Danmarks Sukkermuseum
Discover how humble sugar beet turned Lolland’s rich soil and Nakskov’s factories into Denmark’s ‘white gold’ in this compact, story-filled industrial museum.
Tucked beside the working sugar factory in Nakskov, Danmarks Sukkermuseum unwraps the story of Denmark’s ‘white gold’. In former industrial premises, you explore tools from the sugar beet fields, machinery, photos, films and documents from the nine Danish sugar factories that once powered a major export industry. Exhibits trace the journey from Caribbean cane to Lolland-Falster’s beet fields, weaving technology, labour history and local life into a surprisingly rich, sugar-sweet narrative.
A brief summary to Danmarks Sukkermuseum
- Løjtoftevej 22, Nakskov, 4900, DK
- +4554923644
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Budget
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 1 pm-4 pm
- Wednesday 1 pm-4 pm
- Thursday 1 pm-4 pm
- Friday 1 pm-4 pm
- Saturday 1 pm-4 pm
- Sunday 1 pm-4 pm
Local tips
- Plan your visit for the afternoon, as regular opening hours are typically 13:00–16:00 on selected days and vary by season; always confirm current times in advance.
- Allow extra time to watch the historic films and study the photo displays, which add valuable context to the machinery and field tools on show.
- If you have a strong interest in labour or industrial history, consider combining your visit with other Nakskov museums focused on shipbuilding and local industry.
- The museum is compact and largely indoors, making it a good option for days with unsettled weather on Lolland-Falster.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
Regional train and local bus from larger Zealand cities
From Copenhagen or other major Zealand towns, take a regional train towards Nakskov; the journey from Copenhagen typically takes about 2.5–3 hours with one or two changes and standard second-class fares usually in the range of 200–350 DKK one way, depending on departure time and discounts. From Nakskov Station, connect to a local bus or taxi for a short ride of around 10–15 minutes to the Løjtoftevej area where the museum is located. Trains and buses run year-round but operate less frequently in evenings and on weekends, so it is important to check timetables and allow a buffer to match the museum’s afternoon opening hours.
-
Car from within Lolland-Falster and south Zealand
Travellers already on Lolland-Falster or nearby parts of south Zealand often find driving the most flexible option. From regional hubs such as Rødby, Maribo or Nykøbing Falster, the trip to Nakskov generally takes 25–45 minutes, while from southern Zealand towns north of the Storstrøm bridges it is typically 1.5–2 hours. Fuel and toll costs vary, but you should budget at least 100–250 DKK in total car expenses for a day trip, depending on distance. Roads in this area are mostly flat and easy to navigate in all seasons, though winter conditions can occasionally slow traffic. Parking is usually available near the museum and surrounding industrial area, but spaces can be more limited on busy campaign days when the sugar factory is active.
-
Local bus within Nakskov and nearby villages
If you are staying in Nakskov or a nearby village, local buses provide an affordable way to reach the district around Løjtoftevej. Typical travel times within the town are 10–20 minutes, and single tickets on regional buses usually cost around 20–40 DKK depending on zones and concessions. Services may run less often in the late afternoon, on Sundays and public holidays, so it is wise to plan your outbound and return journeys to match the museum’s roughly three-hour opening window and to avoid long waits between buses.
