Kaalund Monastery (Kaalund Kloster), Kalundborg
A warm yellow former monastery in Kalundborg’s High Town, where 13th‑century Franciscan roots meet an 18th‑century manor façade and today’s civic life.
Kaalund Monastery, or Kaalund Kloster, is a handsome yellow-and-white former Franciscan house in the medieval heart of Kalundborg’s High Town. Founded as a monastery in 1239 and rebuilt in its present form in the mid‑18th century, it now serves as a municipal office, but its calm courtyard, neat gardens and historic façades still evoke centuries of religious and civic life. It is an easy, low‑key stop while exploring the cobbled streets, Church of Our Lady and other historic buildings nearby.
A brief summary to Kaalund Monastery
- Klosterparkvej 7, Kalundborg, 4400, DK
- +4559534400
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-2 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-2 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-2 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-12 pm
Local tips
- Combine a stop at Kaalund Monastery with a circuit of Kalundborg’s High Town, including the Church of Our Lady and nearby medieval houses, to appreciate the historic ensemble.
- Plan an exterior visit outside municipal office hours if you only want photos and atmosphere; visit on a weekday morning if you hope to inquire about limited interior access.
- Bring a camera on a bright or lightly overcast day—the yellow‑and‑white façades, red roof tiles and cobbled surroundings make for clean, graphic compositions.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train and walk from Copenhagen
From Copenhagen Central Station, take a regional train to Kalundborg Station; the journey typically takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes and runs at least hourly during the day. Standard adult tickets usually cost around 120–160 DKK one way in standard class. From Kalundborg Station, allow about 15–20 minutes on foot through the town center and up to the medieval High Town, following gently rising streets that are paved but can feel steep in places for those with limited mobility.
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Regional bus within West Zealand
If you are already in the West Zealand region, use regional buses that connect nearby towns such as Holbæk or Slagelse to Kalundborg bus terminal; journeys typically take 30–60 minutes with fares in the 30–70 DKK range depending on distance. Services are less frequent in the evenings and on weekends, so check timings in advance. From the bus terminal near the railway station, expect a 15–20 minute walk on mixed cobbled and paved streets up to the High Town where Kaalund Monastery is located.
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Car from Greater Copenhagen
Driving from Greater Copenhagen to Kalundborg usually takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes via main highways across Zealand. There are no road tolls on this route, but fuel costs for the round trip commonly fall in the 150–250 DKK range depending on vehicle efficiency. Within central Kalundborg, look for public parking areas near the old town; some spaces are time-limited or paid on weekdays, and the final approach to Kaalund Monastery involves a short uphill walk along narrow streets where vehicle access can be restricted.
Kaalund Monastery location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Kaalund Monastery
From Franciscan House to Civic Landmark
Kaalund Monastery stands in Kalundborg’s historic High Town, a short stroll from the five‑towered Church of Our Lady. Founded in 1239 as a Franciscan monastery, it formed part of a dense cluster of religious institutions that shaped this medieval trading town. The monks remained here until the early 16th century, when the Reformation swept through Denmark and monastic life was dissolved. What you see today is not the original cloister, but an elegant 18th‑century estate raised over the medieval foundations. The current building dates from the 1750s and is sometimes referred to as Kalundborg Slots Ladegård, recalling its role in the wider castle estate. Its evolution from monastic house to manor‑like residence and later to public administration mirrors the broader story of Denmark’s shift from church power to royal rule and, eventually, to modern municipal government.Architecture in Yellow, White and Brick
The monastery’s architecture is modest in scale but rich in character. The long, low wings are rendered in a warm yellow, with crisp white corner details and window surrounds that catch the northern light. Tiled roofs, neat dormers and simple brickwork create a restrained, almost rural manor feel in the middle of town. A closer look reveals a carefully composed façade: evenly spaced sash windows, a central entrance with a decorative plaque above the door, and cobblestones or paving that lead your eye into the courtyard. The building frames a small green space with clipped lawns and plantings, softening the formal lines of the masonry. This combination of tidy gardens and classical proportions gives the place a composed, slightly ceremonial ambience without feeling grand or intimidating.Life Around the Old Cloister
