By Lake Gyrstinge (Gyrstinge Sø) north of Ringsted lies Alpacapark, a small alpaca farm surrounded by woods, fields and quiet. It is home to a herd of alpacas, each with its own name and personality. Some come curiously up to the fence, while others hang back and watch the new guests until curiosity wins. Alpacapark is a place of calm and presence, where you come to experience the animals on their own terms.

On the alpacas’ terms

Respect for the animals shapes everything at Alpacapark. Alpacas are curious and communicative, but they are also sensitive herd animals that value calm – and they do not like being petted or hugged. A visit is therefore about being with the animals, watching them and learning to read their signals. The pace is slow, and the number of guests is limited out of consideration for the herd. All participants must be able to behave calmly and quietly.

A walk with your own alpaca

One of the most popular experiences is the alpaca walk. After an introduction to the herd, where the guide tells you about the personalities of the individual animals, you set off with your alpaca into the park’s small wood. The walk lasts about an hour and a half, and there is something almost meditative about walking side by side with an animal that is neither in a hurry nor bored. The walk is for adults and older children: you must be at least 9 years old to take part and 12 to lead your own alpaca.

Alpaca hygge in the paddock

If you prefer to stay in the park, you can book Alpaca-hygge: two hours in the company of the alpacas and the beautiful countryside around the farm, a chance to recharge and enjoy the calm. You are welcome to bring a picnic basket. If you want to stay longer, you can spend the night at the farm in Alpacacamp or in the AlpacaHome cabin.

Café and farm shop

In the farm shop and café overlooking the paddock and Lake Gyrstinge you can buy yarn spun from the farm’s own alpacas – the band on each skein carries the name of the animal the wool came from – as well as blankets, scarves and other alpaca products.

Good to know

All visits must be booked in advance, and the exact address is given when you book. The experiences are not aimed at small children, and dogs are not welcome, as they stress the alpacas. Wear sturdy shoes and clothes for the weather, as the walks take place in almost all weather.

A visit to Alpacapark is easy to combine with other experiences in Mid- and West Zealand, from forest walks and lakes to beaches and historic sights. Find more inspiration at destinationsjaelland.dk.