Beneath the current paintwork on the altarpiece of Kimmerslev Church lies an earlier painting of the family of Saint Anne. Such layers of time shape the discoveries in Køge Municipality: they range from church art and Viking heritage to a town recreated at a scale of 1:10.

Viking Heritage and Church Art

Køge Museum tells the story of Køge from the Stone Age through the Viking Age to the bustling life of the trading town. It is housed in a merchant’s courtyard dating from 1619. In this early modern building, visitors can encounter much older chapters of the town’s history.

The Viking fortress of Borgring was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023. Along Kongestien, visitors can experience Harald Bluetooth’s visions, the realities of the Viking Age and the extensive work involved in building Borgring. At the fortress, views open out over flat meadows, winding waterways and the ring fortress itself.

Kimmerslev Church also preserves remarkable historical details: the altarpiece dates from the late Middle Ages, and beneath it is an earlier painting of the family of Saint Anne. The furnishings also include one of Denmark’s oldest chasubles, dating from 1637. Admission to Køge Church, also known as Sct. Nicolai, is free. In summer, the church tower can only be climbed when accompanied by a staff member. Check this access rule before your visit.

Town History in Miniature and Everyday Life

Kjøge Mini-By features a historically accurate scale model of the town of Kjøge as it was in 1865, at a scale of 1:10. The visit is about more than the model: you can watch the workshops at work and talk with the craftspeople. For a different perspective on art, MAPS is dedicated to researching, presenting and discussing public art. Changing exhibitions are spread across three floors; there are also children’s activities and guided tours. As programmes may change, check the current offerings before your visit.

Køge Torv reflects a long market tradition: a market has been held there for 700 years. Market hours are 8 am to 3 pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with produce including fruit and vegetables, cheese, fish, sausages, olives and honey. You can check market days and offerings in advance.

Routes, Water and Landscape

Two clearly measured routes offer options for different distances. Bronzestien is 3.25 km long and passes five burial mounds. Køge Å-stien, Route 90, is a cycling and walking path approximately 22 km long. It follows the Køge Å river and the Å valley from Køge through Humleore to Borup Station. Comparing the distances can help you choose a route, but does not indicate a walking time or difficulty level.

At Kimmerslev Lake, nature watching and a range of recreational activities come together. The 35-hectare lake is home to a diverse bird population and serves, among other things, as a stopover for waterfowl during migration and in winter. It is also a bathing spot; bathing conditions may vary seasonally. At Slusevej, there is also a small dinghy harbour with a slipway and a bridge for storing up to ten small sailing dinghies. Check the relevant conditions on site.

Ølsemagle Revle also combines swimming and nature experiences, with opportunities for bathing and birdwatching. The wide beach and shallow water make the area particularly child-friendly. The shallow lagoon is home to numerous plant and animal species associated with marine and freshwater habitats. Gammelkjøgegaard Rhododendron Park adds a different landscape feature, with one of Denmark’s largest rhododendron collections.

Practical Information for Your Visit

Vallø Castle Park is open to the public from 8 am until sunset. The castle itself is not open to visitors; the castle courtyard can be viewed from 10 am to 6 pm. Check the access rules before your visit. For travel, Køge Nord Station connects the S-train network with the long-distance rail network. A 225-metre-long footbridge crosses the Køge Bugt Motorway; the station’s design has received national and international recognition.

Another option for play, relaxation and exercise, Køge Svømmeland combines a swimming pool, a fitness centre and a café. Check the current facilities when planning your visit.

More Places and Destinations

Discover more places in Køge Municipality: Køge, Borup, Lille Skensved, Stubberup, Ejby.

Discover more destinations: Solrød, Odsherred, Sorø Municipality.

Back to the main travel overview: Zealand.