Mindesten for Peder Bodilsen
Denmark's smallest equestrian statue honors the visionary founder of Næstved on historic Munkebakken hill.
A bronze equestrian statue honoring Peder Bodilsen, the legendary founder of Næstved, stands as Denmark's smallest equestrian monument. Unveiled in 1935 during the city's 800-year jubilee, this 42-centimeter sculpture captures the noble nobleman who established the medieval settlement. Located on Munkebakken hill, the memorial blends historical significance with intimate scale, offering visitors a quiet moment of reflection on the city's origins and the visionary leadership that shaped South Zealand's development.
A brief summary to Mindesten for Peder Bodilsen
- Slægtsten, Farimagsvej 40, Næstved, 4700, DK
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early morning or late afternoon for softer light that enhances the bronze patina and creates excellent photography conditions without crowds.
- Explore the surrounding Munkebakken area, which features multiple memorials and sculptures, creating a comprehensive historical walk through South Zealand's past.
- The modest 42-centimeter scale rewards close observation—step near to appreciate the craftsmanship in details like the horse's musculature and decorative saddle elements.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions in Næstved's historic center, located within walking distance, to experience the city's medieval heritage comprehensively.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Bus
Regional buses serve Næstved with regular connections from Copenhagen and other South Zealand towns. Journey times from Copenhagen range from 60–90 minutes depending on the route. Buses arrive at Næstved Station, from which Munkebakken is approximately 800 meters north on foot, taking 10–12 minutes. Fares vary by distance; typical regional fares range from 80–150 Danish kroner. Service operates daily with reduced frequency on Sundays.
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Private Car
Næstved is accessible via the E4 motorway from Copenhagen, approximately 60 kilometers south, requiring 50–70 minutes depending on traffic. Street parking is available throughout the Munkebakken area and nearby residential streets at no charge. The memorial site itself has no dedicated parking lot; use public parking areas within 100–200 meters of the location. Parking is free and unrestricted in most surrounding streets.
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Train
Direct train service connects Copenhagen Central Station to Næstved Station on the South Zealand Line, with journey times of approximately 50–65 minutes. Trains operate hourly during peak times and every 2 hours off-peak. Single fares from Copenhagen range from 120–180 Danish kroner depending on time of booking. From Næstved Station, Munkebakken is a 10–12 minute walk northward through the city center.
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Bicycle
Næstved is well-served by regional cycling routes, with dedicated cycle paths connecting to Copenhagen and surrounding towns. The city center and Munkebakken are easily navigable by bicycle. Bike rental services operate in central Næstved, with daily rates typically 80–120 Danish kroner. The terrain is flat to gently rolling, suitable for casual cyclists.
Mindesten for Peder Bodilsen location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Mindesten for Peder Bodilsen
A Founder Immortalized in Bronze
Peder Bodilsen stands as one of medieval Denmark's most influential figures, and his legacy is preserved in this remarkable bronze equestrian statue on Munkebakken. The sculpture, measuring just 42 centimeters in height, earned the affectionate title "Danmarks Mindste Rytterstatue"—Denmark's Smallest Equestrian Monument. Despite its diminutive size, the work carries immense historical weight, commemorating the nobleman who founded Næstved and shaped the trajectory of South Zealand for centuries to come. Bodilsen's vision transformed a modest settlement into a thriving medieval town. As a landowner and administrator of considerable influence, he recognized the strategic and commercial potential of the location and invested his resources and authority to establish what would become one of Denmark's significant urban centers. His foresight in urban development and his role in the region's prosperity earned him a place of honor in the city's collective memory.The Monument's Jubilee Origins
The statue was unveiled in 1935, a moment of great civic pride when Næstved celebrated its 800-year anniversary. Rather than erect a towering monument, the city chose to commission a modest yet dignified bronze sculpture that reflects both the founder's stature and the intimate connection between the community and its origins. The decision to create an equestrian statue—a traditional form reserved for figures of exceptional importance—underscores Bodilsen's enduring significance in Danish history. The placement on Munkebakken, a hill with its own layered history, creates a symbolic geography of remembrance. The location itself has become a gathering point for multiple memorials and sculptures, transforming the hillside into an open-air museum of South Zealand's past. The surrounding landscape provides context and contemplative space, allowing visitors to reflect on the centuries that have unfolded since Bodilsen's era.Artistic Craftsmanship and Historical Resonance
The bronze medium chosen for this sculpture ensures both durability and a warm, approachable aesthetic. Bronze develops a natural patina over decades, creating visual depth and a sense of timelessness that suits a historical monument. The equestrian pose—with rider and horse captured in a moment of noble bearing—conveys authority without aggression, reflecting the administrative and visionary qualities that defined Bodilsen's leadership. Visitors approaching the statue encounter not merely a sculpture but a tangible connection to the medieval world. The craftsmanship evident in the details—the horse's musculature, the rider's posture, the decorative elements of saddle and bridle—speaks to the artisan's respect for the subject and the patron's commitment to quality. This attention to detail transforms a small bronze figure into a window onto a distant era.A Quiet Space for Historical Reflection
The memorial functions as more than a tourist attraction; it serves as a place of civic identity and historical continuity. For residents of Næstved, the statue represents the city's proud heritage and the enduring legacy of its founder. For visitors, it offers an accessible entry point into medieval Danish history and the stories of individual visionaries who shaped the nation's urban landscape. The modest scale of the monument invites close observation and personal interpretation. Unlike grand monuments designed to overwhelm through sheer size, this sculpture encourages visitors to step near, examine details, and engage imaginatively with the figure it represents. The intimacy of the work creates an unexpected emotional resonance, transforming a small bronze figure into a powerful symbol of historical continuity and civic pride.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Næstved Station
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Explore the evolution of Danish and international design at Copenhagen's historic Designmuseum Danmark.