Although it no longer houses monks, Kaalund Monastery remains very much in daily use. Today the complex accommodates municipal offices and citizen services, so you are likely to see residents coming and going on errands, bicycles parked by the walls and staff taking a break in the courtyard. Weekday opening hours reflect its role as an administrative building, and access inside can be limited, but the exterior spaces can be appreciated at any time from the surrounding streets. This pragmatic reuse is characteristic of Kalundborg’s High Town, where medieval foundations support a modern working community. The monastery forms one point in a tight cluster of heritage buildings: the Church of Our Lady with its distinctive towers, former bishop’s and minister’s houses, and old hospital structures. Together, they create a compact ensemble where centuries of ecclesiastical, political and everyday life overlap in the same few streets.A Quiet Pause on a Kalundborg Stroll
For visitors, Kaalund Monastery is less about elaborate interiors and more about mood. It is an inviting pause on a walk through the old town: a place to stand back, frame the yellow wings against the skyline and imagine the cloistered courtyards that once echoed with chanting friars. The tidy garden and small square in front offer a calm spot to sit for a moment between church visits and museum stops. Photographers are drawn to the color contrasts and clean lines, especially on bright days when the façades glow against a deep blue sky. Others simply enjoy the sense of continuity: a building that has quietly adapted to new roles over nearly eight centuries. In a town known for its five‑towered church and medieval street grid, Kaalund Monastery adds a softer, more domestic counterpoint—an understated landmark that rewards unhurried exploration.Stories Beneath the Surface
Beneath the 18th‑century plaster, the site still carries the memory of the 13th‑century Franciscan foundation. The monks who once lived here helped shape the surrounding landscape, from teaching new farming methods to caring for the sick. After they were expelled in the 1530s, the buildings were gradually repurposed, stones reused and wings rebuilt, yet the name "Kaalund Kloster" endured. Standing by the walls, it is easy to picture earlier layers of history: medieval cloisters tucked around a refectory, later noble residents overseeing estates, and today’s local officials drafting decisions that affect the wider municipality. Kaalund Monastery may no longer be a spiritual center, but it remains a quiet anchor in Kalundborg’s story, linking the town’s medieval origins with its present‑day life.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Kalundborg Slot
0.1 km
An invisible castle at the centre of Kalundborg, where streets, stories and subtle traces reveal the outline of a vanished medieval stronghold.
The eltest city hall
0.2 km
A modest medieval town hall in Kalundborg’s Højbyen, where centuries of local power, trade and everyday life still echo in cobbled streets and weathered walls.
Our Lady Church
0.3 km
A medieval masterpiece with five towers symbolizing the Heavenly Jerusalem—architecturally unique and spiritually profound.
Mindesmærke for Jørgen Manniche
0.3 km
A solemn memorial to an innocent young life lost in the final moments of WWII liberation.
Danhostel Kalundborg
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant heart of Helsingborg at Sundstorget, where culture, dining, and shopping converge in a picturesque square.
Kalundborg St.
0.5 km
Experience the heart of Helsingborg at Sundstorget, a vibrant square blending history and modernity near the Northern Harbour.
Lerchenborg Gods
3.1 km
An impeccably symmetrical Baroque–Rococo manor near Kalundborg, where preserved architecture, parkland and quiet countryside evoke centuries of Danish noble life.
Befrielsessten i Kallerup
4.9 km
A solemn Danish liberation memorial honoring the end of Nazi occupation in May 1945.
Træ-cirklerne ved Birkendegård
7.2 km
Subtle traces in the fields east of Kalundborg reveal a vast Neolithic ring monument, Denmark’s “Stonehenge”, encircling the hill of Overdrevsbakken.
Landmarket Horsedalen
8.6 km
Rare flora and exceptional light in a protected Danish valley.
Stendysse ved Blæsinge
28.7 km
A modest Neolithic stone tomb in the fields near Blæsinge, offering a quiet roadside glimpse into western Zealand’s Stone Age landscape and rituals.
Breddysse Stones
29.1 km
A modest Neolithic dolmen in the fields near Slagelse, where ancient burial stones, open skies, and quiet farmland meet in a quietly powerful landscape.
RAF Memorial Stone
29.3 km
Small rural monument, big wartime story: a quiet Danish field where seven RAF airmen are remembered with a single steadfast stone.
Ballen Strandpark - Ferielejligheder og feriehus
31.4 km
Experience coastal bliss at Ballen Strandpark on Samsø: stunning sea views, direct beach access, and charming apartments near Ballen harbor, perfect for a relaxing island getaway.
