Nykøbing Sjælland: Culture, Town History and Nature

Nykøbing Sjælland combines town history and museums with public art, a harbour and paths through the town and forest. If you are looking for a hotel in Nykøbing Sjælland, you can tailor your stay to your interests: the oldest parts of the church date from around 1225, while museums and town passageways offer further insights into the history and culture of the town and Odsherred. Paths along the fjord and Grønnehave Skov are also options to consider when planning your trip.

Town history and art around town

The oldest parts of Nykøbing Sjælland Church date from around 1225. At the time, the nave and chancel were built using the then-new technique of fired bricks. The churchyard also tells the story of the town: its surviving grave monuments document the history of the town in the 19th century, its families and professions that have now almost disappeared.

Nine town passageways connect Algade with the surrounding neighbourhoods. Individually designed artworks make them an art experience away from the pedestrian street; access to this experience is free. The passageways therefore offer a different perspective on art in the urban environment than a visit to a museum.

The Odsherred Museum presents cultural history exhibitions covering different eras in Odsherred, from antiquity to modern tourism. A replica of the Sun Chariot is also on display at the museum in the centre of Nykøbing Sjælland. The museum offers summer activities for children, and a museum shop and a small café round out the offerings.

Museums and architectural history

The permanent exhibitions at the Hempel Glass Museum include historic glass, a modern glass collection and the Heering glass collection. There are also sculptures by Viggo Jarl. Odsherred Theatre has a theatre space in the centre of Nykøbing Sjælland, adding theatrical performances to the town’s cultural offerings.

Anneberg Culture Park offers a look at the former psychiatric hospital in Nykøbing Sjælland through guided tours, audio walks and exhibitions. The Psychiatry Museum traces the history of psychiatric patients and their treatment from the mid-Middle Ages to the present day. It also explains the conditions in which people lived and worked at the psychiatric hospital in the 20th century. Museum tours must be booked in advance; plan your visit around the available dates.

The grounds of the Psychiatry Museum are considered an architectural treasure in the “Better Danish Building Technique” style and are among the largest complexes of this style in Northern Europe. The grounds include a hospital church and a chapel.

Harbour, paths and nature

The 5.8-kilometre-long Culture Trail runs through Nykøbing Sjælland, around the harbour, through the forest and along Nykøbing Fjord. Its length gives you a clear point of reference for planning your route; the sections described connect the town, harbour, forest and fjord along the way.

Recurring events are held at the harbour. These include the Ovnhus arts and crafts market on the fourth weekend of July, as well as flea markets on selected Fridays in June, July and August. If you are travelling specifically for an event, check the exact dates in advance.

Near Nykøbing Sjælland, Grønnehave Skov offers an extensive network of paths, a Heart Trail, a barbecue area and several picnic tables and seating areas. The forest is also a dog forest: dogs are allowed to run free there as long as they remain under their owners’ control. The east-facing slope was once a coastal cliff formed by the Stone Age sea.

The sandy beach at Skærby Beach is very close to Nykøbing Sjælland and is suitable for swimming. Nykøbing Sjælland Marina is located at the end of Nykøbing Bay in the Isefjord. It is sheltered and close to both the forest and the town centre.

Practical information

Nykøbing Sj Station is served by Lokaltog. The town has a wide range of specialist shops, supermarkets, cafés and restaurants. These local amenities may be as important in choosing your destination as the cultural sites, harbour events or nearby paths. This makes it easy to tailor your stay to the things that interest you most in Nykøbing Sjælland.

Discover more destinations: Lestrup, Hønsinge, Rørvig, Fårevejle Kirkeby, Høve Strand, Gudmindrup, Højby, Hørve.

Return to the main travel overview: Odsherred.