All places
5 places found in South Zealand
Maribo
Maribo is an atmospheric cathedral city on Lolland, which grew from a Birgittine monastery founded in 1416 by King Eric of Pomerania under the Latin name Marienbo — Mary's town. Maribo Cathedral is the only Danish cathedral built as a convent church, constructed in Gothic brick style during the 1400s, with the unusual feature that its choir faces west rather than east — unlike every other Danish cathedral. When the Diocese of Lolland-Falster was established in 1803, the old convent church received cathedral status. The town itself lies beautifully between Søndersø and Nørresø, forming the extensive Naturpark Maribosøerne — an internationally recognised paradise for birds and a high-quality nature experience with hiking trails, shelters, and water sports.
📍 4930 Maribo
Nakskov
Nakskov is Lolland's largest city and most important port, with a history stretching back to some of the oldest known traces of human settlement in Denmark: reindeer-hunter sites up to 14,000 years old have been found on the city's outskirts. Nakskov's official age as a market town dates from 1266, and its fertile hinterland and favourable position for trade with northern Germany brought prosperity through the Middle Ages and Renaissance — despite being burned by Lübeck in 1510 and struck by plague in 1629. In the modern era, Nakskov became a port and industrial city: the sugar factory opened in 1882–83, and Nakskov Shipyard, founded in 1916, built vessels including the school ship Danmark and the hospital ship Jutlandia. The shipyard closed in 1987, but the sugar factory still operates. Today Nakskov is a natural base for nature experiences at Nakskov Fjord and the archipelago-like waters to the west.
📍 4900 Nakskov
Nykøbing Falster
Nykøbing Falster is Guldborgsund's largest city and the administrative and cultural centre of Lolland-Falster. Founded around 1200 at the sound of Guldborgsund, its name marks it as "new" relative to the older market town of Købing — now Stubbekøbing. One of the city's most remarkable former residents was Queen Sophie — widow of Frederick II and mother of Christian IV — who lived at Nykøbing Castle and was in her time the wealthiest woman in Northern Europe. Industrialisation brought sugar, textiles, and tobacco, and the population grew from 2,000 in 1850 to nearly 18,000 a century later. The sugar factory, established in 1884, is today one of only two remaining in Denmark. Nykøbing offers good shopping, an active cultural scene, and serves as the natural hub for experiences across Falster and Lolland.
📍 4800 Nykøbing Falster
Præstø
Præstø is one of South Zealand's most charming small towns — an old market town on Præstø Fjord, known as "the Gønge people's town" after the beloved guerrilla leader Svend Poulsen, who in the wars of the 17th century led the Snaphaner irregular fighters against Swedish troops. The town's earliest known privileges date from 2 March 1403, granted by King Eric of Pomerania. Præstø Harbour, established in 1828, was once a key grain export port; today it is an idyllic marina with a lively harbour atmosphere, good cafes, and fresh fjord air. The town's hilly landscape of preserved merchant houses gives Præstø a strong historical character, while the nature along Præstø Fjord and the forests at Præstø Fed are easily accessible on foot.
📍 4720 Præstø
Sakskøbing
Sakskøbing is a charming Lolland market town from the 13th century, best known by its affectionate nickname "Smilets By" — the City of Smiles — a title earned by the iconic water tower Saxine. The 33-metre-high tower with its smiling face is the town's landmark and one of the most recognisable images on Lolland. Sakskøbing lies attractively at the head of Sakskøbing Fjord with a charming harbour setting and serves as a natural base for nature experiences along the fjord and across Falster and Lolland. The town's historic streets and square retain the unhurried character of a South Danish provincial town, while its central location makes both Maribo and Nykøbing Falster easily accessible.
📍 4990 Sakskøbing