Maribo: The Complete Guide
Maribo, located in the heart of Lolland, offers a wonderfully calm setting surrounded by lakes and forested landscapes. This small town has a relaxed atmosphere and is known for its picturesque streets, half-timbered houses, and welcoming cafés. Visitors can enjoy a slow-paced day strolling around the old town center, stopping by local artisan shops and enjoying a coffee with views of the lake.
The Maribo Lakes Nature Park is one of the main attractions in the area and is easily accessible from the town. The park offers peaceful trails, boat trips, and excellent birdwatching, especially around Søndersø, Denmark’s eighth-largest lake. It’s an ideal spot for families, nature lovers, or anyone looking to enjoy Denmark’s outdoors without straying far from a charming town base.
Maribo is also a cultural hub for the region, hosting events and exhibitions throughout the year. The town is home to galleries and small museums, and it’s particularly pleasant to visit during summer festivals or market days. Its central location on Lolland makes it a great starting point for exploring the island’s other towns, manors, and beaches, all within easy reach by car or train.
Table of Contents
- History of Maribo
- Maribo in the Medieval Period
- Maribo in the Renaissance and Early Modern Era
- Maribo in the 19th and 20th Centuries
- Best things to do and See in Maribo
- Maribo Cathedral
- Maribo Lakes Nature Park
- Maribo Open-Air Museum
- Maribo Art Museum
- Søndersø Lake
- Bandholm Harbor
- Rødbyhavn Beach
- Lolland Falster Zoo
- Maribo Railway Station
- Fuglsang Manor and Art Museum
- 10 Best Day Trips from Maribo
- Where to Stay in Maribo
- Best Time to Visit Maribo
- Visiting Maribo in Winter
- Visiting Maribo in Spring
- Visiting Maribo in Summer (Best)
- Visiting Maribo in Autumn
- How to get to Maribo
History of Maribo
Maribo in the Medieval Period
Maribo’s origins date back to the early 13th century when it was founded as a market town around a Bridgettine monastery established in 1416. The monastery became a major religious and cultural center, shaping the town’s development for centuries. During this period, Maribo grew as a hub for trade and spiritual life, with the monastery influencing much of the architecture and social structure.
Maribo in the Renaissance and Early Modern Era
In the 16th and 17th centuries, Maribo continued to thrive despite challenges such as the Reformation, which led to the dissolution of the monastery. The town adapted by strengthening its trade activities, focusing on agriculture and commerce. Its position as a market town helped maintain steady growth, with new buildings and civic institutions established during this time.
Maribo in the 19th and 20th Centuries
The 19th century saw Maribo modernize with the arrival of railways and improved infrastructure, boosting its connectivity and economy. Industrial developments took place alongside preservation of its historic sites. In the 20th century, Maribo expanded as a regional center for education, culture, and administration, while also becoming a popular destination for nature lovers drawn to the nearby lakes and parks.
Visiting Maribo 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 Maribo 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 Maribo
1. Maribo Cathedral
Maribo Cathedral is a striking example of Gothic architecture and a key landmark in the town. Visitors can admire its impressive brickwork, vaulted ceilings, and intricate altarpieces. The cathedral is not only a place of worship but also hosts concerts and cultural events throughout the year, enriching the local community experience.
The cathedral is open daily for visitors, generally from morning until late afternoon. Entry is free, but donations are welcome. Guided tours are sometimes available, offering deeper insight into its art and history.
2. Maribo Lakes Nature Park
Maribo Lakes Nature Park is a vast area of interconnected lakes, forests, and wetlands just outside Maribo. It is perfect for hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and boating. The park features well-marked trails of varying lengths, picnic areas, and boat rentals, making it ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Access to the park is free year-round. Visitors can rent boats at specific locations near the lakes, with prices depending on the type and duration of rental. The park is best enjoyed in spring and summer when wildlife and flowers are abundant.
3. Maribo Open-Air Museum
This museum showcases rural life in the region with historic buildings and exhibitions depicting traditional Danish farming culture. The open-air setup allows visitors to walk through farmhouses, barns, and workshops furnished with period-appropriate tools and household items.
The museum is open from May to September, Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 16:00. Admission costs around 50 DKK for adults, with discounts for children and seniors.
4. Maribo Art Museum
Located in the town center, the Maribo Art Museum hosts rotating exhibitions featuring Danish and international contemporary art. It provides a cultural space for local artists and art lovers, with workshops and events organized throughout the year.
Opening hours are usually from Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 to 16:00. Entry fees vary depending on exhibitions, typically around 40 DKK.
5. Søndersø Lake
Søndersø is the largest lake in the Maribo area and offers beautiful scenery for boating, kayaking, and fishing. Several walking and cycling paths run along the shoreline, providing peaceful spots for picnics and wildlife observation.
Access to the lake is free. Boat rentals and fishing permits are available nearby during the warmer months.
6. Bandholm Harbor
About 5 km from Maribo, Bandholm Harbor is a charming fishing port with seafood restaurants and small shops. Visitors can enjoy fresh catch specialties, take boat tours, or simply stroll along the quay watching fishing boats come and go.
The harbor is accessible year-round with free entry. Restaurants have varying hours, often open from late morning to evening.
7. Rødbyhavn Beach
Rødbyhavn Beach offers sandy shores and shallow waters, ideal for families and swimmers. The beach is well-maintained with facilities such as toilets, showers, and parking. During summer, lifeguards are on duty, enhancing safety.
The beach is open year-round, with peak season from June to August. Access and parking are free.
8. Lolland Falster Zoo
Located just a short drive from Maribo, this zoo focuses on native Scandinavian animals and domestic species. It’s a great outing for families, offering educational programs and interactive experiences with farm animals.
Opening times vary seasonally but generally are 10:00 to 17:00 during summer months. Admission costs around 70 DKK for adults and 40 DKK for children.
9. Maribo Railway Station
While functional as a transport hub, Maribo Railway Station is also known for its charming architecture and proximity to the town’s shops and cafes. It’s a good starting point for exploring Maribo by train or bike.
The station operates daily, with services connecting to larger cities in Zealand and Lolland.
10. Fuglsang Manor and Art Museum
Situated just outside Maribo, Fuglsang Manor is a historic estate surrounded by landscaped gardens. It houses an art museum with a focus on Danish Golden Age paintings and contemporary works. The manor hosts concerts and cultural events, making it a vibrant cultural destination.
The museum is open from May to September, Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 to 16:00. Admission is approximately 80 DKK for adults, with discounts available.
