Næstved: History, Art and Nature

Næstved is a city for travellers who want to combine historic townscapes, art and experiences in nature in a single trip. In many places in the centre, preserved buildings, street layouts and courtyard environments date back to the Middle Ages. At the same time, the signposted Grønne Ring leads around Næstved through woodland and natural areas – a clear point of reference when choosing between a cultural programme and active days.

Urban history between Helligåndshus and medieval traces

The Næstved Museum is housed in Helligåndshuset in the centre of Næstved and presents the historical development of the medieval town from the Ice Age to the present day. The route through the town centre also leads to Stenboderne. This is an exceptional preserved example of a medieval type of dwelling that has been preserved in only a few places in Denmark. The former Helligåndshus is considered the only preserved former House of the Holy Spirit in Denmark.

Grønnegades Kaserne Kulturcenter is also part of the historic townscape: it is located in a listed former military complex in Næstved. Those interested in more recent and contemporary urban culture will find works by international graffiti artists throughout the city. Næstved Kunstby is based on the city’s more than 30-year-old graffiti tradition. STREET CUT is an annual event in Næstved.

Art, parks and special viewpoints

Rønnebæksholm is Næstved’s art gallery and hosts art exhibitions. Rønnebæksholm’s park includes Herregårdshaven and a musical nature base. Another distinctive location is Munkebakken: the park has a viewing tower there, and Munkebakken is also home to a memorial stone for Peder Bodilsen. These different locations provide several concrete points of reference for exploring Næstved’s cultural offerings.

Churches with works of art and medieval furnishings

Sct. Mortens Kirke in the centre of Næstved dates from around the beginning of the 13th century. Among the particularly notable works of art are Abel Schrøder’s altarpiece and pulpit from 1667. The church is open Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 to 16:00 and Saturday from 10:00 to 14:00; it may be closed during church services and other ecclesiastical functions.

Sct. Peders Kirke contains a lime painting depicting Valdemar Atterdag and Queen Helvig. Medieval lime paintings and church furnishings have also been preserved there, including choir stalls from Skovkloster. The church is open Tuesday to Friday; visitors may enter for quiet contemplation or to view the interior. Tours of Sct. Peders Kirke can be arranged by appointment in Danish and English.

The Grønne Ring around Næstved

The Grønne Ring is a signposted walking and cycling route of approximately 32 km through woodland and natural areas around Næstved. It passes through forests, meadows, wetlands and open landscapes. Large sections of the Grønne Ring are accessible to wheelchair users. This makes it possible to include the route as a specific nature and activity element in your plans without losing sight of the historic character of the town centre.

Further places for orientation

For further trip planning, you can also find pages about Tappernøje, Holmegaard, Fuglebjerg Municipality, Holme Olstrup, Menstrup, Gelsted, Glumsø and Karrebæksminde.

For the higher-level travel overview: Næstved Municipality.