Mindesmærke for slagene i Køge Bugt
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.
Set against the industrial quays and open water of Køge Harbour, the Mindesmærke for slagene i Køge Bugt is a striking coastal monument commemorating two decisive naval battles fought in the bay in 1677 and 1710. Dedicated to admirals Niels Juel and Ivar Huitfeldt, it blends sculptural stonework, maritime symbolism and poetic inscriptions to anchor Denmark’s seafaring history in a compact, contemplative corner of the harbourfront. A quiet pause point on a stroll by the water, it invites you to imagine cannon smoke over the bay where pleasure craft now glide.
A brief summary to Mindesmærke for slagene i Køge Bugt
- Havnen 23, Køge, 4600, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Bring a light jacket; the harbourfront is often windier and cooler than the town streets, even on sunny days.
- Walk around the entire base to spot all inscriptions and naval symbols; some details are easy to miss from a single angle.
- Combine a stop here with a stroll along the quays to appreciate how the calm bay today contrasts with its wartime history.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Trash Bins
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
Getting There
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Train and walking from Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take a regional train towards Køge; services usually run several times per hour and the journey takes about 35–45 minutes. A standard adult ticket typically costs around 80–120 DKK one way, depending on ticket type and discounts. From Køge Station it is an easy 10–15 minute walk through the town to the harbour, mostly on level pavements suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Trains run in most weather, but late evening and weekend frequencies can be slightly reduced.
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Local bus from Køge town centre
Several local bus routes connect residential areas and the wider region to Køge’s central area in about 10–25 minutes, depending on where you start. A single-zone bus ticket usually costs in the range of 24–30 DKK and can be bought via ticket machines or travel apps. Buses stop within walking distance of the harbour, on asphalted streets with kerbs and crossings. Be aware that some routes run less frequently in the evenings and on Sundays, so checking departure times in advance is advisable.
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Car from greater Zealand region
Driving from towns elsewhere on Zealand typically takes 20–50 minutes to reach Køge, depending on distance and motorway traffic. There are public parking areas in and around the harbour zone, some free and some paid, with hourly rates often in the range of 10–20 DKK. Spaces can be limited on busy weekday mornings and summer weekends, and time restrictions may apply, so always check local signage. The final approach is on flat urban roads, but strong coastal winds and occasional congestion near the docks can slow progress.
Mindesmærke for slagene i Køge Bugt location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Any Weather
Discover more about Mindesmærke for slagene i Køge Bugt
Seafaring memories on Køge’s working waterfront
Tucked beside the quays at Havnen 23, the Mindesmærke for slagene i Køge Bugt stands where the town meets the open waters that once decided Denmark’s fate at sea. The setting is unapologetically maritime: fishing boats and leisure yachts bob close by, gulls wheel overhead and the wind carries the mix of salt air and engine oil that defines a working harbour. Against this backdrop, the monument rises from a small paved plinth, a deliberate pause in an otherwise practical landscape. From a distance, you first notice its verticality – an obelisk-like form in pale stone, geometric yet softened by weather, framed by masts and cranes. As you draw nearer, details sharpen into view: carved reliefs, inscriptions and naval motifs that turn a simple column into a compact history lesson. The monument feels both modest in scale and monumental in meaning, a local landmark that anchors the whole waterfront in its past.Naval battles that shaped a kingdom
The memorial commemorates two dramatic engagements in Køge Bugt, in 1677 and 1710, when the bay became a stage for clashes between the Danish and Swedish fleets. In the first, the Danish admiral Niels Juel used clever tactics and intimate knowledge of these shallow waters to outmanoeuvre a stronger Swedish force, securing a symbolic victory in the Scanian War. Decades later, during the Great Northern War, Ivar Huitfeldt met his end here when his flagship exploded in a catastrophic magazine blast while battling a superior enemy. Erected in the early 1900s, the monument reflects a period when Denmark looked back to its naval heroes for inspiration. Its dual dedication to Juel and Huitfeldt binds triumph and sacrifice together: one battle remembered for tactical genius, the other for stoic courage in defeat. Standing here, with modern navigation buoys and container traffic on the horizon, it is easy to sense how strategically important this broad, seemingly peaceful bay once was.Symbolism carved in stone and bronze