Visit Sydsjælland & Møn
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Discover the stunning landscapes and rich culture of Sydsjælland & Møn, a unique Danish destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Hans-Jørgen Færks Plads
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Medieval market town square where Danish history, culture, and modern commerce converge in southern Zealand.
Genforeningssten i Saltø Skov
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A granite memorial stone marking Denmark's 1920 reunification with South Jutland, standing at a forest crossroads near Næstved.
Genforeningssten i Næstelsø
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Experience the vibrant history and charm of Copenhagen's iconic Nyhavn waterfront.
Mindesten for Hans Tausen
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Gammeltorv
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Copenhagen's 12th-century heart: Renaissance fountain, Neoclassical facades, and Strøget buzz in one timeless square.
Vandtrappen
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Rytterstatue af Christian IX
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Køge Å
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Vallø Slotskro
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Vallø Castle
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Kong Slags Dysse
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Nyord
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Køge Fælles Jord
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Unmissable attractions to see
Slægtsten
0.0 km
Næstved’s former barracks transformed into a dynamic cultural center, hosting concerts, exhibitions, festivals, and community events in historic surroundings.
NæstvedArkiverne
0.2 km
Explore the documentary heart of Næstved, where municipal records, local stories and digital archives preserve centuries of South Zealand’s everyday history.
Vægmaleri
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Experience Danish heritage and contemporary art amid tranquil parkland at Rønnebæksholm, Næstved’s historic manor turned vibrant cultural hub.
Monument for Krigen i 1864 - Næstved
0.3 km
A modest town-centre memorial where Næstved quietly honours its fallen soldiers from the wars of 1848–50 and 1864 amid a pocket of greenery off Østergade.
Befrielsessten i Næstved
0.4 km
A modest granite liberation stone in Næstved’s former cavalry barracks, framed by cannons and culture, quietly honouring Denmark’s freedom in 1945.
Grønnegades Kaserne Kulturcenter
0.4 km
Historic cavalry barracks turned vibrant cultural village with concert halls, theatre, galleries and a family‑friendly atmosphere in the heart of Næstved.
The Violin Girl
0.5 km
A life-size bronze musician bringing a moment of quiet poetry to Næstved’s busy Købmagergade, where everyday city life meets intimate public art.
Slagkilden
0.5 km
A modest memorial stone on Næstved’s edge, Slagkilden turns a former spring and a golden wedding in 1864 into a quiet pause of history in the greenery.
Næstved Museum
0.5 km
Compact town museum in historic Næstved, tracing South Zealand’s journey from archaeological finds and medieval streets to Holmegaard glass and modern everyday life.
Museum Sydøstdanmark
0.6 km
Regional museum in Næstved’s historic heart, weaving archaeology, medieval town life and design heritage into an accessible story of South-East Zealand.
Boderne
0.6 km
Medieval merchants’ stalls reborn as an intimate showcase of Kähler ceramics, Holmegaard glass and South Zealand craftsmanship in the heart of old Næstved.
Medicinsk-historisk Museum
0.7 km
A small 1817 hospital turned medical time capsule, showcasing instruments, stories and healing plants that trace the evolution of healthcare in Næstved and beyond.
Mindesten for A. M. Kristensen
0.8 km
Explore Borgnakke Skov: A historic Danish forest with panoramic fjord views and ancient burial mounds.
Næstved Automobil, Nostalgi og Samler museum .
0.9 km
Step into 3,400 m² of classic cars, two‑wheelers and 1950s shopfronts at Næstved’s nostalgic automobile museum on the edge of South Zealand.
