Discover Køge: Market, half-timbered houses and city history

Køge can be explored through two distinct aspects: historic sites in the urban setting and a longer cycling and hiking route through the countryside. When planning your stay, it is helpful to first consider whether you are more interested in city history, the market and architecture, or in forests, marshland and village landscapes. The following topics offer specific points of interest; when planning around guided tours and the market, be sure to take the time and seasonal details into account.

The Køge Å-sti through varied landscapes

The Køge Å-sti is 22 kilometres long and designated as a cycling and hiking trail. It runs from Køge via Dyndet in Borup to Borup Station. Along the way, the route passes through forests, alongside marshes and through villages; it also offers views of the open countryside. This makes the trail a destination in its own right for a stay in which you want to experience the landscape beyond individual stops. Its total length gives you a clear measure for planning your trip. Check local trail conditions before setting out, as they can change.

Market, museum and historic buildings

Køge Torv was laid out in the 13th century. A market has been held there for 700 years, offering items including meat, fish and vegetables. Market days are Wednesday and Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. If the market is a highlight of your visit, check the opening times in advance.

Køge Museum is centrally located in Køge and presents the city’s history in a merchant’s courtyard dating from 1619. The courtyard provides a tangible architectural reference point for the city’s history.

Det Gamle Hus is one of Denmark’s oldest dated half-timbered houses. Half-timbering is a building method in which the supporting timber frame is a defining feature; this classification also makes the house interesting to visitors who want to see historic architectural styles. It is possible to visit the interior of Det Gamle Hus at Køge Library; check access arrangements locally.

Køge Rådhus is Denmark’s oldest town hall building still in use. The merchant’s courtyard, half-timbered house and town hall offer different ways to explore Køge’s history.

City history on a guided tour

Guided city tours are offered seasonally and start at Køge Torv. They cover Køge’s history, including the city’s role as a trading town and the witch trials held there; topics may vary depending on the programme. If you are interested in a tour, pay attention both to finding a suitable date and to the specific programme.

Keep dates and tour length in mind

For planning your day, the activities differ mainly in their timing: the market takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; guided tours are seasonal and depend on the programme, while the Køge Å-sti’s total length of 22 kilometres provides a clear measure for planning. So decide whether a specific market day, a guided tour or the countryside route should be the focus of your stay.

Discover more destinations: Borup, Stubberup, Lille Skensved, Ejby

Go to the overview of destinations: Køge Municipality.