Korsør

The origins of the town of Korsør on the Danish Baltic island of Zealand date back to the 13th century. The town’s importance has always been shaped by its exposed location on the Great Belt, the strait between the Baltic Sea and its northern part, the Kattegat. Korsør lies at the narrowest point of the Great Belt, opposite the town of Nyborg on the island of Funen. Korsør controlled not only passage through the Great Belt, but also the route connecting Zealand and Funen within Denmark. It is no coincidence that the town was well fortified; the remains of the old town fortifications can still be visited today and are a popular destination for holidaymakers and day-trippers. The other defining features are its transport facilities. The railway reached Korsør as early as 1847, and until 1998 ferries crossed the Great Belt, carrying thousands of vehicles and trains back and forth every day. The construction of the 18-kilometre bridge across the Great Belt to Nyborg on Funen ushered in a new era for the town in 1998. The large railway station, built in 1907, is therefore no longer needed today.

The Baltic coast of southwestern Zealand, north and south of Korsør, is a major holiday destination. Visitors staying in more than 4,000 holiday homes and apartments can enjoy 186 kilometres of child-friendly Baltic coastline, including many sandy beaches, as well as numerous opportunities for active family holidays. The area around Korsør offers many cultural attractions, including art galleries, arts and crafts studios, historic sights and places to visit. In Korsør itself, these include the fortifications and the royal court, which has been turned into a centre for visual arts and music. Korsør’s marina offers 450 berths along one of the most important shipping routes, including for recreational boats. Other marinas are located on the islands of Agersø and Omø, in the middle of the Great Belt south of Korsør, and in the small port town of Skælskør, on a small fjord south of Korsør. Another popular leisure attraction around Korsør is an 18-hole golf course. Accommodation options include not only holiday homes, but also hotels, campsites and a youth hostel.