Korsør

Discover Korsør's maritime history and scenic excursions along the coast of West Zealand

Pack your car and head for the west coast of Zealand to Korsør and discover the town's maritime history and environment, which has shaped the town's atmosphere for centuries. Since its construction in the 1500s, Korsør has been an important crossing point between Zealand and the rest of the country.

Today the town has about 15000 inhabitants and is built around the harbour environment, where the Storebælt ferry used to berth, and the town's historic centre with old houses, lovely shops and lovely little eateries. The city's attractions include the Lake and Shipping Museum and the old cinema, which opened in 1908, making it one of the world's oldest cinemas.

At the harbour, home to one of Denmark's two naval stations, you can see high-tech ships from the Danish Navy. Around Korsør, you'll also find destinations like Sprogø and endless sandy beaches along the coast of West Zealand, which are easily accessible by car.

A journey back in time will reveal a port city with busy merchants and members of the Danish court travelling between Funen and Zealand. A journey you can take yourself by visiting the City and Shipping Museum. Its strategic position has also made the city a battleground for bloody battles throughout history, both on land and at sea.

During the Dano Swedish War in the 1600s, the Swedish army captured the town and its old castle, and the Swedish King himself, from the castle's high towers, saw the Swedish army lose the Battle of Nyborg. Traces of the old fortifications and tombs can still be seen around the town. Also preserved is the old rococo house, Kongegården, where the king stayed when waiting for the ferry. Today the building is an artists' house with exhibitions and free residences for performing artists.

During industrialisation, the town grew to close to its present size, with a burgeoning industry in shipbuilding, printing and agricultural bars, as well as a range of luxury goods such as tobacco and alcohol. A number of the rustic warehouses still exist today, along with the old, breathtaking station building, which was also built during industrialisation.

Today, the city is best known for the Storebælt Bridge, whose engineering and 250-metre pylons can be seen from across the city. On special occasions, a half-marathon is also held on the bridge, with thousands of runners from all over Europe.

After 10 km, the Storebælt bridge passes the island of Sprogø, which is possible to visit. The southern part of the island is full of protected nature, which is particularly favoured by the Storebælt climate's many hours of sunshine and low rainfall. It is also interesting to see the old women's institution, which existed on the island until 1961.

Korsør is surrounded by recreational forest and beach meadows. For example, you can relax in the dunes at Halsskov Odde, where you can enjoy the view of the Storebælt Bridge and the many ships that pass the belt. Further inland in Korsør Nor you can see the beautiful Taarnborg Church, surrounded by beautiful beach meadows, and in Korsør Lystskov children can play on the forest playgrounds.

Inside the city, Restaurant Madam Bagger serves wonderful, traditional Danish food, while at Sirup you can eat trendy café food and at YYsushi you can enjoy fresh Asian specialities. You'll also find a number of small craft shops in the town's old buildings, such as Groenlund and Guldberg & Gaul, where you can buy unique gifts and souvenirs from your visit.

Pack your bags and head for the fresh coast of West Zealand and enjoy the city's exciting maritime history in its museums and harbour, and spice up your driving holiday with an exciting excursion to Sprogø.