Location & Transportation
The Port of Kalundborg provides top class facilities for cruise ships. I love that they have a large quay area which makes boarding excursions easy and safe. A complementary shuttle service runs from the harbor to the town center every 15 minutes, though if you’re up for a stroll, it’s just a 15-minute walk (about 0.8 miles) to the heart of town. For those wanting to explore further afield, the cruise ships also dock close to the train station, making day trips very convenient.
Sightseeing
Kalundborg is a peaceful town of about 20,000 inhabitants that has a lot to offer for a day’s exploration. This historic town is filled with medieval charm:
- Visit the impressive five-towered church built in the 12th century that resembles a fortress. It’s a unique piece of architecture with intimate spaces and intriguing details. The church is free to enter and its doors are open most days.
- Wander through the cobbled streets of what locals call "Højbyen" (the high town) and discover well-preserved medieval buildings like the Old Latin Academy, the old hospital, and the nearby Kalund Monastery.
- Check out Kalundborg Museum, which houses fascinating exhibits ranging from Viking artefacts to treasures from its 19th century trading heyday. (Entrance: 75 DKK, open Tuesday to Saturday – except during the Christmas and New Year period). For more details, visit Kalundborg Museum.
Tours & Excursions
If you’re looking to explore beyond Kalundborg, there are plenty of excellent day trips and short train rides that showcase the best of the Danish countryside:
- Head to Jyderup, a charming small town just a 20-minute train ride away. Enjoy a peaceful walk near Skarresø lake, perfect for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. Along the way, history buffs can admire the ruins of a 15th-century castle once owned by Queen Margaret I.
- Venture a little further to the area of Svebølle (a 10-minute train ride) and then catch a taxi to Tissø, one of Denmark's largest lakes. Here you can visit a Viking site with its visitor centre and meander around ancient stone burial chambers.
- Roskilde is only an hour away by train and makes for a full-day excursion. Visit the beautiful Roskilde Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site where Danish monarchs are laid to rest, or take a short walk to the Roskilde fjord and the renowned Viking Ship Museum (entrance fees around 70 DKK for the Cathedral and 150 DKK for the Ship Museum).
- For those with a bit more time, Copenhagen and Odense (the hometown of Hans Christian Andersen) are also within reach for a full-day adventure.
Local tourist information at the quay can help you plan these trips and provide up-to-date advice.
Shopping
Stroll down Kordilgade, the cobblestone pedestrian street lined with boutique jewelry shops, cozy home decor stores featuring classic Danish design, and even a yarn shop perfect for unique souvenirs. In recent years, the harbor front has also seen the rise of small cafés and restaurants where you can sample local delights.
Dining
There are plenty of inviting cafés and restaurants in Kalundborg, especially near the redeveloped harbor front. Enjoy a leisurely meal featuring fresh, local fare and traditional Danish recipes. Whether you’re in the mood for a light snack or a full meal, the dining options here reflect the town's warm hospitality and focus on good, wholesome ingredients.
Culture & Local Events
Kalundborg’s small-town charm is enhanced by a welcoming local culture and fascinating history:
- Currency & Payments: Denmark uses the Danish Krone (DKK). While many places in tourist areas might also show prices in Euros, it’s best to have some local currency handy. Credit cards are widely accepted.
- Local Lifestyle: The medieval ambience of Kalundborg means you often find that traditional business hours and relaxed pace encourage a leisurely day of sightseeing and shopping.
- Cultural Highlights: Enjoy free entry to the historic church and immerse yourself in a town that once played a role in the Nordic Crusades. The local museum provides interesting insights into Kalundborg’s past, complete with Viking relics and artifacts from its trading days.
- Safety & Awareness: Denmark is generally very safe. Just remember the local emergency number is 112. Enjoy your strolls, but keep an eye on your personal belongings as you explore busy areas.