Næstved

Naestved
Town
St. Peter´s Church in Naestved
Municipal coat of arms.
Country Denmark
Region Zealand
Municipality Næstved Municipality
Center Flakhaven
 - coordinates
Timezone CET (UTC+1)
 - summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Postal codes 4700
Naestved (lower center) in Denmark

Naestved (Danish: Næstved) a commercial town in a municipality of the same name, lies on the island of Zealand in Denmark. The town is one hour's travel from Copenhagen. Naestved has a population of 41,729 (1 January 2010)[1]. Naestved's UN/LOCODE is DKNVD.

Naestved has some adult education centers, five elementary schools - and has at least one of each type of the four upper-second-level education centers. The city has the largest high school in Denmark, Naestved Gymnasium & HF.

In 2003, the Guard Hussars regiment moved from Naestved to Slagelse.

In January 2008, the City Council presented plans for a new urban area in the Stenlænge area of the town (119 acres), including 1000-1500 residential homes, along with a new stadium, hotel, school, sports facilities, and more. The council intends to establish Naestved's position as the leading Zealand city after Copenhagen, for cultural facilities and for family life. This project brings to life a dream of having the facilities that will attract the best performers from Denmark and abroad: it also, for concerts and shows, would give Naestved the ability to compete with Copenhagen and other cities of Naestved's size.

Contents

History

Valdemar IV of Denmark (Valdemar Atterdag) shown on a fresco in Saint Peter's Church in Naestved (Sankt Peders Kirke).
Diorama inside the Naestved Museum showing Naestved as it appeared circa 1600.

Naestved has roots as far back as 4-500 BC. Archaeological material from this period in time has been found in the soil under Naestved, and tells of human life here before long before the Viking era.

The name of the city, Næstved, is put together of two words: Næs and Tved. Tved means "cleared land" or "cleared wood" (same as "thwaite" in English toponyms), and refers to the citys origin in the woods of southern Zealand, on the banks of the Suså. "Næs" is the Danish word for a small peninsula (as "-ness" in English toponyms), and probably refers to the city's placing on the peninsulas Ydernæs, Grimstrup Næs and Appenæs.

In 1135, Benedictine monks received Saint Peter's Church and surrounding land in order to found St. Peter's Priory. This is seen as the foundation of the town of Naestved, although the town appears to have existed already at that time, being both big and important to the region.

Culture

Naestved is the cultural center of the Southern Zealand-region, with various museums, concert-venues, theaters and exhibitions of all kinds during the year.

Churches

Naestved has five Danish National Churches: St. Martin's Church, St. Peter's Church, Saint John's Church, Herlufsholm Church, and Holsted Church. There are other churches in the town, such as Sjølundkirken.

Music and stagearts

Grønnegades Kaserne Kulturcenter was opened in 2002 in what used to be military barracks. It's located in the center of the city, only five minutes walk away from the station. Denmark's top-artists perform here, along with various names from abroad. Amongst the most well-known foreign artists to have visited Naestved over the last few years are Electric Light Orchestra, Beth Hart, Runrig and Modern Talking.

In recent years, various theatres have emerged in Naestved, culminating with the creation of an "Egns Teater" - a local theatre - in 2006. Performances of talented local artists adds to Naestveds position as a cultural stronghold on Zealand outside Copenhagen.

"Studenternes Hus" downtown (House of Students) is also a widely known and often used venue for local and national acts, as well as semi-large artists from abroad. Cheap entry fees and a relaxed atmosphere attracts a young crowd.

Museums

Naestved has a range of museums of local importance, including "Naestved Museum" in the city centre, offering the full story of Naestved from the very first settlements till this day. In "Stenboderne" near St. Peter's Church, a collection of ancient findings are on show, including pottery, armory and more.

Besides those to museums offering a broad view of local history, Naestved have numerous small museums, mainly about local art. One of the most important, and most visited, is the "Kähler Museum", showing pieces of Kähler ceramics.

Politics

On 1 January 2007, the size and population of the municipality of Naestved increased dramatically, as the government decided to merge four smaller municipalities with the municipality of Naestved. Naestved emerged with nearby Fuglebjerg, Fladså, Holmegaard and Suså, increasing population in the municipality of Naestved to more than 80.000. That made Naestved the second-largest town on Zealand, only outranked by the capital, Copenhagen.

Experienced mayor, Henning Jensen,lead the city through the merger, and stayed head of the city council, with the four mayors from the other merged municipalities taking place as members of the council.

The City Council as of 1/12-2007

Political history

Traditionally, the Social Democratic Party has had the majority of seats in the City Council of Naestved. Today they also have the most seats (more than half the seats in the City Council).

Critics claim that the party's power in the city is too large, with an absolute majority from only one party making it hard for the views of the opposing parties to be heard.

