Køge Å (Køge River)

A tranquil riverside greenway where woodland ridges, wide meanders and protected wildlife create an easy escape on the very edge of historic Køge.

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Køge Å

Køge Å is a gentle, 20.6 km-long river threading through Køge Municipality on Zealand before meeting Køge Bay right by the historic town center. Shallow, meandering stretches, leafy riverbanks and a dedicated 22 km gravel path for walkers and cyclists make it a relaxed green corridor linking town and countryside. Anglers come for coarse and trout fishing, while nature lovers appreciate protected habitats and glimpses of rare fish species in one of Denmark’s internationally designated conservation areas.

A brief summary to Køge Å

Køge Municipality, DK
Duration: 1 to 4 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

Bring sturdy walking shoes or a hybrid bike for the gravel surface of Køge Å Path, which can be uneven or muddy after rain in forested sections.
If you plan to fish, research local angling rules and permit requirements for Køge Å in advance to ensure you comply with conservation regulations.
Pack water, snacks and a lightweight layer; facilities are sparse along much of the river, and weather can shift quickly near the coast.
Use insect repellent in late spring and summer, especially near wet meadows and in the shaded gorge around Skovhus Vænge.
Stay on marked paths and respect signs along the banks, as parts of the river corridor form a sensitive, internationally protected nature area.

Getting There

Train and walking from central Køge

Take an S-train or regional train to Køge Station, which is about 35–40 minutes from Copenhagen. From the station, it is roughly a 10–20 minute walk to reach different access points along Køge Å and the Køge Å Path, mainly on flat pavements and park paths. Trains run frequently throughout the day, and this option is fully included in regular public transport tickets and passes within the Greater Copenhagen fare zones.
Local bus and short walk within Køge Municipality

Several local bus routes within Køge Municipality run between residential districts and the outskirts near Køge Å and Køge Ås. Travel times are typically 10–25 minutes from central Køge depending on the stretch you choose along the river. Standard local bus fares within Zealand apply, and buses generally operate at least twice per hour on weekdays, with reduced frequency in evenings and on weekends, so check timetables in advance.
Cycling from Køge town centre

From Køge’s central streets and harbourfront, it usually takes 5–15 minutes by bicycle to join the Køge Å Path or reach other riverside sections. The terrain is mostly flat and supported by dedicated cycle lanes or quiet roads. This is a free option once you have a bike, and it suits most riders comfortable with urban cycling in typical Danish traffic conditions.
Regional train to Borup and access from the inland end

For those exploring the full length of the river path, a regional train to Borup Station on the inland side takes about 20–30 minutes from Køge or roughly 35–45 minutes from Copenhagen. From Borup, you can connect to the far end of the Køge Å Path on foot or by bike and then follow it back toward Køge. This option uses standard regional rail tickets, with prices reflecting typical short intercity journeys on Zealand.

Køge Å location weather suitability

Any Weather
Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures
Cold Weather
Hot Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
Windy Conditions

Discover more about Køge Å

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.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Køge Nord

7.0 km

A soaring timber‑lined footbridge and high‑speed rail hub turning everyday commuting into a slice of contemporary Danish architecture and panoramic landscape.

Visit

7.1 km

Historic lighthouse and bird observatory at Denmark’s northern tip, with panoramic sea views, interactive nature exhibits, and a vibrant café in wild coastal surroundings.

VisitKøges selvbetjente turistbureau

7.1 km

An iconic 19th-century lighthouse at Denmark’s northern tip, famed for panoramic views, migrating birds, and immersive maritime and nature exhibits.

Befrielsessten i Køge

7.2 km

A solemn memorial to Denmark's liberation from Nazi occupation, standing in Køge's historic market square.

Køge Torv

7.2 km

Denmark's largest medieval town square, where seven centuries of history unfold on cobblestones.

Køge St.