Rådmandshaven
0.9 km
Tranquil riverside meadows and woodland paths just behind Næstved’s town buildings, offering easy walks, open lawns and calm Suså River views steps from the centre.
Essential places to dine
Pronto
0.1 km
Thin-crust pizza, hearty pasta and relaxed Italian comfort food at a compact, takeaway-focused neighborhood favorite in central Næstved.
Café & Bar - Fenomeno (Næstved)
0.1 km
Central Næstved café‑bar serving burgers, pasta and drinks in a relaxed, all‑day setting just steps from the station.
Min´s Cooking Næstved
0.1 km
Cosy Thai kitchen in a quiet Næstved corner, serving fragrant curries and wok-fresh favourites tailored for easy weeknight comfort and generous takeaway feasts.
Ristorante Italia
0.1 km
Longstanding Italian favourite by Næstved Station, serving pizzas, pastas and hearty grills in a warm, family-friendly setting since 1989.
Il Ponte
0.2 km
Næstved's authentic wood-fired pizzeria serving hand-crafted Italian pizza with crispy crusts and quality toppings.
Broadway Burgers
0.2 km
Flame-grilled comfort in central Næstved, serving generous American-style burgers, fries and dips in a relaxed, no-fuss setting on busy Jernbanegade.
Pizza Special
0.2 km
Authentic pizzas and grilled favorites in casual Næstved comfort.
MA TEO Madbar Næstved
0.2 km
Authentic Neapolitan pizza and Italian cuisine in the heart of Næstved's dining scene.
Restaurant Flammen
0.2 km
Hearty all‑you‑can‑eat grill buffet behind copper walls in central Næstved, bringing families, friends and groups together for relaxed, generous evening dining.
Crazy Sushi
0.3 km
Colorful conveyor‑belt sushi and warm Asian bites in a casual all‑you‑can‑eat setting right on Næstved’s central Jernbanegade.
Balkan Gril Næstved
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Unfussy Balkan-style grilling and hearty plates served in a relaxed, town-centre restaurant on Ramsherred in Næstved.
Peppes
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Cozy, centrally located Italian restaurant in Næstved serving hearty pizzas, classic pasta dishes and wine in an intimate, 35-seat setting ideal for relaxed meals.
VINBAREN
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Cosy, candlelit wine bar in central Næstved, pairing a curated wine list with relaxed, shareable tapas in an intimate, living room–style setting.
Konya Kebab
0.3 km
Casual Turkish kebabs and pizzas in central Næstved, open late and ideal for a quick, budget‑friendly bite between shopping, sightseeing or a night out.
Tap & Vin
0.3 km
Cosy central Næstved tapas bar pairing generous sharing boards with a wide by-the-glass wine list in warm, candlelit surroundings.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Arabisk Butik
0.2 km
Compact Middle Eastern–inspired grocery in central Næstved, packed with spices, rice, fresh produce and everyday essentials for curious cooks and locals alike.
Frelsens Hær Næstved
0.3 km
A modest, community-focused Salvation Army thrift shop in central Næstved, where second-hand finds support local social work and everyday Danish life.
Kelz0r Næstved
0.3 km
Specialist trading card and collectibles shop in Næstved's town center serving enthusiasts and collectors.
Linie 2
0.4 km
A compact, Scandinavian-style clothing boutique in the heart of Næstved, offering curated, wearable fashion in a calm, personal shopping atmosphere.
Femilet
0.4 km
Specialist lingerie and loungewear boutique in central Næstved, offering expert fitting, Scandinavian comfort and elegant essentials for everyday wear.
Karabulut
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A compact, no‑frills neighborhood store on Torvestræde in central Næstved, ideal for quick snacks and everyday essentials between sights and errands.
TIPPY NÆSTVED
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Contemporary women's fashion in the heart of Næstved's downtown shopping district.
Bog & idé Langes Boghandel - Næstved
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Generations of books, games, and gifts in the heart of historic Næstved.
Marie-Lou Næstved
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Intimate women’s fashion boutique in central Næstved, blending Scandinavian style, curated brands and a relaxed, personal shopping experience on Torvestræde.
Antikvariatet I Næstved v/Steffen Jensen
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South Zealand's premier antiquarian bookshop with 10,000 rare volumes and expert guidance.
Butik ØLUND
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Slow fashion boutique in central Næstved with curated Scandinavian brands, timeless designs and personal styling in an intimate, minimalist setting.
Johs. Clausen Næstved
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Classic women’s fashion and lingerie on Næstved’s central square, offering quality European brands, attentive service, and a relaxed boutique atmosphere on Hjultorv.
World Of Danish Design Aps
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A compact, curated showroom in central Næstved dedicated to classic and contemporary Danish furniture, blending vintage originals with thoughtfully chosen new design.
