“Slaget i Køge Bugt” Monument at Køge Harbour
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.
Down by Køge Harbour, the “Slaget i Køge Bugt” monument marks Denmark’s dramatic naval battles fought in the waters off the bay, particularly the decisive 1677 victory over Sweden and later clashes in 1710 and 1807. Set by the quay at Havnen 23, this sculptural memorial connects the quiet modern harbour with centuries of maritime warfare, inviting you to pause, look out over the water and imagine lines of warships where ferries, fishing boats and yachts now glide.
A brief summary to “Slaget i Køge Bugt”
- Havnen 23, Køge, 4600, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Combine a short stop at the monument with a wider stroll along Køge Harbour to appreciate how close the historic battlefields lie to today’s waterfront.
- Visit in the early evening golden hour for atmospheric light on the water, which helps bring the idea of historic fleets and shifting weather to life.
- Pair the harbour visit with time at a local history museum in Køge on the same day to see artefacts, models and displays related to the battles in the bay.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Regional train and short walk from Copenhagen
From Copenhagen Central Station, take a regional train toward Køge; the journey typically takes 35–45 minutes and runs at least twice an hour during the day. A standard one‑way adult ticket usually falls in the range of 80–110 DKK, depending on discounts and time of purchase. On arrival at Køge Station, expect roughly a 10–15 minute walk on mostly level pavements through the town towards the harbour area around Havnen 23, suitable for most visitors with basic mobility.
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Car from greater Zealand
Travelling by car from other parts of Zealand, allow around 40–60 minutes from central Copenhagen and 60–90 minutes from destinations such as Roskilde or Næstved, depending on traffic. The approach to Køge is via major roads and motorways, and the town has harbour‑area parking zones within walking distance of Havnen 23. Some spaces are time‑limited or fee‑based during weekdays, with hourly rates commonly in the range of 10–20 DKK, so check local signage and be prepared for busy periods on sunny weekends when harbour parking fills quickly.
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Local bus within Køge area
If you are staying in the Køge region, local buses connect residential districts and nearby coastal communities with central Køge and its harbour area in about 10–25 minutes. Single tickets bought on board or via local transport apps usually cost around 24–30 DKK for short journeys. Services run less frequently in the evenings and on Sundays, so check current timetables in advance, and be aware that some stops may require a short, level walk to reach the waterfront near the monument.
“Slaget i Køge Bugt” location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about “Slaget i Køge Bugt”
War Memories on a Peaceful Quay
At Havnen 23, on the working waterfront of Køge, the “Slaget i Køge Bugt” monument stands where the town meets its historic bay. The setting is modest – quays, moored boats and the low hum of harbour life – yet the sculpture points to events that once shook the region. These waters formed the stage for several major clashes between Danish, Norwegian and Swedish fleets, as well as later encounters during the Napoleonic era. Looking from the monument across the bay, it is easy to forget that this calm, shallow stretch was once packed with heavy warships, smoke and splintered timber. The memorial anchors those distant scenes in a specific spot, giving Køge’s harbourfront a quiet but powerful historical focal point.Niels Juel and the 1677 Naval Triumph
The best known of the battles remembered here is the great sea fight of 1–2 July 1677, when Admiral Niels Juel led the Dano‑Norwegian fleet against Sweden in the Scanian War. The engagement unfolded between Stevns and Falsterbo, at the mouth of Køge Bay rather than directly in the harbour, but its outcome shaped the town’s maritime identity for generations. Danish forces secured an overwhelming victory, capturing or sinking multiple Swedish ships and suffering relatively light losses themselves. The monument distils this complicated encounter into a single image and title. Even without detailed text, it signals that these waters were once a strategic frontier, where control of sea lanes, trade and regional power were decided under canvas and cannon fire.Later Battles and the Dannebrog Tragedy
Køge Bay did not exit history after 1677. In 1710 another major sea battle took place here, again pitting Danish and Swedish fleets against each other, and later, in 1807, British and Danish forces clashed on land near Køge during the Gunboat War. Local archives and the nearby museum exhibitions often link these events, highlighting how the town repeatedly found itself close to the front line. One of the most haunting stories associated with the bay is the loss of the ship Dannebrog, which exploded during fighting in the early 18th century. That catastrophe, evoked today in museum displays in town, adds a human dimension to the memorial at the harbour: for every victory etched into national memory, there were crews who never sailed home.A Simple Sculpture with Deep Layers
Physically, the “Slaget i Køge Bugt” memorial is not grand in scale. It is a sculptural marker rather than a towering column, set amidst bollards, masts and the functional structures of the quay. This understatement suits its surroundings. Rather than dominate the harbourfront, it invites you to draw closer, read its title, and then lift your gaze back to the horizon, piecing together fragments of history with the view before you. Because the monument stands in an open public space, you can approach it at any time of day or year. In bright summer light, the water gleams and the memorial feels almost like a punctuation mark on a leisurely harbour stroll. On grey, windy days, when waves slap against the quay, its reference to storms of iron and gunpowder feels more immediate.Harbour Atmosphere and Historical Imagination
The wider harbour around the monument helps bring the past to life. Fishing boats and small craft hint at Køge’s long relationship with the sea, while the industrial edges of the port speak to its continuing economic role. As you stand by the sculpture, you may catch the smell of salt, fuel and seaweed, hear the creak of rigging and the calls of seabirds. This blend of everyday maritime activity and layered history makes the “Slaget i Køge Bugt” spot an evocative pause on any walk through town. It is not a place where you will spend hours, but a compact, free and atmospheric reminder that even quiet corners of a modern harbour can be gateways to some of Denmark’s most dramatic stories.Link in a Chain of Local History
Although the monument stands on its own, it also forms part of a broader local tapestry. Within walking distance you find Køge’s historic streets, churches and museums, where the same battles are explored through artefacts, models and paintings. Seen in that context, the harbour memorial becomes the outdoor counterpart to indoor displays – a point where narrative and landscape meet. Whether you arrive with detailed knowledge of Scandinavian naval history or simply notice the sculpture while exploring the waterfront, this small monument offers a concise introduction to the significance of Køge Bay. It encourages you to imagine sails instead of cranes and cannon fire instead of gulls, before you step back into the present‑day rhythm of the port.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
“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.
