Køge Å (Køge River)

A Green Ribbon from Bogland to the Bay

Køge Å is a modest river with a quietly dramatic journey. Rising south of the boglands around Regnemark Mose, it winds for just over 20 km before emptying into Køge Bay in the heart of Køge. Along the way it narrows into deep, shaded notches in the landscape and then opens into broad, soft meanders bordered by meadows and low pastures. Despite its small scale – only about ten metres wide at the mouth – the river has shaped the local topography. Glacial meltwater laid down the sand and gravel that form Køge Ås, a long ridge guiding the river’s course and creating a series of low hills that feel surprisingly wild so close to an urban center.

The Ridge, the Valley and Quiet Forest Paths

Immediately west of Køge, the river is closely paired with the wooded spine of Køge Ås. Paths run high along the ridge before dropping down toward the valley floor, giving you alternating views: one moment you are looking out over the treetops and rooftops of Køge, the next you are beside the slow, tea-coloured water. Near Skovhus Vænge the river slices through a notably deep and narrow gorge, hemmed in by steep, wooded slopes. Further east near Gammel Lellingegård, the landscape softens again, with wide bends and a classic river meadow feel. This constant shift between enclosed woodland and open fields keeps even short walks varied and visually engaging.

A River Path Made for Walking and Cycling

Following the water is easy here. A well-maintained gravel route, Køge Å-stien, tracks the river for about 22 km from the edge of Køge out toward Humleore and on to Borup. It is popular with runners, day walkers and cycle tourers linking town, ridge and farmland in one continuous outing. The path surface is generally firm and gently graded, making it suitable for most fitness levels and for families with older children. In a few places, tree roots, narrower sections and short slopes add a little challenge without turning the route into a serious hike. Benches and informal sitting spots appear at intervals, inviting you to pause and simply watch the river slide past.

Water, Wildlife and Protected Habitats

Køge Å is more than a pretty backdrop; it is recognised as an internationally important nature conservation area. The riverbed shelters the tiny spined loach, a bottom-dwelling fish only a few centimetres long that has become a flagship species for the river’s protection. Conservation rules help safeguard water quality and bankside vegetation, keeping the habitat attractive for birds, amphibians and aquatic insects. In drier periods the river is supported by water from Kimmerslev Lake and groundwater pumping, a reminder that this landscape has been carefully managed to balance drinking water needs with ecological resilience. Anglers work within local regulations to target perch, trout and other species, sharing the river with walkers and cyclists who come primarily for the scenery and sense of calm.

Everyday Escape on the Edge of Town

What makes Køge Å distinctive is its proximity to everyday life. From the medieval streets and harbour of Køge, you can be standing by reeds and overhanging willows within minutes, hearing only wind in the trees and the occasional splash of a fish. The river corridor functions as the town’s informal green lung, a place for a quick jog before work or a lazy afternoon picnic. As you move along the banks, distant church towers, manor roofs and the outline of Køge Ås anchor you in the broader landscape. It is an easy, low-effort escape: no entrance gates, no fixed route to follow, just a long, quietly flowing thread inviting you to choose how far to go and how long to linger.