Slagelse between monastic history and nature trails

A stay in Slagelse brings together several themes: monastic history, crafts, H. C. Andersen’s youth and trails through the countryside. You can focus on historical sites, plan a walk or combine the two. When choosing a hotel, it helps to first consider which of these experiences you want to shape your stay.

Antvorskov and the history of Slagelse

The history of Antvorskov dates back to around 1170. At the initiative of Valdemar the Great, the monastery was founded as the Nordic headquarters of the Order of St. John. The year 1525 marks another chapter: Denmark’s first Lutheran sermon was held at Antvorskov. Both dates give the site significance beyond a single chapter in the history of the monastery. Films about the monastery are shown at the ruins, offering an additional way to explore its history on site.

Crafts and H. C. Andersen at the museum

The Slagelse Museum offers another perspective on the past. There you can see a craftspeople’s street from the first half of the 19th century. Visitors can also follow in the footsteps of the young H. C. Andersen and see a Latin school like the one he attended during his stay in Slagelse. The street and the school highlight different aspects: one focuses on the crafts of a bygone era, the other on Andersen’s youth in the town.

The Skovsgaard Mølle- og Bagerimuseum also offers an engaging introduction to traditional crafts. Its attractions include working workshops and the chance to see baking up close. If you plan a visit, it is advisable to confirm the current visitor arrangements in advance.

Trails through the countryside and Slagelse

Fodsporet is a green corridor through the countryside in southwestern Zealand, intended for nature lovers, cyclists and people of all ages who enjoy being active. The trail follows a former railway line and connects Slagelse in the north with Næstved in the south and Skælskør in the west. The section between Slagelse and Skælskør is a 49-kilometre paved nature trail. In Slagelse, Fodsporet also includes a health trail and a nature playground. The route therefore offers both a longer connection between towns and specific places to visit in Slagelse.

If you want to compare shorter routes in Slagelse, the Kløverstierne offer four colour-coded walking trails. They all start at Fisketorvet and range from 2.7 to 11.4 kilometres in length. This lets you factor your planned distance into your day, rather than treating all the trails as equally long. Fisketorvet is a few minutes’ walk from Slagelse railway station and provides access to public transport. Check current timetables when planning your journey or onward travel.

A summer event can offer another experience in the town: during Slagelse Festuge, mounted Gardehusars from Antvorskov Barracks ride through the town centre in the Gardehusarernes byridt. The parade is a recurring summer tradition; check the dates for your travel year if you want to plan your trip around it.

Kongsmark Strand and its surroundings

Kongsmark Strand lies on Musholm Bay, on the Great Belt. There is a large car park opposite the beach access. Behind it is a shelter with a fire pit, owned by Slagelse Municipality and bookable through the municipality’s website. This gives you the option of treating a beach visit and an overnight stay in the shelter as two different ways to spend your time. If you want to use the shelter, check booking details directly with the municipality.

The options range from historical sites and museum visits to trails of varying lengths and a beach on the Great Belt. Consider which of these themes matter for your trip, and use them to guide your search for a hotel in Slagelse.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Venslev, Stillinge Strand, Slagelse, Kobæk Strand, Frølunde Fed, Frølunde, Bisserup, Årslev, Svenstrup, Korsør, Skælskør, Dalmose, Rude, Boeslunde.

For the overview of the wider area: Zealand.