Close up, the monument rewards careful inspection. Stylised ship forms, anchors, wreaths and royal insignia are worked into its surfaces, echoing the decorative language of turn-of-the-century national monuments. Inscriptions name the admirals and battles, but there is also room for more lyrical touches. Lines of verse evoke sailors sinking "like the sun dips down" into the embracing sea, transforming historical fact into maritime myth. The craftsmanship is sturdy rather than delicate, built to withstand decades of coastal weather. Wind and sea air have softened crisp edges and darkened recesses, giving the stone an almost organic patina. On bright days, the pale surfaces catch the light; in overcast weather, the monument blends into the muted tones of concrete, steel and water, a quiet presence more than a focal spectacle.A contemplative pause on a harbour stroll
Although easily explored in a short stop, the site lends itself to lingering. Low walls and nearby benches along the harbourfront offer informal seating, turning the area into an outdoor room open to the sky. From here you can watch ferries and small craft slip past the very waters that once thundered with broadsides, letting the contrast between then and now sink in. The monument’s compact footprint makes it an easy addition to a wider wander through Køge’s waterfront and old town. It suits visitors who enjoy layering stories onto places: history enthusiasts tracing Denmark’s naval past, families introducing children to the idea of maritime warfare, or photographers drawn to the interplay of stone, metal and sky. Even if you arrive with little prior knowledge, the combination of text, imagery and setting makes the narrative surprisingly accessible.Reading the landscape of Køge Bugt
Perhaps the most powerful aspect of the memorial is how it encourages you to read the bay itself. Looking out from the plinth, you can imagine lines of wooden warships edging carefully through these shallow waters, sandbanks lurking beneath the waves. The wide curve of the coastline, now dotted with marinas and beaches, becomes a natural amphitheatre for naval drama. On windy days, whitecaps and spray make it easier to picture chaotic battle conditions; in calm weather, the contrast between today’s tranquillity and the violence remembered here feels even sharper. Either way, the monument serves as a lens: a simple vertical marker through which the whole of Køge Bugt becomes a historic landscape, resonating far beyond its quiet corner of the harbour.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Mindesmærke for slagene i Køge Bugt
0.0 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”
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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.
Køge St.
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Experience Skagen’s iconic Det Grå Fyr, an elegant lighthouse offering breathtaking views, unique birdwatching, and local culture at Denmark’s northernmost edge.
Køge Torv
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Denmark's largest medieval town square, where seven centuries of history unfold on cobblestones.
Befrielsessten i Køge
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A solemn memorial to Denmark's liberation from Nazi occupation, standing in Køge's historic market square.
VisitKøges selvbetjente turistbureau
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An iconic 19th-century lighthouse at Denmark’s northern tip, famed for panoramic views, migrating birds, and immersive maritime and nature exhibits.
Visit
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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.
Comwell Køge Strand
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Historic lighthouse and world-class bird observatory at Denmark’s northern tip, with sweeping sea views, immersive exhibitions, and a welcoming café.
Køge Nord
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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
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Explore Denmark's largest private engine collection and maritime heritage at Maskinrummet in Skagen.
Roskildekrukkerne
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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
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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
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Baroque palace where Danish royalty met democracy, now a vibrant hub for art and culture.
Ledreborg Castle
22.4 km
Denmark's most harmonious 18th-century palace, where 250 years of aristocratic life remain beautifully preserved.
Viking Ship Museum
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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
Vandkunsten - Stationspladsen
0.3 km
A sculptural fountain anchoring Køge’s station square, where moving water, stone and light turn a busy transport hub into an inviting urban meeting place.