Danmarks Sukkermuseum location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Cold Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Danmarks Sukkermuseum
From Caribbean Cane to Lolland Beet
Danmarks Sukkermuseum sits on Lolland, an island whose fertile soil helped transform sugar from a colonial luxury into a cornerstone of Danish industry. Inside, the story begins far from Nakskov, with sugar cane plantations in the former Danish West Indies and the trade networks that brought raw sugar to Europe. The narrative then shifts to 1917, when Denmark sold its Caribbean islands and had to rethink how to sweeten the nation. Here you learn how sugar beet, perfectly suited to Lolland-Falster’s rich earth and cool climate, became the solution. Displays explain why beet thrived where cane could not, and how this agricultural pivot reshaped daily life for farmers, seasonal labourers and factory workers. Large maps, archival images and concise texts connect global politics, trade and technology to the fields just outside.Machines, ‘White Gold’ and Nine Factories
The core of the museum is its detailed look at the nine sugar factories that once operated across Denmark. Photographs, models and salvaged machinery show how raw beets were washed, sliced, cooked and crystallised into sugar. You can trace the process step by step, from arrival at the factory yard to gleaming sacks of refined “white gold”. Panels describe how these factories grew into one of the country’s most important export ventures, fueling jobs, infrastructure and entire company towns. At Nakskov, Denmark’s largest sugar factory still looms nearby, and the museum uses this proximity to illustrate the link between past and present production. Old control panels, tools and safety equipment offer a tangible sense of how it felt to work in a noisy, hot, tightly choreographed industrial world.Life in the Beet Fields
Beyond machines and output, the museum delves into the human side of beet cultivation. A substantial part of the exhibition focuses on the labour-intensive work in the fields, where weeding, thinning and harvesting were once done largely by hand. Tools with worn handles, work clothes and simple household items sketch the everyday reality of those who depended on seasonal beet work. One particularly compelling thread follows the so-called Polish beet girls, migrant workers who travelled to Lolland-Falster for the harvest. Photographs and texts recount their journeys, contracts and living conditions, placing local agriculture within a wider European migration story. This social history adds depth, showing how sugar bound together people from different regions and backgrounds.Images, Film Reels and Sweet Artefacts
Visual material plays a major role in bringing the story to life. Historic films show the clatter of conveyor belts, steam rising from chimneys and the rhythm of factory shifts. Enlarged black-and-white photographs capture beet-laden wagons, proud factory facades and workers posing in their Sunday best. Together they create a vivid sense of a community defined by sugar. Scattered among the industrial relics are smaller, unexpected objects: branded tins, packaging, and even intricate pieces carved from sugar itself. These details highlight sugar’s place not only in heavy industry but also in everyday kitchens, festive tables and gift culture. The contrast between hard, greasy machinery and delicate sugar sculptures underlines just how many forms this commodity can take.A Compact, Accessible Visit in Industrial Surroundings
The museum occupies a modest indoor space close to the active factory, so the visit feels focused rather than overwhelming. It is easy to move at your own pace, pausing at displays that catch your interest or following the process from field to factory in order. Clear explanations and bilingual material make the technical aspects understandable even if you lack an engineering background. Accessible facilities and a stair lift help visitors with reduced mobility, and the scale of the exhibition means you can explore thoroughly in a single afternoon. Outside, the surrounding industrial landscape and the smell of the nearby factory during campaign season reinforce what you have just learned. By the time you step back out, a teaspoon of sugar in your coffee will feel like the end of a much longer, more complicated journey.Linking Local Stories to the Wider World
Danmarks Sukkermuseum ultimately functions as both local and national history. For Nakskov and Lolland-Falster, beet and sugar factories shaped employment, housing and identity for generations. For Denmark as a whole, the shift from colonial cane to domestic beet mirrors broader changes in trade, agriculture and technology. The museum’s strength lies in showing how all these layers fit together: geography and soil conditions, global politics, industrial innovation and the lives of ordinary workers. It is a place where heavy machines, fragile photographs and simple hand tools collectively explain how something as familiar as sugar could play such a decisive role in shaping a region and a country.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Ravnsby Bakker
15.3 km
Rolling hills and ancient monuments where glacial history meets contemporary art on Denmark's flattest island.
FEMERN BÆLT Fehmarnbelt HOLZPLATFORM
24.5 km
Lang, skulpturel udsigtsrampe i stål og træ med fri panoramaudsigt til Femern Bælt-tunnelen og Lollands åbne kystlandskab – gratis og åben året rundt.
Tranekær Castle
26.5 km
A red-plastered island fortress turned noble family home, Tranekær Castle crowns a hat-shaped hill on Langeland, blending medieval power, romance and working estate life.
Langdyssen "Kong Humbles Grav"
28.2 km
A 55‑metre Stone Age long dolmen in the fields north of Humble, where legend, prehistoric engineering and soft Langeland landscapes meet in quiet simplicity.
Holiday Lolland - Old farm
39.3 km
Experience the charm of rural Denmark at Holiday Lolland - Old Farm, a serene bed and breakfast near Nysted offering cozy accommodations, local cuisine, and a gateway to Lolland's beauty.