The small Summer Hotel
31.8 km
Experience authentic Danish seaside charm at The Small Summer Hotel in Ballen, Samsø, offering cozy accommodations and a perfect base for exploring the island's natural beauty and vibrant culture.
Unmissable attractions to see
Kalundborg Local Library
0.1 km
Preserve and explore Kalundborg's rich medieval heritage through centuries of local documents and historical collections.
1501 Klosterparken
0.2 km
Discover the atmospheric Røsnæs Strandpark Jættestue, a Neolithic burial chamber set in scenic coastal meadows near Kalundborg, where ancient history meets wild Nordic landscapes.
Postgaarden Kalundborg Event og Musikhus
0.2 km
Historic post house turned modern event hub, Postgaarden is Kalundborg’s go-to address for comedy, concerts and celebrations on lively Kordilgade.
The Bishop's House
0.2 km
Historic bishop’s residence turned intimate art venue, where medieval brickwork, vaulted cellars and changing exhibitions bring Kalundborg’s past into quiet focus.
Gryden
0.2 km
A small green amphitheatre tucked into Møllebakken’s slopes, where Kalundborg’s everyday park life meets open-air concerts and quiet hillside views.
Højbyen Kalundborg
0.3 km
Medieval Kalundborg on a hilltop: a lens-shaped upper town of cobbles, colorful houses and a unique five-towered church overlooking the fjord.
Solskinspladsen, Kordilgade
0.3 km
A small sunlit square on Kalundborg’s main street, Solskinspladsen swaps a vanished town house for cobbles, daylight and an easy pause between shops and hillside.
Mindesmærke for Ove Rode
0.3 km
A life‑size bronze bust of statesman Ove Rode crowns Kalundborg’s Møllebakketrappen, blending political memory, pocket‑park calm and sweeping views over town and harbour.
Befrielsessten i Kalundborg
0.3 km
Experience Denmark’s maritime heritage at Dragør Havn, where colorful historic cottages and a lively fishing harbor offer authentic coastal charm near Copenhagen.
Kalundborg Museum
0.3 km
Intimate town museum in historic Kalundborg, uncovering western Zealand’s medieval, Viking and crusader past through atmospheric rooms and focused exhibitions.
Vestborgen
0.4 km
Grassy ramparts, low stone traces and harbor views tell the quiet story of Esbern Snare’s vanished 12th‑century fortress above medieval Kalundborg.
Vandtårnet på Møllebakken
0.6 km
Historic red water tower crowning Kalundborg’s former mill hill, offering green parkland and sweeping views over the medieval town and Kalundborg Fjord.
Kalundborg Rocker
1.1 km
Open-air rock and pop festival on Kalundborg’s Gisseløre peninsula, where coastal views, radio masts and big-stage sound merge into one high-energy summer weekend.
Gisseløre gamle fyr
1.3 km
Step back in time at Dragør Havn, a charming Danish harbour boasting rich maritime heritage, picturesque streets, fresh seafood, and bustling local life.
Befrielsessten i Årby
3.9 km
Quietly honoring Danish statesman Ove Rode, this hilltop memorial offers reflective space and panoramic views in the heart of historic Kalundborg.
Essential places to dine
SKØL Brygkompagni
0.2 km
Experience Kalundborg's vibrant craft beer scene at SKØL Brygkompagni, where quality brews and community spirit converge.
Rhodos Restaurant & Pizzeria
0.2 km
Friendly neighborhood pizzeria in central Kalundborg serving crisp pizzas, hearty grill dishes and relaxed everyday meals from lunchtime through the evening.
Kalundborg Halls Restaurant
0.2 km
Casual, family-friendly dining inside Kalundborg’s sports halls, serving hearty Danish-style buffets and simple classics for teams, groups and everyday meals.
Bangkok-Thai Restaurant
0.2 km
Unfussy Thai comfort food and speedy takeaway in a cosy, central Kalundborg setting close to the harbour and historic town streets.
Byens Pizza og Grillbar
0.2 km
Casual neighborhood pizzeria serving wood-fired pizzas, kebabs, and grilled specialties with friendly service and fair prices.
Hop In Cafe
0.2 km
East-meets-West fusion cafe serving Chinese dishes and burgers in central Kalundborg
La Viva
0.3 km
Casual café-restaurant in Kalundborg serving crowd-pleasing classics, coffee and cocktails in a relaxed, modern setting from late morning through the evening.