Køge Byhistoriske Arkiv
0.3 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.
Tidsrummet
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A compact harbourfront playground in Køge where maritime character, industrial backdrops and inventive landscape design create a free, atmospheric urban pause.
Køge Museum
0.3 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.
Drikkevandpost - Torvet 14
0.4 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
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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.
Brønden på Køge Torv
0.4 km
A German-inspired historic well on Køge’s grand market square, where everyday water, medieval trade and modern town life quietly flow together.
Køge Church
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Explore Køge Church: a landmark of Danish Gothic architecture with Renaissance treasures, vibrant frescoes, and a pivotal role in the historic heart of Køge.
Mindesten for Træskoslaget
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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.
KØS Museum of Art in Public Spaces
0.5 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.
Dyreskueplads
0.6 km
A flexible harbourfront field where Køge’s open sky, sea breeze and industrial silhouettes frame everything from quiet dog walks to large outdoor festivals.
Køge Miniby
0.7 km
Step into Køge’s past at 1:10 scale, where hand-built model houses, harbour scenes and church spires recreate the market town of 1865 in a tranquil seaside garden.
Lovparken
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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
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Historic Gothic church in central Køge featuring an iconic spire, centuries-old interiors, Renaissance woodwork, remarkable maritime artwork, and peaceful churchyard.
Rhododendronparken
1.1 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.
Essential places to dine
Jenners Dockside
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Harborfront Danish dining in a yellow half-timbered house, combining smørrebrød, smoked seafood and sunny terrace views over Køge’s atmospheric old quay.
Chiang Mai Thai Cuisine Restaurant & Take Away
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Authentic Thai cuisine with generous portions on Køge harbour—casual, friendly, and excellent value.
Skippers Dreng
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Casual harbourfront brasserie and bar in Køge, blending Danish comfort food, steaks and brunch with long, relaxed evenings by the waterfront.
Rib House Køge
0.0 km
Casual harborfront steakhouse in Køge serving hearty ribs, grills and buffets in relaxed, family-friendly surroundings by the waterfront.
Bossa Nova
0.1 km
Cozy harborfront restaurant in Køge blending relaxed bossa nova vibes, generous seafood and steaks, candlelit interiors and marina views ideal for slow, lingering meals.
Limone
0.1 km
Harbourfront Italian cooking in Køge, where candlelit tables and marina views meet generous pastas, grilled meats and classic desserts in a warm, relaxed setting.
Siesta Prime Grill
0.1 km
Casual grill house in the centre of Køge serving hearty Mediterranean‑inspired comfort food, ideal for laid‑back lunches, relaxed dinners and social evenings.
Pakhuset Braunstein
0.1 km
Waterfront Danish taphouse in Køge’s harbor, pouring Braunstein craft beers alongside casual food in a light‑filled, architect‑designed social space by the quay.
Halifax Burgers Køge
0.2 km
Casual, contemporary burger hangout on Køge’s cultural square, serving customisable patties, vegan options and drinks with both indoor cosiness and sunny terraces.
Bone's Køge
0.2 km
Family-friendly American BBQ in the heart of Køge, serving generous ribs, burgers and salad bar in a cosy, saloon-inspired setting ideal for relaxed group meals.
Restaurant Kulhuset
0.2 km
Harbourfront steakhouse in Køge where you grill your own cuts at custom tables, pairing hearty meat dishes with marina views and a relaxed social vibe.
Lucky Star
0.3 km
Waterfront sushi and Asian cuisine in Køge's heart, where simplicity meets authentic Japanese flavour.
Restaurant Christiansminde
0.3 km
Traditional Danish and Chinese-inspired comfort cooking in a 19th-century building on Brogade, offering generous portions and a relaxed, old-town Køge atmosphere.
The Green Corner
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Fresh-made bowls, kebabs, and sandwiches in Køge's go-to casual take-away spot.