Erik's Tail
39.5 km
Discover the serene beauty and historic charm of Erik's Tail, a picturesque peninsula on Ærø Island.
Monument for Danske Sømænd
40.3 km
A modest harbourfront memorial in Marstal that quietly honours generations of Danish sailors who left this island port and never returned from the sea.
Marstal Havn og Marina
40.3 km
Experience the serene beauty and rich maritime heritage at Marstal Havn og Marina, a picturesque seaport in the heart of Denmark.
Marstal Søfartsmuseum
40.3 km
Vividly exploring Denmark’s maritime legacy, Marstal Søfartsmuseum immerses visitors in seafaring tales, model ships, and the living spirit of Ærø’s nautical heritage.
Fehmarn
40.4 km
Discover Fehmarn: Germany's sunniest island, offering stunning beaches, thrilling water sports, rich history, and a unique Baltic Sea escape for every traveler.
Aero Hotel
41.1 km
Experience modern comfort at Ærø Hotel, the largest hotel on Ærø Island, nestled in the historic maritime town of Marstal.
Labyrint Lolland-Falster
41.3 km
Get lost in nature's embrace at Labyrint Lolland-Falster, where adventure awaits around every corner in this enchanting maze of fun, challenges, and unforgettable memories.
Nysted Havn
41.8 km
Discover the idyllic charm of Nysted Havn, a historic harbor town on Lolland's south coast, offering scenic beauty, maritime history, and authentic Danish experiences.
Nysted Strand Camping
42.3 km
Experience coastal bliss at Nysted Strand Camping: Family-friendly fun, stunning scenery, and sustainable practices on the beautiful island of Lolland, Denmark.
Strandbyen Havn
42.4 km
Charming marina at Marstal on Ærø, where historic Danish seafaring tradition meets vibrant harbor life amid scenic coastal views and island tranquility.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Old Print Shop
0.7 km
A compact working print museum in central Nakskov where clattering presses, metal type and local traditions keep the craft of letterpress alive.
Vandtårnet I Nakskov
0.9 km
Scenic beach and park on Lolland’s north coast, Bandholm Strand offers classic Danish bathing, iconic pier views, and peaceful moments by the Baltic Sea.
Nakskov Fjord Camping
3.8 km
Beachfront family camping with fjord views, heated pools, and direct beach access near Nakskov.
Nakskov Fjord
4.0 km
Denmark's island-rich fjord where medieval heritage meets pristine waters and Nordic adventure.
Halsted Priory
5.1 km
Historic manor and former Benedictine priory on Lolland, where riverside parkland, a Neo‑Gothic hall and a medieval church trace centuries of Danish history.
Vindeholme
10.0 km
Early 20th‑century manor in Lolland’s linden woods, offering exclusive stays, celebrations and retreats a short stroll from the Baltic shoreline.
Reventlow-Museet Pederstrup
10.2 km
An 18th-century aristocratic estate where Enlightenment ideals and sensory history come alive in a romantic Lolland setting.
Frederiksdal Kirsebærvin
10.6 km
Denmark's pioneering cherry wine estate where ancient winemaking traditions meet Nordic terroir.
Peter Hansens Have
11.0 km
An expansive private botanical garden on Vestlolland, where lakes, woodland paths and a vast plant collection create a tranquil green escape near Nakskov.
Lupinmark
12.0 km
A simple Lolland farm field turned into a shimmering sea of lupins, where color, scent and wide-open skies create a brief but unforgettable countryside pause.
Glentehøj
15.3 km
Discover Glentehøj, Lolland’s ancient Bronze Age burial mound, set amid peaceful countryside—an evocative window into prehistoric Denmark’s mysterious past.
Dodekalitten
15.6 km
Explore the Baroque splendor and vibrant gardens of Gavnø Castle, a historic gem in South Zealand, Denmark.
Railroad Museum Maribo-Bandholm
21.3 km
Step into a living slice of Danish railway history at Bandholm’s preserved station, where vintage trains, period details and coastal scenery meet on Lolland.
Bandholm Badehotel
21.5 km
Historic seaside hotel on Lolland’s quiet north coast, blending classic Danish badehotel charm, Nordic spa rituals and regionally inspired gastronomy by the Småland Sea.