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.
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
0.4 km
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
0.5 km
An iconic 19th-century lighthouse at Denmark’s northern tip, famed for panoramic views, migrating birds, and immersive maritime and nature exhibits.
Visit
0.5 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.
Comwell Køge Strand
0.9 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
5.0 km
A soaring timber‑lined footbridge and high‑speed rail hub turning everyday commuting into a slice of contemporary Danish architecture and panoramic landscape.
Vallø Slotskro
6.2 km
Explore Denmark's largest private engine collection and maritime heritage at Maskinrummet in Skagen.
Roskildekrukkerne
21.4 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
21.5 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
21.9 km
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
22.7 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
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
0.3 km
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
0.4 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.
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
0.4 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.
Mindesten for Træskoslaget
0.4 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.
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
0.7 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
0.9 km
Historic Gothic church in central Køge featuring an iconic spire, centuries-old interiors, Renaissance woodwork, remarkable maritime artwork, and peaceful churchyard.
Køge syd mole
1.1 km
Wind, waves and wide horizons on Køge’s southern breakwater, where a simple harbour mole becomes a front-row seat to the ever-changing mood of Køge Bay.
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
0.0 km
Authentic Thai cuisine with generous portions on Køge harbour—casual, friendly, and excellent value.
Skippers Dreng
0.0 km
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
0.3 km
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
0.2 km
A cosy, apartment-inspired fashion boutique in central Køge, blending Scandinavian style, curated brands and a relaxed, home-like shopping atmosphere.
Kings & Queens Køge
0.2 km
Curated contemporary fashion for young adults in central Køge's vibrant shopping district.
VILA
0.2 km
A light-filled Scandinavian fashion boutique in Køge’s old town, blending feminine everyday styles with relaxed, modern Nordic design.
NORMAL Køge, Strædet
0.2 km
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
0.3 km
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
0.3 km
Contemporary women's fashion in a hidden courtyard boutique at the heart of Køge's historic shopping district.
Uldahl
0.3 km
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
0.3 km
Køge's premier destination for curated fragrances, skincare, and beauty accessories.
NYSTRUP & ØSKOV
0.3 km
Intimate women’s fashion boutique in central Køge, offering contemporary Scandinavian style, curated collections and personal styling in a relaxed setting.
Rokkjær-Køge
0.3 km
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
0.3 km
Owner-led menswear boutique in Køge’s historic center, offering curated Scandinavian-inspired clothing and a calm, personal shopping experience.
Merkur
0.3 km
Local women’s fashion on Jernbanegade, blending Scandinavian everyday style with the cozy, walkable charm of Køge’s historic town center.
Zizzi - Køge
0.3 km
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
0.3 km
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
0.1 km
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
0.6 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Flame
0.1 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
0.1 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.
Bloom Nightclub
0.1 km
Late-night harborfront beats and a compact dance floor bring big-night energy to small-city Køge every Friday and Saturday.
Tropicana DC
19.1 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
19.2 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
21.4 km
Roskilde's premier multi-floor nightclub with dual dance spaces, three bars, and DJ-driven energy until dawn.
Garbos Roskilde
21.4 km
Cozy neighborhood nightclub in central Roskilde, blending casual bar vibes with a compact dance floor and late-night weekend energy on Hersegade.
Danseriet
21.8 km
Frivilligdrevet danseklub i Roskilde med stort dansegulv, livebands og hyggelig stemning for danseglade gæster på tværs af aldre og niveauer.
Haven - Events
32.8 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.
KB3
33.1 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at KB3, a lively night club in Vesterbro offering unforgettable music and vibrant experiences.
The Union
33.2 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.
Baggen
33.4 km
Discover the electrifying atmosphere of Baggen, where Copenhagen's nightlife comes alive with vibrant music and unforgettable experiences.
Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub
33.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub, where adult entertainment meets unforgettable performances.
CristalClubCopenhagen
33.5 km
Dive into Copenhagen's nightlife at Cristal Club, where upscale ambiance meets electrifying music and unforgettable experiences.
Vela Lesbian Lgbtq+ NightClub
33.5 km
Experience the inclusive spirit and vibrant nightlife at Vela Lesbian LGBTQ+ Nightclub in Copenhagen, where every night is a celebration of love and diversity.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
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
