Køge Ås Historic Ridge Trail
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.
Køge Ås is a gently undulating ridge and woodland belt just west of Køge, known for its 3.2 km historic trail past Bronze Age burial mounds and views towards Køge River and the surrounding countryside. Once shaped by ice-age meltwater, this green corridor now offers easy walking and running paths, shady beech and mixed forest, and a tangible sense of deep time within minutes of the town. It is a low-key, atmospheric escape ideal for casual strolls, nature breaks and soft outdoor exploration.
A brief summary to Køge Ås
- Køge, DK
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Walk the full 3.2 km historic trail to see all five Bronze Age burial mounds and get a feel for how the ridge runs like a spine along the town’s edge.
- Wear comfortable shoes suited to forest paths; surfaces are generally easy but can be sandy, uneven or muddy after rain.
- Visit in early morning or late afternoon for softer light through the trees and a better chance of spotting deer and birdlife.
- Bring water and snacks, as there are no cafés directly on the ridge; plan to use facilities in Køge before or after your walk.
- If you enjoy longer outings, combine Køge Ås with a section of the nearby Køge River path for a varied loop of forest and waterside walking.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train and walking from central Køge
From Køge railway station, allow about 15–25 minutes on foot to reach access points along Køge Ås via local streets and paths. The walk is mostly flat and paved until you reach the ridge itself, where surfaces become forest tracks that may be uneven or slippery in wet weather. There is no extra cost beyond your train ticket to Køge, and this option suits most visitors comfortable with a short urban walk followed by easy woodland terrain.
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Local bus and short walk
Several local bus routes within Køge stop in residential areas bordering Køge Ås, reducing walking time to roughly 5–10 minutes from the nearest stop to the ridge. Expect the bus ride within town to take around 10–20 minutes depending on route and time of day. Single tickets typically cost the same as other urban bus journeys in Denmark and can be bought from ticket machines or via travel apps. This option is convenient in poor weather, but note that services run less frequently in evenings and on weekends.
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Car access from the Køge area
If you arrive by car within the Køge region, you can use public parking areas near residential streets that border the forest belt, then walk 5–15 minutes along local paths to reach the ridge. Driving time from central Køge is usually 5–10 minutes depending on traffic. Parking is often free or low-cost in suburban areas, but time limits may apply closer to the town centre, so always check local signs. The final approach is on foot along unpaved woodland paths that are not ideal for those with very limited mobility.
Køge Ås location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Køge Ås
Ancient Ridge on the Edge of Town
Køge Ås is a long, low ridge of woodland that rises gently above the flat landscapes west of Køge. Formed by ice-age meltwater streams, it now appears as a green spine of trees and paths between the town and open farmland. Here, the noise of traffic fades quickly, replaced by birdsong, rustling leaves and the distant murmur of the nearby Køge River. From the first steps onto the ridge, you sense how it separates you from the surrounding urban fabric. Houses and roads slip from view behind the tree line, and in their place come sandy paths, mossy banks and glimpses through the branches towards fields and wetlands. It feels like a narrow, linear park with a distinctly natural character, more forest belt than manicured garden.Bronze Age Mounds in the Beech Woods
The most striking feature of Køge Ås is its chain of Bronze Age burial mounds. Scattered along a roughly 3.2 km signed trail, these rounded earthworks rise subtly from the forest floor, some cloaked in beech roots and leaf litter, others standing out clearly in small clearings. Information boards along the way explain how local chieftains were buried here more than 3,000 years ago, turning the ridge into a ceremonial landscape. Walking between the mounds, you trace a route that people have used for millennia, first as a natural high road in a damp lowland, later as a historic track between farms and villages. The combination of archaeology and everyday nature gives the place a quiet gravity: you are never far from a reminder that this peaceful forest has been shaped by human hands for far longer than modern Køge has existed.Paths, Views and Everyday Outdoor Life
