Nykøbing Sjælland combines clearly visible traces of the town’s history with paths through the surrounding countryside. The oldest parts of the church date back to around 1225; the 5.8-kilometre Culture Trail leads through the town, around the harbour, through the forest and along Nykøbing Fjord. This makes it easy to plan a stay combining historic sites, museums and nature.

Town history and art in public spaces

The oldest parts of Nykøbing Sjælland Church date from around 1225. The nave and chancel were built at that time using the then-new technique of fired brick construction. The churchyard offers another perspective on the town’s history: its surviving tomb monuments tell stories of the 19th century, the town’s families and professions that have all but disappeared.

Nine passageways connect Algade with the surrounding neighbourhoods. Individually designed artworks decorate these routes, making them a free art experience away from the pedestrian street. Rather than being confined to a single exhibition space, the art is part of the town itself. A theatre venue for Odsherred Theatre is also located in the centre of Nykøbing Sjælland.

Museums and architecture

The Odsherred Museum presents cultural history exhibitions covering different periods in the region, from antiquity to modern tourism. A replica of the Sun Chariot is on display at the museum in the centre of Nykøbing Sjælland. There are also summer activities for children, a museum shop and a small café.

The Hempel Glass Museum offers a different focus in its permanent exhibitions: historical glass, a modern glass collection, the Heering Glass Collection and sculptures by Viggo Jarl are on display. The subjects range from historical and modern glass collections to sculpture.

Anneberg Culture Park opens up the former psychiatric hospital in Nykøbing Sjælland through guided tours, audio walks and exhibitions. The Psychiatry Museum explores the lives of patients and their treatment from the middle of the Middle Ages to the present day. The museum also explains the conditions in which people lived and worked at the psychiatric hospital during the 20th century. Guided tours at the Psychiatry Museum must be booked in advance; check the scheduled dates.

The Psychiatry Museum site is considered an architectural treasure in the “Better Danish Building Technique” style and is now one of the largest complexes of its kind in Northern Europe. The grounds also include a hospital church and a chapel.

Trails and nature in the surrounding area

At 5.8 kilometres, the Culture Trail provides a specific route connecting the town, harbour, forest and fjord. Grønnehave Skov is also close to Nykøbing Sjælland. It has a well-developed network of trails, a Heart Trail, an off-leash dog forest, a barbecue area and several picnic tables and seating areas.

Dogs may run freely in the dog forest as long as they remain under their owners’ control. The east-facing slope in the forest was once a coastal cliff formed by the Stone Age sea. Skærby Beach is also close to Nykøbing Sjælland: its sandy shore is suitable for swimming. Alongside the cultural attractions, there are therefore a range of options for spending time outdoors.

Harbour, events and getting around

Nykøbing Sjælland Marina is located at the end of Nykøbing Bay in the Isefjord. It is sheltered and close to both the forest and the town centre. Recurring events are held at Nykøbing Sj Harbour, including the Ovnhus arts and crafts market on the fourth weekend in July and flea markets on selected Fridays in June, July and August. If you would like to plan your trip around an event, check the dates before your visit.

Nykøbing Sjælland also offers a wide range of specialist shops, supermarkets, cafés and restaurants for shopping and dining. Nykøbing Sj station is served by Lokaltog. When planning your stay, you can decide whether to focus on the town’s history and museums, nearby trails, or the harbour and its events.

Discover more destinations: Nørre Asmindrup, Nyrup, Ebbeløkke, Grevinge, Yderby, Klint, Fårevejle Kirkeby, Plejerup

For the wider travel overview: Odsherred.