Best Attractions in Southern Zealand, Denmark

Text Tor Kjolberg

The cliffs of Stevns Klint on the south headland of Køge Bay are impressive when the sun illuminates them in brilliant hues of white.

The first stop for modern art enthusiasts south of Copenhagen is the sleek white Arken Museet for Moderne Kunst at Ishøj, while Køge is popular for its beaches crowded with sun-loving Danes. Køge is characterized by half-timbered houses. The oldest dated 1527, stands at 20 Kirkestrædet. But these are just a few of the best attractions in Southern Zealand, Denmark.

Best Attractions in Southern Zealand, Denmark Skt Nikolai Kirke has one of Denmark’s most beautiful town church interiors. Not far from the market is Hugos Vinkælder, a historic inn serving oldfashioned draft porter.

The Køge Bay The cliffs of Stevns Klint on the south headland of Køge Bay may not be quite as dramatic as those on the island of Møn, but they are impressive when the sun illuminates them in brilliant hues of white.

Related: The Colorful Zealand in Denmark

The ancient town of Haslev Inland, 5 km (3 miles) south of the ancient town of Haslev, Hans Christian Andersen found inspiration for one of his most famous stories, The Ugly Duckling, in Gisselfeld Slot, a castle built in 1554.

Næstved 10 km (6 miles) southwest of Haslev has been an important trading town for most of its history and has an attractive city-center. About 6 km (4 miles) to the southwest is Gavnø Slot, set among magnificent gardens on a tiny island linked by road. In the 13th century it was used as a pirates’ castle; today it houses Scandinavia’s largest privately-owned picture collection.