Køge Ås is designed for simple, unhurried outdoor time. Soft forest paths follow the crest of the ridge, with gentle gradients that suit most walkers, runners and families with older children. Occasional side trails dip down towards clearings and meadows, offering spots to sit on a fallen log, spread out a picnic blanket or watch the light shift in the canopy overhead. In places the trees thin, opening modest views across fields, allotments and the low valley where Køge River winds towards the Bay of Køge. The landscape is never dramatic, but its small-scale variety is part of the charm: a pocket of pine here, a wet hollow with reeds there, a sunlit glade of young birch beyond the next bend. It is the kind of green space that easily weaves into daily routines, whether for a short evening walk or a longer weekend loop.Link in a Larger Green Corridor
Although Køge Ås feels self-contained, it forms part of a broader network of trails and natural areas around the town. Not far away, the gravel path along Køge River stretches for over twenty kilometres inland, and the ridge itself acts as a natural buffer between urban districts and agricultural land. This makes the Ås an important ecological corridor for birds and small mammals moving through the landscape. The mix of older trees and younger plantings provides varied habitats, from shaded trunks where woodpeckers search for insects to sunny edges favoured by butterflies and songbirds. For visitors, this translates into subtle but rewarding nature watching: a flash of a deer between trunks at dusk, the drumming of a woodpecker in early spring, or the first wildflowers pushing through last year’s leaves.Quiet Moments and Local Rhythm
The atmosphere on Køge Ås shifts gently with the time of day and season. Early mornings can feel almost contemplative, with dew on the grass and long slanting light along the ridge. Later in the day, joggers and dog walkers share the paths, giving the area a relaxed, lived-in energy without disturbing its sense of calm. Autumn brings carpets of copper leaves and clear air; winter strips the branches bare, revealing more of the surrounding landscape. For many locals, the Ås functions as an informal meeting ground: a place for everyday conversations, solitary thinking walks, or simply a short green detour on the way home. For visitors, it offers an accessible window into Denmark’s layered landscapes, where ice-age geology, Bronze Age ritual and contemporary town life quietly overlap on a single, tree-lined ridge.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Visit
2.5 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
2.6 km
An iconic 19th-century lighthouse at Denmark’s northern tip, famed for panoramic views, migrating birds, and immersive maritime and nature exhibits.
Køge Torv
2.7 km
Denmark's largest medieval town square, where seven centuries of history unfold on cobblestones.
Befrielsessten i Køge
2.7 km
A solemn memorial to Denmark's liberation from Nazi occupation, standing in Køge's historic market square.
Køge St.
2.9 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
3.1 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”
3.1 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
3.7 km
Historic lighthouse and world-class bird observatory at Denmark’s northern tip, with sweeping sea views, immersive exhibitions, and a welcoming café.
Køge Nord
4.1 km
A soaring timber‑lined footbridge and high‑speed rail hub turning everyday commuting into a slice of contemporary Danish architecture and panoramic landscape.
Vallø Slotskro
8.5 km
Explore Denmark's largest private engine collection and maritime heritage at Maskinrummet in Skagen.
Roskildekrukkerne
19.6 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
19.6 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
20.0 km
Baroque palace where Danish royalty met democracy, now a vibrant hub for art and culture.
Land of Legends | A Land to Explore
20.8 km
Experience 10,000 years of Danish history at the Land of Legends in Lejre, an open-air museum with reconstructed villages, artisan workshops, and hands-on activities for the whole family.
Viking Ship Museum
20.8 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
Borgring
1.5 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.
Gammel Køgegård
1.7 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
1.9 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
2.0 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
2.4 km
Free public drinking water station serving Køge's residents and visitors with sustainable hydration.
Lovparken
2.5 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
2.5 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
2.6 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
2.7 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
2.7 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
2.7 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
2.7 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.
Mindesten for Træskoslaget
2.7 km
Discover Køge Church—a late medieval architectural gem, celebrated for its stunning murals, ornate interiors, and centuries of local history in the old town center.
