Around 1170, Antvorskov Monastery was founded on the initiative of Valdemar the Great as the Nordic headquarters of the Order of the Knights of St John. In 1525, Denmark’s first Lutheran sermon was held there. These two dates span the period from the history of the medieval order to the Reformation. Films about the monastery are also shown at the Antvorskov monastery ruins. Visitors can therefore encounter history here from two perspectives: the development of a religious order’s headquarters and a moment in Danish church history.

Town History at the Museum

At Slagelse Museum, the focus shifts from the order to crafts and school life. The museum features a street of craftsmen from the first half of the 19th century. Visitors can also follow in the footsteps of the young H. C. Andersen and see a Latin school like the one he attended during his stay in Slagelse. These two themes offer different ways to explore past ways of life: one through a street of craftsmen, the other through the school days of a young visitor to the town.

The Skovsgaard Mill and Bakery Museum also puts the emphasis on craftsmanship. It has working workshops and offers a close-up look at baking. If you plan to visit this museum, check the current visitor arrangements in advance.

A Summer Procession in the Town Centre

The Gardehusarernes byridt is part of the Slagelse Festuge programme. During this summer procession, mounted Royal Danish Hussars from Antvorskov Barracks ride through Slagelse town centre. As individual event dates should be checked before travelling, it is worth consulting the latest festival schedule.

Trails Through the Countryside

Fodsporet follows a former railway line and forms a green corridor through the countryside in southwestern Zealand. The route connects Slagelse in the north with Næstved in the south and Skælskør in the west. Between Slagelse and Skælskør, Fodsporet is a 49-kilometre paved nature trail through the West Zealand countryside. The trail is for nature lovers, cyclists and active people of all ages. In Slagelse, Fodsporet also has a fitness trail and a nature playground.

Those who prefer a shorter distance can compare the Slagelse Clover Trails with Fodsporet. All four colour-coded walking routes start at Fisketorvet and range from 2.7 to 11.4 kilometres in length. This offers a choice between marked routes of different lengths and a longer connection between Slagelse and Skælskør. Fisketorvet is just a few minutes’ walk from Slagelse railway station and provides access to public transport. Check current services if you are planning to travel by public transport.

Beach on Musholm Bay

At Kongsmark Beach, the landscape of trails gives way to the water: the beach is on Musholm Bay, also known as the Great Belt. There is a large car park opposite the beach access. Behind the car park is a shelter with a fire pit owned by Slagelse Municipality, which can be booked through the municipality’s website.

Discover more destinations: Bisserup, Frølunde, Frølunde Fed, Kobæk Strand, Slagelse, Stillinge Strand, Venslev, Årslev, Svenstrup, Korsør, Skælskør, Rude, Boeslunde, Dalmose

For the broader travel overview: Zealand.