INTERSPORT Seiffert Næstved
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Central Næstved sports store on Hjultorv, offering practical gear, expert shoe fitting and everyday activewear for locals and visitors alike.
come OUT LETs shop - Næstved
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Compact central Næstved outlet where changing stock, simple surroundings and everyday prices turn a quick browse into a small-town treasure hunt.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Birk´s Bar
0.2 km
Næstved's authentic neighborhood pub where community, billiards, and genuine hospitality thrive.
Champagne Riget
0.3 km
Næstved's premier champagne bar where curated bubbles meet refined gastronomy in elegant surroundings.
Cheers
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Næstved's cozy social hub where genuine Danish hospitality meets lively evening atmosphere.
Step Inn I / S
0.3 km
Long‑running Irish pub in central Næstved, blending cosy wooden interiors, sociable pints and late‑night weekend vibes on historic Ramsherred.
Landsby Pubben
0.3 km
A classic Næstved "værtshus" with cold beer, billiards and a lived-in charm that turns a simple drink into a slice of local everyday life.
Bodega Dueslaget
0.3 km
Traditional Danish neighborhood bodega in Næstved, serving cold beers, simple drinks and plenty of local atmosphere from morning until late on weekends.
Grønvej 2 Næstved ApS
0.3 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bodega in Næstved serving cold beer, simple spirits and everyday local atmosphere on a quiet side street off the town’s commercial core.
Bar z
0.4 km
Cosy late-night bar in central Næstved, blending easygoing drinks, music and a compact club vibe on weekend evenings along historic Ramsherred.
Sct. Jørgens Jazzklub
0.4 km
Volunteer-run jazz club in Næstved’s historic barracks courtyard, hosting intimate live concerts in the cosy Musikstalden hall at Grønnegades Kaserne Kulturcenter.
The Beach
0.4 km
Næstved's vibrant karaoke bar where everyone becomes a star in a tropical-themed celebration of music and community.
The Old Irish Pub
0.4 km
Authentic Irish pub energy in central Næstved, open late Friday and Saturday with live music and draught beer.
La Boutique
0.5 km
Elegant wine bar and bottle shop on Næstved’s Axeltorv, where curated wines, fine spirits and gourmet details turn a simple drink into a small celebration.
Underhuset
0.5 km
A classic Danish bodega on Næstved’s Axeltorv, blending cosy wood-panel charm, cold beer and local live music into a friendly town-square living room.
Humle Ølbar
0.7 km
Cosy craft beer bar in central Næstved, pairing a rotating selection of Danish and international brews with intimate, hygge‑rich surroundings.
Sluk Efter
0.7 km
Unpretentious local pub on Kindhestegade in central Næstved, pouring cold beers and simple drinks in a cozy, social setting from midday to late night.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Avenue Næstved
0.2 km
Lively nightspot and flexible event hall in central Næstved, mixing dancefloor energy, festive dinners, stand-up comedy and themed parties under one roof.
Crazy Daisy Næstved
0.3 km
High‑energy weekend nightclub in central Næstved, packing loud beats, flashing lights and a late‑night local crowd into a compact, classic Danish town‑club setting.
Swingergaarden
29.0 km
Discreet countryside swingers club near Slagelse, offering themed adult nights, intimate play spaces and a rules-based, consent-focused environment for open-minded guests.
Bloom Nightclub
36.4 km
Late-night harborfront beats and a compact dance floor bring big-night energy to small-city Køge every Friday and Saturday.
The Flame
36.4 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
36.4 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.
Loke MC - Helheim
37.1 km
Rural Danish biker clubhouse with Norse-mythology flair, offering intimate late-night gatherings, loud rock playlists and a no-frills bar far from mainstream nightlife.
Tropicana DC
47.2 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
47.2 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.
Rytmisk Musikforening Steps Ahead
48.5 km
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Danseriet
49.5 km
Frivilligdrevet danseklub i Roskilde med stort dansegulv, livebands og hyggelig stemning for danseglade gæster på tværs af aldre og niveauer.
Dansebar Roskilde
49.7 km
Roskilde's premier multi-floor nightclub with dual dance spaces, three bars, and DJ-driven energy until dawn.
Garbos Roskilde
49.8 km
Cozy neighborhood nightclub in central Roskilde, blending casual bar vibes with a compact dance floor and late-night weekend energy on Hersegade.
FUND BAR
51.3 km
Experience Nykøbing Falster’s vibrant nightlife at FUND BAR, a modern smoke-free bar offering creative cocktails, craft beer, and waterfront ambiance near Lolland.
Første sted
51.8 km
Compact, music-driven nightclub on central Slotsgade, offering an intimate, local slice of Nykøbing Falster’s late-night dancing and drinks scene.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly