Køge is a charming coastal town just south of Copenhagen, where medieval timber houses, a lively market square and a modern waterfront sit side by side. With one of Denmark’s best-preserved old towns, sandy beaches close by and a relaxed, village-like atmosphere, it blends history and seaside living effortlessly. Whether you’re exploring colourful streets, visiting museums, or cycling along the bay, Køge offers an inviting mix of heritage, culture and everyday Danish hygge.
Latitude: 55.27 degrees north
Population: 38,506
Køge Municipality
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Køge
One of Denmark’s largest medieval market squares, surrounded by colourful timber buildings, cafés and shops. Market days (Wednesday & Saturday) bring local produce, flowers and crafts.
Engaging exhibitions on local history, Viking discoveries and life in Køge through the centuries. The museum is home to Denmark’s biggest coin hoard: a 32kg pile of 17th century silver unearthed in a courtyard at Brogade 17 by two electricians in 1967. On the top floor is an exhibition about the witch hunts that happened in the early 17th century.
The ancient Viking Castle ring fortress, now one of five UNESCO-listed such fortresses, was discovered in 2014 and ten excavations confirmed that it was a lost fortress. Carbon dating placed it in the late 900s – the era of King Harald Bluetooth, and of a similar age to the fortresses at Treileborg, Pyrkat, Nonnebakken, and Aggersborg.
Denmark’s national museum dedicated to public art, with creative exhibitions and architectural models. The space displays the drafts, sketches, and scribbles of completed public art projects instead of the finished artworks themselves.
Next door, Det Gamle Hus is Denmark’s oldest dated half-timbered house, from 1527.
A lively modern waterfront with walking paths, restaurants, beaches and a relaxed maritime vibe.
Beautifully preserved half-timbered houses, cosy lanes and historic churches.
A striking brick church with a tall tower offering impressive views. The church is named after the patron saint of sailors, and has a 43 metre tower that you can climb in the summer.
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are my recommendations!
Long stretches of sandy beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, picnics and seaside walks.
A scenic walking and cycling route following the river through forests and meadows.
Denmark’s oldest inhabited medieval castle with a charming courtyard and nature reserve nearby.
UNESCO World Heritage–listed chalk cliffs with dramatic ocean views and great walking paths. It presents some of the best geological evidence for the asteroid-strike dinosaur extinction theory. The best way to see this rare stretification is to climb down the 110 steps; you’ll be able to see a thin layer of ‘fish clay’ that marks the asteroid strike thought to take out the dinosaurs.
Follow my road-trip guides for scenic trips around Køge
No self-guided walks are currently available for Køge
Watch my YouTube videos featuring Køge
Køge was founded in the late 1200s as a trading and market town thanks to its strategic position on the Bay of Køge. Its medieval centre grew around a thriving harbour and Denmark’s largest marketplace, attracting merchants from across the Baltic region. Over the centuries, Køge became known for shipbuilding, trade, and later as a key industrial town. The old town remains one of the best-preserved medieval centres on Zealand, filled with colourful timber houses and historic churches.
Modern Køge blends history with contemporary waterfront living. With around 40,000 residents, it’s a vibrant regional hub offering shopping, culture and easy access to beaches and nature. The town has recently expanded with new harbour districts, a modern train station and lively cafés, while still retaining its charming medieval heart. Its location—just 30 minutes from Copenhagen—makes it a popular place to live and a perfect day-trip destination.
Fly: The closest airport is at Copenhagen.
Drive: Around 30–40 minutes from Copenhagen via the E20 motorway.
Train: Frequent trains from Copenhagen (approx. 30 minutes). Direct regional trains also link with Næstved and other Zealand towns.
Ferry: No ferry access.
On foot – the old town and waterfront are very walkable.
Bike – perfect for exploring beaches, forests and the coastline.
Local buses – cover suburban areas and nearby attractions.
Car – useful for visiting Stevns Klint, castles and rural sights.
Cafes & Bakeries
Café Vivaldi – spacious, cosy café with great coffee and cakes overlooking the square.
Casual Eateries
Frokost MALT – Nordic-style comfort food in a relaxed setting.
High End & Unique Eats
All my hotel recommendations are based on research and experience. I don’t recommend somewhere unless I think it is wonderful! The Hidden North focuses on accommodation that provides good quality for price or offer local or unique experiences.
Camping
Køge & Vallø Camping – peaceful site with cabin rentals, tent areas and great cycling paths nearby.
Cabins & B&Bs
Piccobello Bed & Breakfast – friendly, central and comfortable.
Chains & Mid-Range
Hotel Niels Juel – welcoming harbourside hotel with modern rooms.
Comwell Køge Strand – beachfront property with Scandinavian interiors, sauna and great breakfast.
High End & Unique Properties