Scandinavian owl center
21.6 km
A quiet, owl-focused wildlife center on Lolland, where close encounters and clear storytelling reveal the hidden lives of Scandinavia’s nocturnal hunters.
Essential places to dine
Mamartut Nakskov
0.4 km
Inventive Nordic dining in Nakskov, where Greenlandic inspiration meets local Lolland ingredients in an intimate, design-conscious restaurant on Østre Boulevard.
Madamblå
0.9 km
No‑frills Danish grill and chicken joint on Nakskov’s harborfront, serving hearty classics like burgers, hot dogs and pølsemix in a casual, everyday setting.
Gonzalez Feilberg i Nakskov
0.9 km
Refined, produce‑focused Danish cuisine in an intimate, candlelit dining room overlooking Nakskov’s Axeltorv – ideal for lingering lunches, date nights and small celebrations.
Restaurant Sarajevo
0.9 km
Hearty Bosnian grill and steaks in a relaxed Nakskov neighborhood setting, blending Balkan warmth with Danish everyday comfort at moderate prices.
Café Bita
1.0 km
Casual, centrally located café-restaurant on Nakskov’s Axeltorv square, serving hearty, good-value plates in a relaxed, unpretentious setting from lunch through evening.
Skovridergården Hotel & Restaurant
1.0 km
Leafy parkland, hearty Danish cooking and simple hotel comfort meet at this traditional retreat on the tranquil outskirts of Nakskov on western Lolland.
Restaurant Fjorden
3.8 km
Relaxed, fjordside dining at Hestehovedet in Nakskov, where seasonal Danish dishes meet open water views and an easygoing coastal atmosphere.
Langø Grill & Fiskebar
8.7 km
Relaxed harbourfront fish bar in a red seaside house, serving local catches, gourmet fish & chips and burgers with wide-open views over Langø’s working harbour.
Brasseriet Søllestedgaard
8.7 km
Farm-to-table dining where biodynamic gardens meet craft brewery in rural Denmark.
Restaurant "Den Fuldkomne Fisker"
12.0 km
Inventive coastal cuisine on the wild edge of Lolland, where local ingredients, “lopas” tapas and warm hospitality turn dinner into a countryside escape.
Thorlins spisested
14.1 km
Cosy farm-to-table dining and a well-stocked gårdbutik on rural Lolland, where local meats, charcuterie and preserves showcase the flavours of the surrounding fields.
Den gamle Digegaard
14.1 km
Thatched charm and Baltic views on Lolland's quiet southern coast
Restaurant Strandgården
14.6 km
Casual seaside dining on Lolland’s south coast, where classic Danish dishes, local fish and an ice-cream café meet Baltic views, dike walks and mini-golf fun.
Restaurant B
22.8 km
Intimate French-inspired bistro in central Maribo, serving hearty European classics, generous portions and relaxed, candlelit dinners on Vesterbrogade.
Restaurant Bangs Have
23.1 km
Historic 1911 lake pavilion on Maribo Søerne, serving classic Danish cuisine and seasonal menus with sweeping views of the water and surrounding woodland.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Fair Trade Lolland
0.9 km
Cosy fair-trade and gift shop on Nakskov’s main street, connecting Lolland’s shoppers with handmade crafts, ethical gifts and global stories from the Global South.
Tallulah
21.8 km
A small, stylish women’s boutique on Rødby’s main street, pairing Scandinavian-inspired fashion with relaxed, personal service on the island of Lolland.
JYSK
22.8 km
Scandinavian home furnishings and interior design in a bright, welcoming retail environment.
TIPPY
23.2 km
Cozy women’s fashion boutique on Maribo’s main street, offering Scandinavian everyday style and a calm indoor pause amid the town’s historic centre.
Red Cross Op Shop
23.2 km
Community-driven Red Cross thrift shop in central Maribo, where sustainable bargains, friendly volunteers and humanitarian purpose meet on a cosy Danish high street.
ANGELCENTRUM LANGELAND
23.3 km
ANGELCENTRUM LANGELAND is Langeland’s top angling center, offering fishing gear, fresh bait, expert advice, and boat rentals near Spodsbjerg Harbor.