Odd Fellowgaarden
0.3 km
French‑inspired bistro warmth and homely cooking in a historic Køge townhouse, where homemade bread, hearty plates and a tempting cheese table set the tone for long evenings.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
My Apartment Køge
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A cosy, apartment-inspired fashion boutique in central Køge, blending Scandinavian style, curated brands and a relaxed, home-like shopping atmosphere.
Kings & Queens Køge
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Curated contemporary fashion for young adults in central Køge's vibrant shopping district.
VILA
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A light-filled Scandinavian fashion boutique in Køge’s old town, blending feminine everyday styles with relaxed, modern Nordic design.
NORMAL Køge, Strædet
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A bright, maze-like discount shop in Køge’s Strædet centre, where everyday branded essentials and quirky finds turn a simple errand into a low-cost mini treasure hunt.
JACK & JONES
0.2 km
Straightforward Scandinavian menswear in Køge’s Strædet shopping street, with a strong focus on denim, casual basics and easy everyday style.
Strædet Køge
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Open-air shopping street in the heart of Køge, blending modern Scandinavian retail, cafés and everyday services with the charm of a historic Danish market town.
Miss O
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Contemporary women's fashion in a hidden courtyard boutique at the heart of Køge's historic shopping district.
Uldahl
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A calm, Scandinavian-style women’s boutique in central Køge, offering curated wardrobe pieces, friendly guidance and an unhurried atmosphere on Jernbanegade.
Cosmetics La Boutique
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Køge's premier destination for curated fragrances, skincare, and beauty accessories.
NYSTRUP & ØSKOV
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Intimate women’s fashion boutique in central Køge, offering contemporary Scandinavian style, curated collections and personal styling in a relaxed setting.
Rokkjær-Køge
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A contemporary Scandinavian womenswear boutique on Køge’s historic market square, blending modern style, local brands and a building marked by centuries of town history.
Pioneer V/søren Marsner Hansen
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Owner-led menswear boutique in Køge’s historic center, offering curated Scandinavian-inspired clothing and a calm, personal shopping experience.
Merkur
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Local women’s fashion on Jernbanegade, blending Scandinavian everyday style with the cozy, walkable charm of Køge’s historic town center.
Zizzi - Køge
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Modern Scandinavian plus size fashion in the heart of historic Køge, offering curve-friendly styles, relaxed fitting rooms and personal styling help on Brogade.
Den Blå Dør
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A cosy blue-doored boutique in Køge’s old town, blending Scandinavian interiors, fashion and small everyday luxuries in a colourful, carefully curated setting.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ibsens Pub & Vinbar
0.1 km
Waterfront wine bar and pub where Nordic hospitality meets harbor views and live entertainment.
The Old Irish Pub
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Køge's benchmark for weekend nightlife with live music, cocktails, and authentic Irish pub atmosphere.
Vinbaren Køge
0.2 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.
Den høje stue
0.5 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
0.5 km
Køge's electric nightlife hub where quality drinks meet vibrant DJ sets and dancing until dawn.
RICHTERs Ølstue
0.5 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.
Café Asti
0.6 km
Intimate wine and tapas bar in Køge's heart, where Italian flavors meet European sophistication.
Ellemarkens Bodega Drøvlen
1.2 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.
Grillen
1.5 km
Casual grilled fare in the heart of Køge, open daily for straightforward dining and drinks.
MC 19 Køge
5.7 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.
Bykroen
20.1 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.
Charlie Chaplin
20.2 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.
Vinbaren Muicon
20.3 km
An intimate wine bar in Roskilde’s Musicon district, pairing cozy Nordic warmth with a curated wine list and relaxed, conversation-friendly vibes.
Musicon Mikrobryggeri
20.3 km
Local craft beer, stainless-steel tanks and live music energy in the heart of Roskilde’s creative Musicon district.
Roskilde Bodega
21.3 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
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
- Business Friendly
