Discover Køge Municipality: History, Nature and Coast

History and Culture

The Køge Museum presents the history of Køge from the Stone Age through the Viking Age to the bustling life of the market town. It is housed in a merchant’s courtyard dating from 1619. Another prominent link to the Viking Age is the Viking fortress of Borgring, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023. Along the Kongestien, visitors can experience Harald Bluetooth’s visions, the reality of the Viking Age and the extensive work involved in constructing Borgring.

The churches also preserve remarkable historical evidence. Admission to Køge Church, also known as Sct. Nicolai, is free; in summer, the climb to the church tower is only possible when accompanied by a member of staff. The altarpiece in Kimmerslev Church dates from the late Middle Ages. Beneath its current paint is an earlier painting of the family of Saint Anne. The church also has one of Denmark’s oldest chasubles; it dates from 1637.

Kjøge Mini-By is a historically accurate scale model of the town of Kjøge as it appeared in 1865, built at a scale of 1:10. Visitors can observe the work taking place in the workshops and talk to the craftspeople. The Køge Maritime Model Builders’ Guild displays model ships from the naval battles in Køge Bay and operates a working model-building workshop. MAPS is dedicated to researching, communicating and discussing public art, presents changing exhibitions across three floors, and offers children’s activities and guided tours.

Trails and Landscapes

Køge Å-stien, Route 90, is an approximately 22 km-long cycle and walking path. It follows the Køge Å River and the Å Valley from Køge via Humleore to Borup Station. The Bronzestien is shorter: along its 3.25 km route, five burial mounds can be seen. At Borgring, views open up across flat meadows, winding waterways and the ring fortress.

Gammelkjøgegaard Rhododendron Park is home to one of Denmark’s largest rhododendron collections. Alongside historic grounds, this means that distinctive gardens and landscape areas also form part of the character of Køge Municipality.

Lakes, Coast and Wildlife

Kimmerslev Lake covers 35 hectares and has a diverse bird population. During migration and in winter, it serves, among other things, as a resting place for waterfowl. The lake is also a bathing spot. At Slusevej, there is also a small dinghy harbour with a slipway and a bridge for storing up to ten small sailing dinghies.

At Ølsemagle Revle, visitors can swim and observe birds. The area has a wide beach and shallow water, making it particularly child-friendly. The shallow lagoon of Ølsemagle Revle is a habitat for many plant and animal species that depend on marine and freshwater environments.

Water, Activities and Market Life

The Den Grønne Lagune harbour bath is open year-round and offers a sauna and changing rooms for winter swimming. Køge Svømmeland combines a swimming pool, fitness centre and café for play, relaxation and exercise. The municipality therefore offers a range of water- and activity-based facilities, from the bathing lake and harbour bath to the combined leisure venue.

A market with fruit and vegetables, cheese, fish, sausages, olives and honey takes place at Køge Torv on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. A market has been held at Køge Torv for 700 years.

Public Places and Getting There

Vallø Castle Park is open to the public from 8 a.m. until sunset. The castle itself is not open to visitors, but the castle courtyard can be viewed from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For travel connections, Køge Nord Station links the S-train network with the long-distance rail network; a 225 m-long pedestrian bridge crosses the Køge Bay Motorway. The station has received national and international recognition for its design.

Places in Køge Municipality

The places belonging to Køge Municipality include Køge, Borup, Lille Skensved, Stubberup and Ejby.

Further destinations: Stevns Municipality, Roskilde Municipality, Faxe Municipality

To the main travel overview: Zealand.