Guldsmed Kelø
23.3 km
A traditional Maribo goldsmith where Danish craftsmanship, timeless design and everyday town life meet in an intimate jewellery boutique on Vestergade.
Modehjørnet
23.3 km
A small-town Maribo clothing boutique offering everyday Scandinavian style, personal service, and a relaxed shopping pause in the heart of Vestergade.
Antik Borella
23.4 km
Rural Lolland’s 275 m² farmhouse antique gallery, blending Scandinavian design, chandeliers and porcelain with three decades of expert curation at Krusegaard.
Leonora
23.5 km
A small, relaxed fashion boutique in central Maribo, offering Scandinavian-inspired everyday clothing and accessories in a calm, personal setting.
Mothers' Aid Op Shop
23.5 km
Affordable secondhand children's essentials supporting Maribo's family community.
Broderimagasinet
23.6 km
A cosy yarn and embroidery shop in central Maribo, where colourful skeins, fabrics and patterns offer hands-on inspiration for creative travellers and local makers.
Casa Bohr
23.7 km
A small, thoughtfully curated gift shop in central Maribo, where Nordic homeware, cozy details and slow-browsing ambience turn souvenir hunting into design discovery.
Hobbydillen
23.7 km
Small, independent hobby shop in Maribo’s Lollands Centret, specializing in paper craft and cardmaking supplies for everyday creativity and personal handmade projects.
Legekæden
23.7 km
A compact, colorful toy store in Maribo’s Lollandscentret, offering classic games, creative play and convenient gift shopping for families on Lolland.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Café Cosmo
0.5 km
Live music, karaoke, and Danish hygge on Nakskov's vibrant Østre Boulevard.
Bodega Guldhornet
0.8 km
Classic Danish bodega in central Nakskov, where cold beer, sports on screen and a well-used billiard table create an easygoing local hangout.
Anne's Bodega
0.9 km
Down-to-earth neighborhood bodega in central Nakskov, serving cold beers, local camaraderie and classic Danish pub atmosphere late into the evening.
Sports Baren
1.0 km
Lively local sports bar on Nakskov’s Axeltorv, pouring cold beer, showing big matches and serving simple bar bites late into the weekend night.
Valhall
21.8 km
Casual neighbourhood bar in central Rødby, serving cold beers and simple drinks from late morning to evening in a friendly, small-town Lolland atmosphere.
Paa Drejet Beach Bar
23.0 km
Laid-back beach bar and grill by Drejet Beach on Langeland, pairing sea air, sand and simple comfort food in the heart of Spodsbjerg’s holiday‑home area.
Bodega Slap A
23.4 km
Casual waterfront bar in Rødby's harbor district—a relaxed social hub for drinks and dining.
Bodega Overfarten
23.4 km
Harborfront Danish bodega in Rødby, where locals, ferry workers and travelers share cold beers and warm conversation steps from the working port.
Pillen Maribo
23.4 km
Casual Danish pub in historic Maribo—authentic local atmosphere, extended weekend hours, perfect for evening socializing.
Munk Stuen
23.5 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Maribo, serving classic drinks and local atmosphere just a short stroll from the town’s cathedral and lakeside paths.
City Rock
23.7 km
Maribo's lively brasserie and arcade bar where locals gather for craft drinks, pub classics, and vintage gaming.
Basicbigband
29.4 km
Local big band headquarters in a quiet Rudkøbing neighbourhood, where brass, reeds and rhythm bring Langeland’s intimate jazz scene to life on select evenings.
Langelands Jazzklub
29.4 km
Tiny island jazz hub in Rudkøbing, blending close-up concerts, seasonal outdoor gigs and decades of Danish jazz heritage in a warm, community-run setting.
No. 10
30.2 km
Cozy, adults‑only lounge bar in a former butcher’s shop, serving Champagne, craft beer and cocktails with island hygge and a colourful courtyard in central Rudkøbing.
Kasket karl
30.3 km
A classic Rudkøbing bodega where locals gather for cold beer, warm conversation, and an authentic slice of island everyday life from morning to late evening.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Industrial
- Landmarks
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
