Kaalund Monastery (Kaalund Kloster), Kalundborg
A mellow yellow former Franciscan monastery turned manor and town hall, Kaalund Monastery quietly threads 800 years of Kalundborg history into everyday civic life.
Kaalund Monastery in Kalundborg is a historic former Franciscan house turned manor and civic building, easily recognised by its warm yellow-and-white facades set beside a small garden. Established as a monastery in 1239, the medieval convent was later dissolved after the Reformation, and the current main building dates from the mid‑18th century. Today it houses municipal offices and citizen services, but its exterior, courtyard feel and setting in Kalundborg’s old town make it a characterful stop on a walk between the five‑towered Church of Our Lady and the harbour.
A brief summary to Kaalund Monastery
- Klosterparkvej 7, Kalundborg, 4400, DK
- +4559534400
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Plan your visit on a weekday morning if you hope to see the building in use; opening hours are limited and concentrated in the middle of the day.
- Combine a stop here with the nearby Church of Our Lady and Kalundborg Museum to get a coherent picture of the town’s medieval and early modern history.
- Bring a camera: the yellow‑and‑white facade framed by the small garden and glimpses of the five‑towered church makes for attractive street‑level shots.
- Remember this is an active municipal building; be discreet when photographing and avoid pointing cameras directly into offices or windows.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train and short walk from Kalundborg Station
Arrive by regional train to Kalundborg Station on the line from Copenhagen or Holbæk, with journeys from the capital typically taking around 1½ to 2 hours and standard adult tickets in the range of 120–160 DKK one way in standard class. From the station, allow roughly 15–20 minutes on foot through the compact town centre on mostly paved, gently sloping streets; surfaces are generally suitable for pushchairs, but some cobblestones in the old town can be uneven for wheelchairs.
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Local bus within Kalundborg
Several local bus routes connect Kalundborg Station and the harbour area with stops in or near the historic high town, with typical journey times of 5–10 minutes depending on traffic. Single tickets bought on board or via regional ticketing apps usually cost around 24–30 DKK for short city journeys. Services are more frequent on weekdays and daytime hours, with reduced frequency in the evenings and on weekends, so check the latest timetable before relying on the bus for an early morning or late return.
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Car or taxi within north‑western Zealand
If you are driving from elsewhere on Zealand, Kalundborg is reached by main roads from Holbæk and Slagelse, with typical driving times of 45–75 minutes from these towns and around 1¾ hours from central Copenhagen in normal traffic. Short‑term street parking and public car parks are available in and around the town centre, often with time limits or paid zones, so always check local signs; from central parking areas it is usually a 5–10 minute walk to the monastery area. Taxis from Kalundborg Station to the old town are a quick option, taking about 5–8 minutes and usually costing around 80–120 DKK depending on time of day and waiting time.
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 Foundation to Civic Landmark
Kaalund Monastery traces its origins to 1239, when a Franciscan community settled here on the edge of what would become medieval Kalundborg’s high town. For nearly three centuries, friars prayed, taught and offered care to the poor and sick, anchoring religious life in a town that was growing in political importance. Their presence linked Kalundborg to the wider European network of mendicant orders and to the new brick‑building techniques spreading across Denmark. The Reformation transformed the site. In the 1530s, the Catholic friars were expelled and their properties seized by the crown. The convent complex was gradually reshaped into a secular estate linked to Kalundborg Castle, giving rise to the later name Kalundborg Slots Ladegård. Over time, medieval ranges were rebuilt or demolished, and by the 18th century the focus had shifted from cloistered devotion to estate management and civic representation.An Elegant 18th‑Century Facade with Monastic Echoes
The building you see today is primarily an 18th‑century creation, completed in the 1750s under architect Johan Christian Conradi. Its long, low volumes and gently pitched roofs are characteristic of Danish manor architecture of the period, while the yellow walls with white trimming give it a warm, almost sunlit presence even on an overcast day. The symmetry is restrained rather than grand, matching Kalundborg’s modest scale. Although the medieval monastery has largely vanished above ground, the site still hints at its earlier life. The courtyard‑like arrangement, the sense of enclosure and the relationship between the house and its garden recall the cloister and herb plots that once lay here. Knowing that friars once walked and worked on this ground adds an invisible layer beneath the later plaster and paint, making the building feel older than its 18th‑century facades suggest.Set Among Cobbled Streets and Medieval Brickwork
Kaalund Monastery sits within easy reach of Kalundborg’s most distinctive monument, the five‑towered Church of Our Lady, and the cluster of medieval streets known as Højbyen, the High Town. From the monastery, it is only a short stroll to half‑timbered houses, remnants of fortifications and the red‑brick bulk of the church that once dominated both spiritual and political life in the region. This tight urban fabric gives the building much of its charm. The contrast between the monastery’s smooth plastered walls and the rougher cobbles and bricks of the old town around it is striking. At certain angles you can catch views that layer centuries: the Baroque‑era house in the foreground, the medieval church rising behind it and, beyond that, the modern town and harbour. It is a setting that encourages slow wandering rather than box‑ticking sightseeing.A Working House with Quiet Corners
Today, Kaalund Monastery functions mainly as an administrative building and citizen service centre for Kalundborg Municipality. On weekdays you may notice locals arriving for appointments, cycling up or pausing to chat outside the entrance. This lived‑in quality makes the site feel less like a static monument and more like an evolving civic space that has adapted to the needs of each era. Even so, there are usually quiet corners around the garden and along Klosterparkvej where you can pause, look up at the windows and imagine earlier occupants: friars carrying books, estate workers delivering grain, officials arriving with ledgers. The blend of bureaucracy and deep history is part of the building’s appeal, showing how former sacred spaces in Denmark often found new life within the structures of the modern state.A Gentle Stop on a Historical Stroll
For visitors, Kaalund Monastery is less about interiors and more about atmosphere and context. It is an ideal pause on a walking circuit that links the harbour, Kalundborg Museum, the High Town streets and the Church of Our Lady. The small garden and the building’s human scale invite you to linger briefly, perhaps to take a photograph framed by greenery or to sit nearby and reorient before exploring further. Because it is a functioning office building, access inside can be limited and focused on practical matters rather than exhibition spaces. Nonetheless, understanding its layered story—from Franciscan monastery to royal estate and finally municipal hub—adds depth to any exploration of Kalundborg. It exemplifies how Danish towns weave medieval foundations into everyday life, with history hiding in plain sight behind a coat of yellow paint.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.
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 social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- 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
- Business Friendly