7.4 km

Experience Skagen’s iconic Det Grå Fyr, an elegant lighthouse offering breathtaking views, unique birdwatching, and local culture at Denmark’s northernmost edge.

Mindesmærke for slagene i Køge Bugt

7.6 km

Harbourfront monument where stone, sea breeze and maritime symbols keep the naval battles of Køge Bugt and their admirals alive on Køge’s working waterfront.

“Slaget i Køge Bugt”

7.6 km

Harbourfront monument on Køge’s quay, quietly marking the dramatic naval battles once fought in the bay where today only fishing boats and leisure craft glide.

Comwell Køge Strand

8.1 km

Historic lighthouse and world-class bird observatory at Denmark’s northern tip, with sweeping sea views, immersive exhibitions, and a welcoming café.

Vallø Slotskro

11.9 km

Explore Denmark's largest private engine collection and maritime heritage at Maskinrummet in Skagen.

Roskildekrukkerne

18.7 km

Three colossal ceramic jars rising from a mirrored basin transform Roskilde’s station square into an open-air monument to a thousand years of city history.

Skänk Beer & Wine bar

18.7 km

Experience Aarhus’ celestial heritage at the Ole Rømer Observatory, where history, culture, and astronomy converge for hands-on stargazing and exploration.

Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde

19.0 km

Baroque palace where Danish royalty met democracy, now a vibrant hub for art and culture.

Månemor af Thomas Dambo

19.3 km

A hidden forest guardian crafted from recycled dreams—Dambo's secretive 100th troll awaits discovery.

Viking Ship Museum

19.9 km

Beautiful sandy beach blending city and sea, with grassy dunes, safe swimming, and a friendly promenade—Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’ closest seaside escape.

Unmissable attractions to see

Skovhus vænget

0.7 km

A 67-hectare forest sanctuary where the Køge River winds through protected woodland, offering peaceful walks and access to a 22-km scenic path.

Borgring

3.2 km

UNESCO-listed Viking ring fortress and modern museum in the fields west of Køge, where subtle earthworks and big skies bring Harald Bluetooth’s Denmark into focus.

Køge Ås

4.6 km

Gently rising above Køge’s flat fields, Køge Ås is a tree-clad historic ridge where Bronze Age mounds, soft forest paths and everyday local life share the same green corridor.

Pangea Park

5.0 km

Compact countryside wildlife park on Zealand where close animal encounters, keeper shows and thoughtful habitats create an intimate, family‑friendly day out.

Gammel Køgegård

6.2 km

Historic Danish manor on the ridge of Køge Ås, combining a 400‑year house with tranquil parkland, river views and a celebrated rhododendron garden.

Bronzestien - Køge Ås

6.5 km

A peaceful Bronze Age–inspired trail along the wooded ridge of Køge Ås, where manor landscapes, river views and ancient traces meet just outside Køge.

Rhododendronparken

6.5 km

A quietly spectacular woodland garden on Køge’s outskirts, home to one of Denmark’s largest rhododendron collections and an elegant fusion of estate history and landscape art.

Drikkevandpost - Nørre Boulevard/Græsmarksvej

7.0 km

Free public drinking water station serving Køge's residents and visitors with sustainable hydration.

Drikkevandpost - Nørre Boulevard/Græsmarksvej

Lovparken

7.0 km

Experience Køge’s centuries-old Sankt Nicolai Kirke—a showcase of Nordic Gothic architecture, unique artworks, and vibrant local history in the town center.

Mindesten for Elias Andersen

7.0 km

Historic Gothic church in central Køge featuring an iconic spire, centuries-old interiors, Renaissance woodwork, remarkable maritime artwork, and peaceful churchyard.

Brønden på Køge Torv

7.1 km

A German-inspired historic well on Køge’s grand market square, where everyday water, medieval trade and modern town life quietly flow together.