Køge Museum
2.8 km
Time‑travel through Køge’s past inside a 17th‑century merchant’s house where Viking treasures, buried secrets and a tranquil courtyard meet in one intimate museum.
Køge Byhistoriske Arkiv
2.8 km
Køge’s documentary memory bank, where quiet shelves of papers, photos and maps reveal centuries of local life to anyone ready to start researching.
Essential places to dine
Azuma
2.4 km
Lively sushi belts, generous all-you-can-eat menus and relaxed Japanese dining in the heart of Køge’s historic town center.
Marios Pizza Bar & Grill
2.5 km
Casual neighbourhood pizzeria and grill in Køge serving generous pizzas, kebab and classic fast-casual dishes from a no-fuss counter by Marksvinget.
Gastronomia Italiana
2.5 km
Casual Italian pizzeria and deli on Københavnsvej in Køge, serving wood-fired pizzas, pastas and simple Italian staples at moderate prices for everyday meals.
7 Møllens Grill Køge
2.5 km
Iconic Danish grill restaurant serving legendary burgers and grilled meats since 1981.
Café Little Italy
2.5 km
Authentic Italian pizzas with crispy crusts in Køge's welcoming casual trattoria.
Kuruki Sushi
2.5 km
Casual, modern sushi in Køge’s historic center, serving fresh rolls, ad libitum menus and takeaway from a relaxed spot on bustling Vestergade.
Hofu
2.5 km
Contemporary sushi crafted with creative precision in the heart of historic Køge.
Køge Grill House
2.5 km
Compact Turkish-inspired grill bar in the heart of Køge, serving shawarma, kebabs, wraps and the indulgent Kapsalon in a simple, casual setting.
Vin-O
2.5 km
Intimate wine and tapas bar in Køge’s historic center, pairing candlelit hygge, generous sharing boards and a carefully curated wine list in a cozy townhouse setting.
Duevangs Deluxe Spiseri & Catering
2.6 km
Intimate modern Danish dining in Køge’s old town, where a compact seasonal menu, smart wine pairings and warm service turn lunch or dinner into an occasion.
Café T
2.6 km
A snug, retro-furnished tea and brunch café tucked off Køge’s main square, serving homemade breads, cakes and generous brunch plates in true Danish hygge style.
Cafe Vivaldi
2.6 km
Bright, all‑day café dining and prime people‑watching on Køge’s historic market square, with generous plates, cakes and a broad outdoor terrace on Torvet.
Kinesisk Grill
2.6 km
Straightforward Chinese takeaway and grill in everyday Køge, serving generous portions of classic dishes at budget-friendly prices from a modest corner spot.
Det Sunde Køkken
2.6 km
Bright, casual salad and bowl bar right on Køge’s medieval market square, serving fresh, customizable healthy meals, juices and easy takeaway all day.
Brasseriet Baum
2.7 km
Warm wine bar and tapas brasserie on Køge’s main square, pairing generous boards and classic comfort dishes with an impressive selection of wines by the glass.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bjergkæden
2.4 km
Denmark's trusted specialist in premium outdoor equipment, blending 25+ years of expertise with hands-on service.
Mom and me
2.5 km
Cozy Køge boutique for mums and kids, blending soft Nordic style, gentle products and a relaxed, family-first atmosphere on charming Vestergade.
Vitrinen og vitrinens Købmandshandel
2.6 km
Historic Køge merchant’s shop where aromatic teas, coffees, chocolates and charming homeware fill a centuries‑old timbered building with cozy Danish hygge.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
2.6 km
Danish design meets budget-friendly shopping in Køge's most colorful retail destination.
Zhenzi
2.6 km
Curve-friendly Scandinavian women’s fashion in the heart of Køge, offering modern everyday styles and occasion outfits with a relaxed, boutique feel.
