Holbæk Municipality: Fjord Trails, Landscape and History

Discover Holbæk Municipality through its contrasts: open grassland, paths along the fjord and places where Danish history comes to life. When planning your days, you can choose different focuses – time outdoors, activities on the water or insights into culture and history.

Open landscapes and fjord trails

The public nature area of Holbæk Fælled covers about 150 hectares of open grassland, scattered woodland and ponds. Its diverse flora and fauna shape the landscape. At Fælled, you can cycle or play disc golf. A large, grassy hill offers views over the city of Holbæk and the surrounding landscape.

Two sections of the Fjordstien start in Holbæk: Dragerup–Mårsø and Dragerup–Ågerup. The Dragerup–Mårsø section passes through the city, along the waterfront promenade and past the old harbour. The Fjordstien is marked with blue cycling route signs as Route 40. In some places, the hiking and cycling trails run separately; the hiking routes are signposted separately. Check the signs before setting out, as local landmarks may change. From Holbæk Municipality, the Fjordstien continues into the municipalities of Lejre and Roskilde.

There are also marked trails in Kirke Eskilstrup: the 4-kilometre circular route “Byen rundt” passes, among other places, by the old church. Its oldest walls date back to the 12th century. The hiking trails of Kirke Eskilstrup include 36.7 kilometres of marked routes with posts and signs. If you plan to use these trails, check on site whether access crosses private land.

Buildings, gardens and Danish history

In the centre of Holbæk, the museum comprises twelve buildings that form the heart of the old town. Eleven of the twelve authentic buildings still stand in their original locations; some were built as early as around 1660. The exhibitions explore, among other topics, the importance of the West Indies to West Zealand, the development of Holbæk and Knabstrup ceramics. This offers a perspective ranging from individual historic buildings to the themes that have shaped the city and its surroundings.

Strandparken combines walking paths with old buildings, statues and small garden spaces. Holbæk Municipality describes it as its only true historic park. The park is designed in the Romantic garden style, which came to Denmark from England in the late 19th century. Its paths and garden spaces give this historic character a tangible form.

Just outside Holbæk, the Nyvang Experience Centre presents the history of Denmark from 1930 to 1959. The settings on display include a consumer cooperative, a dairy, a mission church, a village school, a smallholding, workshops and shops. Madam Blaa serves a traditional lunch featuring traditional dishes, cold drinks and cake. Nyvang’s bakery and confectionery bake cakes using butter from their own dairy. Check the dates and current food offerings before your visit.

Geology, visitor experiences and water

The area around the Brorfelde Observatory is a glacial landscape and has been designated a national geological area of interest. The Brorfelde Bakker hills have this designation too; their geological values are protected, maintained and interpreted for visitors. The recreational area around the observatory is open to the public, while access to the buildings is subject to more limited opening conditions. Guided tours include the workshop, the domes and Discovery, Denmark’s largest telescope. The path to the domes, as well as the paths to the playground and shelters, is accessible by wheelchair and pram. As accessibility may change depending on on-site conditions, it is advisable to check before your visit.

At Holbæk Bystrand, you can swim in Holbæk Fjord and enjoy various water sports. Coastal paths invite you to walk and cycle with views of the water. The beach is easy to reach from the city centre, and parking is available nearby. Water conditions and parking availability may change, so check the latest information when planning. Holbæk Sportsby’s swimming centre offers several pools, including an Olympic-size 50-metre pool, a family pool and a warm-water pool. Public activities include swimming, aquatraining, sauna use, water play and relaxation. Check the current schedule in advance.

Discover more destinations: Avdebo, Holbæk, Løserup, Tuse, Næsby, Tølløse, Bukkerup, Bognæs, Kisserup, Jyderup.

For the wider travel overview: Zealand.