Background

St. Nicholas Church: Køge’s Towering Medieval Heart

A landmark of Gothic architecture in Køge, St. Nicholas Church offers art, history, and tranquil beauty at the heart of Denmark’s best-preserved medieval town.

4.6

St. Nicholas Church (Køge Kirke) stands as an impressive Gothic landmark in the very heart of Køge’s old town. Erected between the 13th and 16th centuries, it is famed for its ornate double spire, grand high-vaulted nave, and several masterful altarpieces. Visitors are welcomed by beautifully restored frescoes, a baroque organ, and an invitingly serene cloister courtyard, all radiating the community’s deep-rooted connection to its medieval past. The church is an active parish yet remains open for quiet reflection and discovery most days.

A brief summary to Solgårdparken

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Admission is free, and visitors are welcome outside of services—check posted schedules for special events or occasional tower openings.
  • The church is accessible to wheelchair users, with a ramp at the nave entrance.
  • Photography is permitted, but be respectful during ceremonies; no flash in areas with preserved frescoes.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll in the adjacent market square, where local bakeries and shops evoke historic Køge.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From Køge’s central market square, the church’s dual towers are easily visible, rising above the half-timbered houses and bustling cafés. The church is a gentle 2–5-minute walk through the heart of the old town’s pedestrian-friendly lanes, allowing you to soak in local life along the way.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from anywhere within Køge’s central districts typically takes less than 5 minutes, with fares in the range of DKK 50–80. The vehicle can drop you by the main square near the church—ideal for visitors with reduced mobility.

  • Public Transport

    The church is a short walk from Køge Station. Trains from Copenhagen or regional buses arrive at this hub, from where the church is about a 5–10-minute stroll along the lively commercial promenade, with no extra bus transfer needed.

  • Driving

    Municipal parking is available near the old town’s edge, with a typical rate of DKK 9–15 per hour. Expect a brief walk from the parking area, as direct access by car is restricted in the central pedestrianized zone.

Unlock the Best of Solgårdparken

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Solgårdparken

Anchoring the charming cobbled streets of Køge’s historic center, St. Nicholas Church is both the oldest and most architecturally remarkable building in town. Its brick towers, soaring some 44 meters above the market square, have guided sailors and townspeople for centuries—indeed, the church’s two-tiered spire is a signature of Køge’s skyline. Construction began in the late 1200s, and the structure was gradually expanded over two centuries, culminating in a late Gothic masterpiece carefully maintained into the present day. Step inside to be greeted by a serene, luminous nave framed by high arches and tall, slender columns. Sunlight illuminates painted wooden vaults and the intricate 17th-century pulpit, carved with scenes from the New Testament. A standout is the church’s altarpiece—crafted in Lübeck, Germany in the early 1600s—featuring gold-leaf details and expressive Renaissance artistry. The space is enriched by fragments of medieval frescoes, and the famous Frobenius baroque organ, which regularly fills the church with majestic sounds during concerts and services. The adjoining cloisters offer a quiet, contemplative spot, while memorials and plaques tell the multifaceted history of Køge’s trading past, religious life, and naval traditions. As an active parish, St. Nicholas Church is a vibrant center for local events, music, and seasonal celebrations, yet its doors remain open to visitors for most of the week, free of charge. Photographers, history enthusiasts, and anyone eager to experience everyday Danish heritage will find this church both atmospheric and welcoming. Its proximity to cozy cafes and historic houses makes it a perfect start—or finish—to a day exploring Køge’s old town. If you’re lucky, you may catch an organ recital or choir practice, offering a memorable soundtrack to your visit. Be sure to look up: the towers are sometimes open for special occasions, granting a rare panoramic view across the red rooftops to the Køge Bay coastline.

Popular Experiences near Solgårdparken

Popular Hotels near Solgårdparken

Select Currency