Kebab Huset
0.3 km
Casual kebab shop serving fresh wraps and Middle Eastern fare in central Kalundborg.
Grillen I Vænget
0.3 km
Casual neighborhood grill in Kalundborg serving classic Danish barbecue favorites, ideal for a quick weekday lunch, early dinner or easy takeaway stop.
Det Mexicanske Bøfhus
0.3 km
Authentic Mexican cuisine and premium steaks crafted fresh daily in central Kalundborg.
Tony's Pizza & Grill
0.3 km
Casual pizza and grill spot serving affordable fast food with late-night hours in central Kalundborg.
Havkatten
0.4 km
Experience authentic Danish hospitality at Havkatten, Kalundborg's cozy pub offering local beers and a vibrant atmosphere.
Mysteriøs Middagsmåltid
0.4 km
Intimate harbor-side restaurant in Kalundborg serving seasonal Danish cuisine with a playful, “mysterious” set-menu twist in a cozy Nordic setting.
Napoli Pizza
0.4 km
Casual Italian pizzeria serving quality pies and Danish-inspired combinations in central Kalundborg.
HavneGrillen 4400
0.4 km
Harbourfront grillbar in Kalundborg serving classic Danish fast food, hearty portions and gluten-free options with salty sea air and working-port views.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Rønnebær
0.2 km
Artisan jewelry studio and boutique in Kalundborg's historic old town, crafting bespoke designs and Viking-inspired pieces.
Kalundborg Bogbyer
0.2 km
Denmark's newest book town—a volunteer bookshop supporting literature and local youth education.
TEKSTUR
0.2 km
A calm, curated clothing boutique on Kalundborg’s main street, blending Scandinavian simplicity, tactile fabrics and warm, personal service in an intimate setting.
Penselstrøg Krea Café
0.2 km
Paint your own ceramics and create lasting memories in Kalundborg's creative café.
Candy Shop
0.2 km
Kalundborg's beloved candy destination—where sweetness meets convenience in the heart of town.
Bog & idé
0.2 km
Local Danish book, gift and hobby store on Kalundborg’s main shopping street, mixing books, games and stationery in a cosy, family‑friendly space.
Afrodite
0.3 km
Charming independent boutique in Kalundborg's pedestrian heart, offering quality fashion and genuine hospitality.
Bahne
0.3 km
A modern Danish lifestyle store on Kalundborg’s main street, blending fashion, home design and gift ideas in a relaxed, design-conscious atmosphere.
The Middle East Market
0.3 km
A compact Kalundborg grocery packed with Middle Eastern, South Asian and international ingredients, where everyday shopping meets global flavours until late.
Anni Wear
0.4 km
Cosy women’s fashion boutique on Kalundborg’s main street, offering curated Scandinavian everyday chic, friendly service and a relaxed small-town shopping atmosphere.
Din Tøjmand Kalundborg
0.4 km
Contemporary menswear boutique on Kalundborg's main shopping street, blending quality clothing with personalized service.
H&M
0.4 km
Central Kalundborg’s go-to high-street fashion stop, offering affordable wardrobe essentials for all ages along bustling Kordilgade.
790 Hennes & Mauritz
0.4 km
A compact, no-fuss H&M on Kalundborg’s main pedestrian street, offering affordable fashion for women, men, kids and babies in the heart of this coastal town.
CHANGE Lingerie Outlet
0.4 km
A calm, central Kalundborg boutique for professional bra fittings, Scandinavian lingerie and loungewear at outlet prices on lively Kordilgade.
Tygesen Women
0.4 km
Kalundborg's premier women's fashion boutique offering curated designer collections and personalized styling.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Kalundborg Jazzclub
0.1 km
Intimate volunteer-run blues and jazz club in central Kalundborg, keeping a 1960s live music legacy alive with close-up concerts and warm community spirit.
Kontoret
0.2 km
Kalundborg's inclusive waterfront bar where locals and visitors gather for drinks, food, and genuine social connection.
King's Pub
0.3 km
Traditional small-town pub on Kalundborg’s main street, serving straightforward drinks, local character and unpretentious evening atmosphere.
