Næstved

Medieval in character and committed to time-honoured traditions, yet set amid truly magnificent manor houses, the town of Næstved in the southwest of the island of Zealand is dynamic, youthful and open to the world. Næstved captivates with its strategically advantageous location and is easy to reach. As a venerable trading centre, Næstved has a history stretching back to the Middle Ages. Its surroundings, its location right on the Suså River and its close proximity to the Baltic coast invite visitors to enjoy activities on and in the water.

The red brickwork reveals that Næstved flourished during the Hanseatic era. Though it was never itself a Hanseatic city, it nevertheless maintained active trade with important Baltic cities. Once a week, usually every Wednesday, the photogenically uniformed Royal Life Guards demonstrate how valuable Næstved must once have been to the royal family. Several manor houses and castles worth visiting lie nearby. Gisselfeld Castle, now a monastery, is considered one of the most beautiful in the Baltic region, with its parkland. Bregentved Castle was built to plans by the same architect as Amalienborg; Herlufsholm is now a boarding school; and Gavnø Castle houses the largest private and public art gallery in Northern Europe.

Cycling and walking tours to many other castles, manor houses and monasteries depart from Næstved several times a day. You can even take a two-day canoe trip on the Suså. On any excursion starting in Næstved, visitors quickly become aware of the beauty of the surrounding countryside and understand why the nobility chose to build their estates here. Whether these aristocrats already made use of the beach, about 10 km away, for swimming will remain a mystery; today, however, Karrebæksminde beach attracts many holidaymakers and visitors to Næstved.