Køge, Denmark: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2025
Visiting Køge offers a charming experience in the heart of the Zealand region, where a mix of historic architecture and modern amenities creates a welcoming atmosphere. The town's compact center is perfect for strolling, with colorful buildings, cobbled streets, and a lively harbor area that invites visitors to relax by the water. Køge's cozy cafés, restaurants, and boutiques provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy local Danish culture and cuisine.
The town is known for its vibrant market scene and cultural events throughout the year, adding energy and community spirit to Køge's streets. Visitors can explore art galleries, seasonal festivals, and live music performances that showcase the creativity of the area. Køge also has a growing food scene, with many places emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients, making it a great spot for food lovers.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Køge's surroundings offer scenic beaches, parks, and trails that are ideal for walking, cycling, or simply unwinding in nature. The nearby coast provides beautiful views and opportunities for water-based activities during warmer months. Køge's convenient location within Zealand makes it an excellent base for exploring both the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region.
Table of Contents
- History of Køge
- Køge in the Medieval Period
- Køge in the Renaissance Era
- Køge in the 18th and 19th Centuries
- Køge in the 20th Century to Present
- Best things to do and See in Køge
- Køge Town Square
- Køge Museum
- Køge Marina and Harbor
- Karlslunde Forest
- Bjæverskov Church
- Vallø Castle and Park
- Herfølge Lake
- Køge Art Museum
- Lellinge Forest
- Køge Beach
- 10 Best Day Trips from Køge
- Where to Stay in Køge
- Best Time to Visit Køge
- How to get to Køge
History of Køge
Køge in the Medieval Period
Køge began to develop as a market town during the medieval period, gaining importance due to its strategic location and access to trade routes. The town’s early growth was driven by commerce, especially the trading of goods like grain, fish, and timber. During this time, Køge established itself as a bustling port and local center for merchants and artisans.
Køge in the Renaissance Era
In the Renaissance, Køge experienced further expansion and architectural development. Many of the town’s iconic half-timbered houses date from this period, reflecting its prosperity. Køge’s harbor was modernized to accommodate increasing maritime trade, and the town became known for its lively marketplaces and festivals that attracted visitors from across the region.
Køge in the 18th and 19th Centuries
The 18th and 19th centuries saw Køge adapt to the changes brought by industrialization and improved transportation. The arrival of the railway in the 19th century connected Køge more closely with larger cities, boosting commerce and population growth. The town also developed cultural institutions, schools, and public buildings, laying the groundwork for its modern civic life.
Køge in the 20th Century to Present
Throughout the 20th century, Køge transformed from a small market town into a thriving urban center. Post-war development included new residential areas, commercial zones, and improved infrastructure. Today, Køge blends its rich historical heritage with modern growth, offering a vibrant community with cultural events, educational opportunities, and expanding business sectors.
Visiting Køge for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Køge on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!
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Best things to do and See in Køge
1. Køge Town Square (Køge Torv)
Køge Town Square is the lively heart of the town, surrounded by charming historic buildings with colorful facades and half-timbered houses. This bustling square hosts a variety of events, markets, and festivals throughout the year, making it a perfect spot to soak up local culture. On market days, you’ll find stalls selling fresh produce, crafts, and local delicacies, creating a vibrant atmosphere that draws both locals and visitors.
The square is lined with cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy Danish pastries or a leisurely meal while watching the world go by. It’s an ideal place to begin exploring Køge’s compact old town, with many shops and galleries nearby. The area is open year-round, and events are often seasonal.
2. Køge Museum
Køge Museum offers a fascinating insight into the town’s history and cultural heritage. Exhibits cover Køge’s development from a medieval market town to the present day, showcasing artifacts, artworks, and archaeological finds. The museum also highlights local crafts and traditions, providing context for the town’s unique identity.
Entry is usually free or very affordable, and the museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM. It’s a great stop for those interested in learning about Køge’s past in a relaxed and accessible setting.
3. Køge Marina and Harbor
The marina and harbor area is a scenic spot popular for walks, dining, and watching boats come and go. It offers a peaceful contrast to the town center and is especially lively in summer when restaurants open their terraces by the water. The harbor is also a hub for sailing and boating activities, with rental options available nearby.
The area is accessible year-round, with many cafés and eateries open mostly from spring through autumn. It’s perfect for a relaxing afternoon or evening by the sea.
4. Karlslunde Forest
Located just a few kilometers outside Køge, Karlslunde Forest is a beautiful natural area ideal for hiking, cycling, and picnics. The forest features well-marked trails that wind through mixed woodland and open spaces, offering a peaceful escape into nature. Birdwatchers and nature lovers appreciate the diverse flora and fauna found here.
The forest is open all year, free of charge, and offers an excellent outdoor option close to town for fresh air and exercise.
5. Bjæverskov Church
Bjæverskov Church, situated near Køge, is a fine example of Danish medieval church architecture. It features well-preserved frescoes and a serene atmosphere perfect for those interested in history and religious art. The church also hosts occasional concerts and community events, adding to its cultural significance.
The church is typically open during daylight hours with free entry, but opening times may vary depending on services or events.
6. Vallø Castle and Park
Vallø Castle is a stunning historic estate just outside Køge, surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and parkland. The castle is home to a community of noblewomen and occasionally opens its doors for guided tours and cultural events. The park offers scenic walking paths, perfect for a leisurely day outdoors.
While the castle itself is not always open to the public, the surrounding park is freely accessible year-round. Special tours and events may require a ticket.
7. Herfølge Lake
Herfølge Lake is a peaceful spot near Køge, popular for walking, birdwatching, and fishing. The lake is surrounded by green spaces and trails, making it a favorite local retreat for nature lovers. Benches and picnic areas provide places to relax and enjoy the tranquil environment.
The area is open all year, with free access, making it a pleasant option for a quiet escape close to town.
8. Køge Art Museum
Køge Art Museum features a varied collection of Danish and international modern art, housed in a contemporary building. Exhibitions rotate regularly and include paintings, sculptures, and graphic art. The museum also offers workshops and cultural programs throughout the year.
Entry typically costs around 50-80 DKK, with discounts for students and seniors. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM, providing an enriching cultural experience.
9. Lellinge Forest
Lellinge Forest is another lovely natural area near Køge, offering trails through dense woodland and open glades. It’s ideal for walking, jogging, and mountain biking. The forest is well-maintained and provides a refreshing natural setting for outdoor activities.
Open year-round and free to enter, Lellinge Forest is a popular destination for locals seeking exercise and relaxation.
10. Køge Beach (Borup Strand)
Borup Strand, near Køge, is a sandy beach on the coast of Zealand. It’s a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and family outings during the summer months. The beach has facilities like parking, toilets, and picnic areas, making it convenient for visitors.
The beach is open and free to access year-round, but swimming and sunbathing are best enjoyed in the warmer months, typically from late May through August.
