At Holbæk Fælled, open grassland lies alongside scattered woodland and ponds. The public nature area covers around 150 hectares and provides a habitat for diverse flora and fauna. From a large grassy mound, you can look out over the town of Holbæk and the surrounding landscape. You can also cycle or play disc golf on the Fælled—here, nature and exercise come together in the same spacious area.

Paths by the fjord and Ice Age landscapes

Two sections of the Fjordstien start in Holbæk: Dragerup–Mårsø and Dragerup–Ågerup. The section to Mårsø passes through the town, along the waterfront promenade and past the old harbour. The Fjordstien continues from Holbæk Municipality into the municipalities of Lejre and Roskilde. It is marked with blue cycle-route signs as Route 40. In some places, the walking and cycling routes run separately; the walking routes are signposted separately there. As the route markings may change, it is worth checking the local signs before setting off.

You can also explore the area around Kirke Eskilstrup on marked trails: the walking routes cover 36.7 kilometres and are marked with posts and signs. The four-kilometre circular route “Byen rundt” passes, among other places, the old church. Its oldest walls date from the 12th century. If you plan to use paths that cross private land, check the conditions locally.

Around the Brorfelde Observatory, the landscape is shaped by the Ice Age; the area is designated a national geological interest area. Brorfelde Bakker has this designation from the Ministry of the Environment, which serves to protect, maintain and promote its geological values. The recreational area around the observatory is open to the public, while access to the buildings is subject to more limited opening conditions. Guided tours include the workshop, the domes and Discovery, Denmark’s largest telescope. The paths to the domes, as well as to the playground and shelters, are accessible by wheelchair and pushchair.

Town history, gardens and living heritage

In the centre of Holbæk, the Holbæk Museum, with its twelve buildings, is at the heart of the old town. Eleven of the authentic buildings still stand in their original locations; some were built as early as around 1660. The exhibitions explore the significance of the West Indies for West Zealand, the development of Holbæk and Knabstrup pottery. Here, town history, ceramics and the region’s connections to a wider history come together in one place.

Strandparken offers a different kind of historic setting: it is Holbæk Municipality’s only actual historic park. It is laid out in the romantic garden style that came to Denmark from England at the end of the 19th century. Winding walking paths, old buildings, statues and small garden rooms shape the park. The contrast between open paths and intimate garden spaces brings the historic style to life.

Just outside Holbæk, the Nyvang experience centre presents Denmark’s history from 1930 to 1959. Its facilities include, among other things, a cooperative store, a dairy, a mission church, a village school, a smallholding, workshops and shops. At Madam Blaa, you can enjoy a traditional lunch with traditional dishes, cold drinks and cake. The bakery and patisserie makes cakes using butter from its own dairy—a tangible link between the historic everyday life portrayed at Nyvang and its food offering.

Water, activity and regional culture

At Holbæk Bystrand, you can swim in Holbæk Fjord and take part in various water sports. Coastal paths invite you to walk and cycle with views of the water. The beach is easy to reach from the town centre, and there is good parking nearby. At Holbæk Harbour, KAYAKOMAT offers self-service rentals of kayaks and SUP boards for paddling on the fjord. Check the rental options and booking arrangements in advance.

The coast is also at the heart of Kystliv Holbæk: the organisation is dedicated to traditional local coastal culture and offers maritime craft activities, sailing, fishing and outdoor activities along the coast. If you are interested in another side of local life, you’ll find To Øl City in Svinninge. A visit offers insight into craftsmanship, the brewing process and the town’s industrial history. Visitors can buy drinks and food in the shop and outdoor area; monthly brewery tours and tastings are also available. Check the dates if you’re planning a tour.

Holbæk Sportsby brings together a swimming centre, various sports facilities, paths, lakes, a café and a multipurpose hall. The swimming centre has several pools, including an Olympic-size 50-metre pool, a family pool and a warm-water pool. Public activities include swimming, aqua fitness, sauna use, water play and relaxation. The municipality thus offers historic discoveries, paths by the fjord and a range of activities side by side, without any one type of excursion defining the destination.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Næsby, Tuse, Løserup, Holbæk, Avdebo, Tølløse, Bukkerup, Bognæs, Kisserup, Jyderup.

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