Cafe Lillebælt
0.4 km
Cozy Kalundborg café-bar blending everyday Danish hygge, simple comfort food and drinks, and a neighborhood atmosphere a short stroll from the harbor.
Slotskældergården
0.5 km
Unpretentious Danish bar on Kalundborg’s main street, offering cold beer, warm light and a glimpse of everyday local life along Kordilgade.
Shooters
0.6 km
Kalundborg’s lively bar and disco club serving up music, drinks, and authentic small-town Danish nightlife on weekends.
Next Door Pool Bar
0.6 km
Casual pool and sports bar on Kalundborg’s Kordilgade, mixing easygoing drinks, live games on screen and friendly competition around the pool tables.
Delfinen Bodega
11.4 km
Unpolished village pub in rural Eskebjerg, where cold beers, card games, and casual conversation capture the essence of classic Danish bodega culture.
rullen
32.7 km
Casual festival bar in the heart of Samsø Festival, where cold drinks, sea air and relaxed island vibes create a warm pause between concerts.
Garagen
32.8 km
Laid-back island bar in the woods of Strandskoven, blending rustic charm, simple drinks and live music with the easy coastal rhythm of Samsø.
Vinkapellet Samsø
33.6 km
Cosy island wine bar in Brundby specialising in organic, biodynamic and natural wines, where intimate surroundings and slow Samsø evenings invite lingering conversations.
The Red Rubin
34.8 km
Cozy, no‑nonsense neighborhood bar in central Slagelse, serving straightforward drinks and a relaxed local vibe from daytime until the early hours.
Cafe 23
34.8 km
Low‑key, old‑school brown bar in central Slagelse, serving inexpensive drinks and a slice of everyday Danish nightlife in a worn but welcoming setting.
Teater Cafe'en
35.0 km
Cosy neighbourhood bar in central Slagelse, blending café calm by day with a sociable, theatre-tinged bar atmosphere late into the weekend nights.
Cafe Viking.
35.1 km
Unpretentious local bar in central Slagelse, serving inexpensive drinks and everyday Danish pub atmosphere from midday into the late evening.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Juviklubben
0.4 km
Intimate Kalundborg live music hub and youth club, where generations meet for close-up concerts, casual bar nights and a laid-back, community-driven vibe.
Swingergaarden
37.1 km
Discreet countryside swingers club near Slagelse, offering themed adult nights, intimate play spaces and a rules-based, consent-focused environment for open-minded guests.
Club El Diablo
38.8 km
Adults-only entertainment venue offering a discreet, welcoming atmosphere for private social experiences.
KJ's bodel
45.0 km
Laid‑back local nightspot on Nyborg’s main square, mixing simple drinks, sociable bar chatter and a compact dance floor in an unpretentious setting.
Stay by Stage
45.6 km
Experience authentic Danish hospitality at Stay by Stage in Nordby, Samsø Island.
Muzirkus
46.1 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club
53.4 km
Community-driven square dancing in a cozy Odense neighborhood hall, where callers, patterns and shared rhythm turn an ordinary evening into a friendly social event.
BUTCHERS Odense
53.8 km
High-energy nightclub on Odense’s Overgade, mixing pounding bass, lights and late-night drinks in a central old-town setting steps from major sights.
Boogie Dance Café
54.0 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
Dansebar Odense
54.2 km
Lively central Odense nightclub with mainstream hits, colorful lights and a sociable dance floor vibe from late evening into the early hours.
Carlsens Kvarter
54.5 km
Atmospheric pub in Odense C, offering unmatched hygge, an impressive selection of craft beers, and a welcoming local vibe in a characterful historic setting.
The slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus
54.5 km
Experience industrial-cool nights, live music, and eclectic parties at The Slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus, Odense’s dynamic hub for nightlife and contemporary culture.
Heidi's Bier Bar Odense
54.6 km
Dance on tables, drink large beers, and celebrate Alpine-style year-round in Odense's most uninhibited nightclub.
Danseriet
62.1 km
Frivilligdrevet danseklub i Roskilde med stort dansegulv, livebands og hyggelig stemning for danseglade gæster på tværs af aldre og niveauer.
Ahl Strand, Mols Mountains National Park
62.6 km
Explore Ahl Strand, a serene sandy beach near Ebeltoft in Mols Bjerge National Park, where pine forests, shallow seas, and nature create a uniquely Danish coastal escape.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