Johs. Clausen Køge
2.7 km
A welcoming women’s fashion boutique on Køge’s historic main square, blending Scandinavian elegance, quality brands and personal service in a cosy town-centre setting.
Kop & Kande
2.7 km
Independent homeware expertise in the heart of Køge's historic town center.
Krybben V/helle Frost
2.7 km
Atmospheric women’s fashion boutique in a historic Køge courtyard, blending Scandinavian style, leather and fur pieces, and curated accessories right on Torvet.
La Belle
2.7 km
Contemporary women's fashion in the heart of Køge's charming old town.
køge butikker brogade
2.7 km
A cosy antiques haven on historic Brogade, where pewter, brass and pre‑1900 treasures from South Zealand fill creaking rooms with stories from another era.
Mode
2.7 km
A compact clothing boutique on Køge’s historic Nørregade, perfect for a relaxed browse between timbered houses, cafés and the town’s atmospheric central streets.
Galleri ARTBEL
2.7 km
Intimate contemporary art gallery on historic Nørregade in Køge, where changing exhibitions and a personal touch make original Danish art easy to explore.
KLUD
2.7 km
Contemporary Danish womenswear in a cosy multibrand boutique on Køge’s main shopping street, blending personal styling, curated labels and a relaxed Nordic feel.
Tendens Køge
2.7 km
A cosy multibrand fashion boutique in the heart of Køge, blending Scandinavian style, curated labels and a relaxed, town-centre shopping vibe.
Noun
2.7 km
Intimate Køge showroom for curated preloved designer handbags, blending Scandinavian calm, sustainability and slow, appointment-based luxury shopping.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ellemarkens Bodega Drøvlen
2.2 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.
Café Asti
2.5 km
Intimate wine and tapas bar in Køge's heart, where Italian flavors meet European sophistication.
RICHTERs Ølstue
2.5 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.
Grillen
2.5 km
Casual grilled fare in the heart of Køge, open daily for straightforward dining and drinks.
Den høje stue
2.6 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
2.7 km
Køge's electric nightlife hub where quality drinks meet vibrant DJ sets and dancing until dawn.
Vinbaren Køge
2.9 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.
Ibsens Pub & Vinbar
3.1 km
Waterfront wine bar and pub where Nordic hospitality meets harbor views and live entertainment.
The Old Irish Pub
3.1 km
Køge's benchmark for weekend nightlife with live music, cocktails, and authentic Irish pub atmosphere.
MC 19 Køge
4.8 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.
Musicon Mikrobryggeri
18.3 km
Local craft beer, stainless-steel tanks and live music energy in the heart of Roskilde’s creative Musicon district.
Vinbaren Muicon
18.3 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
18.4 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
19.3 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
19.3 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
3.1 km
Late-night harborfront beats and a compact dance floor bring big-night energy to small-city Køge every Friday and Saturday.
The Flame
3.1 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
3.1 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
17.1 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
17.2 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
19.5 km
Roskilde's premier multi-floor nightclub with dual dance spaces, three bars, and DJ-driven energy until dawn.
Garbos Roskilde
19.5 km
Cozy neighborhood nightclub in central Roskilde, blending casual bar vibes with a compact dance floor and late-night weekend energy on Hersegade.
Danseriet
19.8 km
Frivilligdrevet danseklub i Roskilde med stort dansegulv, livebands og hyggelig stemning for danseglade gæster på tværs af aldre og niveauer.
Den Dansende Viking
33.6 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
33.8 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.
KB3
34.3 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at KB3, a lively night club in Vesterbro offering unforgettable music and vibrant experiences.
The Union
34.4 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.
Falafelberg
34.5 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
Baggen
34.5 km
Discover the electrifying atmosphere of Baggen, where Copenhagen's nightlife comes alive with vibrant music and unforgettable experiences.
Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub
34.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub, where adult entertainment meets unforgettable performances.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Zen
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- 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