Drikkevandpost - Torvet 14

7.2 km

A small but essential drinking water fountain on Køge’s historic Torvet, offering free, clean tap water and a brief pause amid cobblestones and town life.

the old house

7.2 km

One of Denmark’s oldest dated half‑timbered houses, this 1527 gem in Køge’s old town now hosts a cosy children’s library and atmospheric vaulted cellar.

Køge Church

7.2 km

Explore Køge Church: a landmark of Danish Gothic architecture with Renaissance treasures, vibrant frescoes, and a pivotal role in the historic heart of Køge.

KØS Museum of Art in Public Spaces

7.2 km

Denmark’s dedicated museum for art in public spaces, revealing the sketches, models and stories behind monuments, murals and urban artworks in the heart of Køge.

Colorful Indian street food–inspired dining in the heart of Køge, serving aromatic curries, kebabs and naan in a relaxed, evening-only neighborhood setting.

A cosy multibrand fashion boutique in the heart of Køge, blending Scandinavian style, curated labels and a relaxed, town-centre shopping vibe.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Ellemarkens Bodega Drøvlen

6.5 km

Unpretentious local bodega and community hangout in Køge’s Ellemarken district, serving inexpensive drinks, sports on TV and a relaxed slice of everyday Danish life.

Grillen

6.6 km

Casual grilled fare in the heart of Køge, open daily for straightforward dining and drinks.

Café Asti

7.0 km

Intimate wine and tapas bar in Køge's heart, where Italian flavors meet European sophistication.

RICHTERs Ølstue

7.0 km

Characterful beer hall in Køge’s historic centre, pouring quality specialty brews and serving hearty Danish smørrebrød in a warm, wood-accented pub setting.

Den høje stue

7.1 km

Cosy sportspub on Køge’s historic Torvet, pairing classic bar vibes with big-screen matches and relaxed small‑town atmosphere late into the evening.

Bodega Slap A

7.3 km

Køge's electric nightlife hub where quality drinks meet vibrant DJ sets and dancing until dawn.

Vinbaren Køge

7.3 km

Intimate wine bar in Køge’s old town, serving well-chosen bottles, tapas-style plates and plenty of Danish hygge from relaxed afternoons to late-night last pours.

MC 19 Køge

7.5 km

Unpretentious roadside bar on the edge of Lille Skensved, blending motorcycle-club spirit with classic Danish pub hospitality and a relaxed, locals-first atmosphere.

Ibsens Pub & Vinbar

7.6 km

Waterfront wine bar and pub where Nordic hospitality meets harbor views and live entertainment.

The Old Irish Pub

7.6 km

Køge's benchmark for weekend nightlife with live music, cocktails, and authentic Irish pub atmosphere.

Musicon Mikrobryggeri

17.3 km

Local craft beer, stainless-steel tanks and live music energy in the heart of Roskilde’s creative Musicon district.

Vinbaren Muicon

17.3 km

An intimate wine bar in Roskilde’s Musicon district, pairing cozy Nordic warmth with a curated wine list and relaxed, conversation-friendly vibes.

Charlie Chaplin

17.6 km

An unfussy neighbourhood bar in Roskilde, Charlie Chaplin pours cold beers and warm conversation in a relaxed local bodega setting far from the city’s tourist crowds.

Bykroen

17.6 km

Cozy local bar and live music hangout on Haslev’s main street, offering simple drinks, late-weekend nights and an authentic small-town Danish atmosphere.

Roskilde Bodega

18.1 km

Classic Danish corner bar on Holbækvej with pool, darts, slot machines and a lively local crowd, offering an unpolished, authentic bodega atmosphere from day to late night.

Nightclubs & after hour spots

Bloom Nightclub

7.5 km

Late-night harborfront beats and a compact dance floor bring big-night energy to small-city Køge every Friday and Saturday.

The Flame

7.5 km

Compact, high-energy nightclub by Køge’s harbor, serving up youthful beats, live acts and weekend dance-floor vibes in an intimate, no-frills setting.

