theme Gardens

For us, these gardens are a trip around the world! There are dozens (!) of smaller gardens in this section, and many of them refer to different corners of the Earth.

And not just in terms of vegetation. The different parts are interestingly arranged, there are many decorative elements like statues, benches, bridges, gazebos and ponds. We can feel like we are in Japan thanks to the intense red bridge, bells, Tori gates, Buddha statues and we can, in an instant, move to Barcelona, to Gaudi’s Garden with elements decorated with mosaics.

Visitors are delighted by the French-style garden with its Baroque fountain and sculptures, while fully following the principles of geometry that are characteristic of this type of garden. By design, French gardens had a representative function. And no wonder, one would think that all that’s missing here is a palace with a terrace or balcony from which to view the garden from on high. But this, too, has been taken care of in the Gardens. There is a hill overlooking the French garden, so you can see the symmetry and elegance of the garden.

Another impressive garden is the Rosarium – beautifully arranged with perfectly trimmed shrubs, with alleys for quiet strolling and benches to encourage people to stop for a while.

In addition to the beautifully arranged and orderly gardens, there are also parts that are more wild, I remain at odds with the arranged French gardens, but still very well cared for, namely the English gardens. Seemingly disorder, chaos, but actually a feast for the senses, because everything here is planned in every detail. Here you will find, among other things. Insect hotels, birdhouses, beautiful colorful flowers to attract insects.

There are plenty of benches in the Hortulus Thematic Gardens, both classic wooden ones and fine ones that relate to the particular theme of the garden. There are bridges, rockeries, tunnels, fountains. The individual gardens are naturally separated from each other, so everyone will find their own piece of space to rest and relax.

Hortulus Spectabilis Gardens

These gardens cover a significantly larger area, so there is more walking between the different parts and gardens. Here, too, is the most recognizable part of the two gardens: a metal spiral observation tower and a giant labyrinth.

As in the Theme Gardens, the division into smaller sections and smaller gardens is also evident here, but in addition, you will find a lot of symbols, sculptures, references to various beliefs and legends. So we will learn not only about plants, but also a lot about different cultures.

So what can we see at the Hortulus Spectabilis Gardens? There is the Four Seasons Garden – prepared on a square shape, in the center of which is the Tree of Life – a plane tree. The garden is divided into 4 sections, each with a gazebo and garden representing a different season. As you might guess, every garden is beautiful in “its” season. We were in the summer and it was the summer garden that attracted the most attention, it was full of color and life.

Another very interesting garden is the Celtic Calendar Garden – according to the Celtic druids, every person has a protector – a tree. So we can search for “our” tree, among the 22 trees planted.

It is about such curiosities and legends that we can learn while walking quietly through the garden. There are elements describing the Slavic horoscope, we will learn about Slavic holidays.

Of course, there is also no shortage of more traditional gardens: there are gardens with roses, perennials, colorful gardens, herb gardens, oriental gardens…. In addition to plants, we are surrounded by elements of garden architecture: gazebos, fountains, pergolas and sculptures.

However, the most recognizable object in this section is the observation tower, with a total height of 19 meters (the observation deck is one meter lower). The inspiration for the tower’s shape came from a double strand of DNA – there are double staircases: one is used to ascend the tower and the other to descend it. It overlooks a perfect hornbeam maze located around the tower, as well as a mini maze for children (there is a bell in the center – the purpose of going through the maze).

Gardens for families with children

We agree that gardens are a great place for toddlers – both strollers and older ones.

But before we expand on the thought, an important note: you cannot enter the Thematic Gardens and the labyrinth in the Hortulus Spectabilis Gardens with a stroller! This is quite an important detail, because such places ask to be visited in combination with a walk ;) So, if your little one is not yet walking then be sure to bring a sling or a carrier.

So let’s go back to the beginning of this chapter: yes, gardens are a very cool idea if you are looking for ideas for family attractions in Pomerania. And although the infrastructure (paths, toilets) may not be the best developed, the arrangement of the gardens, the nooks and crannies to discover will certainly make up for it.

And we have to admit that we ourselves initially approached entering here with children with some reserve. We were afraid that it would be boring for children or everything fenced off so that something would accidentally fall into little hands.

Nothing could be further from the truth! Walking among flowers, running through a maze, climbing an observation tower, walking on bridges, looking for birds and various characters proved to be a great adventure. We ourselves were surprised at how enthusiastically our children went through both facilities.

Practical information about Hortulus Gardens

Catering

Both gardens have cafes that also serve hot food. So you can both enjoy a cup of coffee or tea as well as a meal before or after visiting the gardens.

Prices: how much does a ticket to the Hortulus Gardens cost?

Below are prices for entry to individual gardens and prices for a combined ticket.

Hortulus Theme Gardens:

• Normal ticket – 32 zloty
• Concessionary ticket (3 to 15 years) – 23 zloty

Hortulus Spectabilis Gardens

• Normal ticket – 43 zloty
• Discounted ticket (from 3 to 15 years) – 31 zloty

Combination ticket for two parts:

• Normal ticket – 59 PLN
• Discounted ticket (from 3 to 15 years) – 39 zloty

Directions and parking to Hortulus Gardens

The gardens are located about 20-25 kilometers west of Koszalin. Take the S6 road as far as the exit for Milogoszcz, Dobrzyca and head south. The parking lot and entrance to the Hortulus Thematic Gardens is from the main road in Dobrzyca, and to the Hortulus Spectabilis Gardens you have to drive south about 2 kilometers.

On site, there are free parking lots at both gardens.

Accommodation in the vicinity of Hortulus Gardens

There is a shortage of accommodation in Dobrzyca itself, but the drive to the Gardens is quite short, both from Koszalin and from seaside towns (Ustronie Morskie, Sarbinowo, Mielno), so you can easily find a guesthouse, cottages or hotel within a 30-minute drive.

Here are some examples of accommodations with at least very good reviews:

• Dali Aparthotel
  Address: ul. Wyspiańskiego 8, 75-632 Koszalin
  Prices: from 230 PLN for a double room
  Link:
  http://r4b.link/dali-aparthotel
  
• Willa Zlota Roza
  Address: ul. Wczasowa 12, 76-034 Sarbinowo
  Prices: from 205 PLN for a double room
  Link:
  http://r4b.link/zlota-roza
  
• Ranch at Stefan’s
  Address: Grąbnica 2, 78-111 Ustronie Morskie
  Prices: from 214 PLN for a double room
  Link:
  http://r4b.link/ranczo-u-stefana
  
• Villa Dune
  Address: Nadmorska 120, 76-034 Sarbinowo
  Prices: from 404 PLN for a double room
  Link:
  http://r4b.link/villa-dune
  
• Cuma Camp
  Address: ul. Polna 7, 76-034 Sarbinowo
  Prices: from 743 PLN for a Dutch cottage for 4 people
  Link:
  http://r4b.link/cuma-camp
  

Our opinion about Hortulus Gardens

We remember our stay at the gardens in Dobrzyca exceptionally pleasantly. Despite the fact that we were in peak season, there was no shortage of places where we could be completely alone. And this is due to the division of the area into smaller, separated gardens and the interesting arrangement of the entire facility.

It is a beautiful place, full of lush vegetation, colors, but also perfectly chosen accessories, elements of garden architecture. There is also plenty of room to explore the gardens as a family here thanks to accessible descriptions, a touch of mystery, interesting characters, mysterious transitions….

We definitely recommend Hortulus Gardens!