Køge Municipality: Viking Age, Church Art and Nature

The Viking Age, church art and distinctive waterscapes give Køge Municipality many different facets. Between Borgring, historic churches and trails along the river and coast, cultural and nature experiences can be enjoyed in different ways, depending on your interests.

The Viking Age and the history of the trading town

Køge Museum presents the history of the town, from the Stone Age and Viking Age to the bustling life of the trading town. It is housed in a merchant’s courtyard dating from 1619. Borgring offers another way to explore the Viking Age: the ring fortress was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023. On the Kongestien trail, visitors can discover Harald Bluetooth’s visions, the realities of the Viking Age and the extensive work involved in building the fortress. Borgring also offers views of flat meadows, winding waterways and the ring fortress.

A market has been held at Køge Torv for 700 years. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., vendors sell fruit and vegetables, cheese, fish, sausages, olives and honey, among other things. Check the market days and offerings before your visit.

Church art and craftsmanship

Admission to Køge Kirke, also known as Sct. Nicolai, is free. In summer, you can climb the church tower only when accompanied by a member of staff; check the access arrangements before your visit. Several features in Kimmerslev Kirke tell stories of different periods: the altarpiece dates from the late Middle Ages, and underneath its current paintwork is an earlier painting of the family of Saint Anne. The church also has one of Denmark’s oldest chasubles, dating from 1637.

Kjøge Mini-By features a historically accurate 1:10-scale model of the town of Kjøge as it was in 1865. Visitors can follow the work in the workshops and talk to the craftspeople. Køge Maritime Modelbyggerlaug offers a different scale: on display are model ships from the naval battles in Køge Bugt, alongside a working model-making workshop. MAPS, meanwhile, explores, presents and discusses art in public spaces. Its offerings include changing exhibitions across three floors, children’s activities and guided tours; programmes are subject to change.

Trails, gardens and birdlife

For those wishing to explore the landscape over a longer distance, Køge Å-stien, Route 90, is an approximately 22 km cycling and walking trail. It follows the Køge Å river and the Å valley from Køge via Humleore to Borup station. The Bronzestien is a much shorter route, measuring 3.25 km, with five burial mounds along the way.

Kimmerslev Sø covers 35 hectares and is known for its rich birdlife. During migration and in winter, it serves as a resting place for waterbirds, among other species; it is also a swimming spot, where seasonal bathing conditions may vary. At Slusevej, there is a small dinghy harbour with a slipway and a pier where up to ten small sailing dinghies can be stored. Local operating arrangements may change; check them before use. A different plant life can be found at Rhododendronpark Gammelkjøgegaard, home to one of Denmark’s largest rhododendron collections.

Swimming and birdwatching are possible at Ølsemagle Revle. The wide beach and shallow water make the area particularly family-friendly. The shallow lagoon is home to numerous plant and animal species adapted to salt and fresh water. The harbour bath Den Grønne Lagune is open year-round; winter swimmers can use a sauna and changing rooms. Check seasonal access and admission arrangements before your visit. Køge Svømmeland combines a swimming pool, fitness centre and café for play, relaxation and exercise; these facilities may also change.

Getting oriented before your stay

Køge Nord station connects the S-train network with the long-distance rail network. A 225 m pedestrian bridge crosses the Køge Bugt Motorvej; the station’s design has received national and international recognition. Vallø Slotspark offers a different perspective on architecture and landscape: it 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. As access arrangements may change, check the visiting conditions in advance.

Discover more destinations: Køge, Borup, Lille Skensved, Stubberup, Ejby, Næstved Municipality, Greve Municipality, Roskilde Municipality.

For the main travel overview: Zealand.