LUSIO

7.5 km

Compact harbor-side nightclub in Køge with late Friday hours, a tight dance floor, and an intimate, no‑frills setting for Danish weekend nights out.

Tropicana DC

16.0 km

Compact Latin-flavoured nightclub on Roskilde’s industrial edge, delivering loud beats, simple drinks and a late-night dancefloor focused purely on partying.

Klubhuset

16.0 km

Low-key local clubhouse turned disco-style nightspot, where a simple bar, small dance floor and regulars’ vibe create relaxed, unpretentious nights in Roskilde.

Dansebar Roskilde

18.5 km

Roskilde's premier multi-floor nightclub with dual dance spaces, three bars, and DJ-driven energy until dawn.

Garbos Roskilde

18.6 km

Cozy neighborhood nightclub in central Roskilde, blending casual bar vibes with a compact dance floor and late-night weekend energy on Hersegade.

Danseriet

18.7 km

Frivilligdrevet danseklub i Roskilde med stort dansegulv, livebands og hyggelig stemning for danseglade gæster på tværs af aldre og niveauer.

Avenue Næstved

33.1 km

Lively nightspot and flexible event hall in central Næstved, mixing dancefloor energy, festive dinners, stand-up comedy and themed parties under one roof.

Crazy Daisy Næstved

33.2 km

High‑energy weekend nightclub in central Næstved, packing loud beats, flashing lights and a late‑night local crowd into a compact, classic Danish town‑club setting.

Den Dansende Viking

33.7 km

High-energy suburban nightclub in Egedal Centret, serving packed dance floors, late-night DJ sets and budget-friendly drinks for party-focused weekends.

Haven - Events

36.8 km

Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.

Falafelberg

37.4 km

Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.

KB3

37.5 km

Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at KB3, a lively night club in Vesterbro offering unforgettable music and vibrant experiences.

The Union

37.6 km

Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Køge Å (Køge River)

A brief summary to Køge Å

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Train and walking from central Køge

Local bus and short walk within Køge Municipality

Cycling from Køge town centre

Regional train to Borup and access from the inland end

Køge Å location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Køge Å

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Køge Å

A Green Ribbon from Bogland to the Bay

The Ridge, the Valley and Quiet Forest Paths

A River Path Made for Walking and Cycling

Water, Wildlife and Protected Habitats

Everyday Escape on the Edge of Town

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Køge Nord

Visit

VisitKøges selvbetjente turistbureau

Befrielsessten i Køge

Køge Torv

Køge St.

Mindesmærke for slagene i Køge Bugt

“Slaget i Køge Bugt”

Comwell Køge Strand

Vallø Slotskro

Roskildekrukkerne

Skänk Beer & Wine bar

Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde

Månemor af Thomas Dambo

Viking Ship Museum

Unmissable attractions to see

Skovhus vænget

Borgring

Køge Ås

Pangea Park

Gammel Køgegård

Bronzestien - Køge Ås

Rhododendronparken

Drikkevandpost - Nørre Boulevard/Græsmarksvej

Lovparken

Mindesten for Elias Andersen

Brønden på Køge Torv

Drikkevandpost - Torvet 14

the old house

Køge Church

KØS Museum of Art in Public Spaces

Essential places to dine

Marios Pizza Bar & Grill

Café Little Italy

Azuma

Gastronomia Italiana

Elverhøi

Kuruki Sushi

Hofu

Køge Grill House

Vin-O

7 Møllens Grill Køge

Duevangs Deluxe Spiseri & Catering

Café T

Cafe Vivaldi

Det Sunde Køkken

Dhaba Køge

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Bjergkæden

Mom and me

Vitrinen og vitrinens Købmandshandel

Zhenzi

Flying Tiger Copenhagen

Johs. Clausen Køge

Krybben V/helle Frost

La Belle

Kop & Kande

køge butikker brogade

Den Blå Dør