Traditionally Naestveds public have turned to the left on the political scale, when casting their votes. Social Democrats have been heading the city council almost continuously since its creation. The historically high rate of industrial workers in Naestved, have seen the liberal and conservative parties struggle over the last century.

Surprisingly enough, as Naestved becomes more and more an academic city, the tendency to pull left have never changed, and the Social Democrats in Naestved stand stronger than ever these years.

International Cities of Friendship

The Nordic International Cities of Friendship project was initiated in 1939, involving cities in Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Later on Finland also became part of the network, with Iceland and the independent regions of Åland, Greenland and Faroe Islands to follow.

Naestved entered the project in 1947.

Naestved's Cities of Friendship as per 1.1.2007:

Shopping

Naestved is generally known as the shopping-center of Southern Zealand.

Naestved Stor Center

A decade ago, a large shopping mall was established on, what was then, the outskirts of the city. It is called Naestved Storcenter (Naestved Big Center), and houses some 80+ shops. Clothing, Danish design and much more can be found here. The center also offers seven restaurants of various kinds, from Mexican cuisine to pizzas hamburgers. People from most of Zealand come here to do shopping, and the large warehouse, BILKA, attracts a lot of customers.

Naestved Stor Center is located just in the outer edge of the city, and is easily accessible by both bus (from Naestved Station) and train (Naestved Nord Station is a five minute walk from the entrance).

Naestved Mega Center

Just next to Naestved Storcenter you'll find Naestved Mega Center, which, though, in comparison is rather small. Naestved Megacenter is home for approx. 10 large stores offering everything from hunters outfits to baby-wear.

Naestved City Centre

The heart of the city has a large pedestrian area for a place of its size.

Every Wednesday and Saturday there's a market in the city centre on "Axeltorv" (Axle Square) - a very old square, dating back to the founding of the city. The cosy environment with various shops, the marketplace and a vast variety of cafes is very popular with tourists and locals alike.

Industries

(This section needs development)

Placed near the sea, with the harbour in the city centre, Naestved traditionally was a city of industry. Recent years, though, the visibility of the industries in the city centre has decreased, as production units has moved to the outskirts of the city - primarily on Ydernæs.

Novenco

Naestved's largest industry. For more than 60 years, Novenco has been among the world leaders in supplying HVAC system. The develop and manufacture high quality heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions for land and marine applications, along with numerous other products including fire-fighting products and systems.

In 1999 Novenco was sold to York International Inc., and had its name changed to York Novenco. In 2006, however, York Novenco was acquired by Dania Capital (a Danish investment company), who changed its name back to Novenco once again.

Holmegaard Glass Factory

Also mentioned in the attractions.

Media

(This section needs improvement)

Naestved has numerous local media, from newspapers to daily television broadcasts. Media company "Sjællandske Medier" (Zealandic Media) has its headquarters in downtown Naestved, and runs a local as well as a regional newspaper. Sjællandske Medier also operates a local tv-station called "24Sjællandske", offering local news twenty-four-seven.

Aside from Sjællandske Medier, Naestved has another media house: it runs two free newspapers

Urban life

Over the last 10 years, Naestved has developed into a more lively city than before. The trend of going out to cafés struck Naestved in the beginning of this century, and today, the town offers several cafés in the City Centre.

Also, the population has increased heavily, and actually Naestved is the second fastest growing city in Denmark, only out-performed by Denmark's second largest city Århus. More people means more ideas, and that shows in Naestved, where new galleries, workshops etc. has popped up in recent years.

The traffic in downtown Naestved can be very congested at times. New roads around the city has solved some of this problem, but still the traffic can be heavy, Especially around 8 and 16.

The City received a new library in 2005, just beside another new institution: Grønnegade Cultural Center in the center of Naestved. These two new structures have added to the experience of Naestved as a large city. Prominent new buildings and fine restoration-works in the city center has also added to that experience.

Attractions

Naestved and the surrounding area offers a wide variety of attractions for all ages.

Suså

Susåen, with the bridge connecting the shores. The surrounding Herlufsholm forest is excellent for walks.

The Suså River is Denmark's third longest river and flows through Naestved. After the demolition of a huge parking lot above it, the Suså has recently became more visible in the city. The Suså is surrounded on both sides by the Herlufsholm wood from the city center to Herlufsholm. Visitors are able to walk down both sides of the Suså, and enjoy both the forest, the river, and Herlufsholm Boarding school.

Fishing is allowed in some parts of the river. Permission is available at the tourist office, which is close to where the river meets the harbour, 5 minutes from the city center.

Canoeing

Visitors may canoe along the Suså from the Naestved city center (near the "Stenboderne"-museum, next to St. Peters Church) through the woods to Herlufsholm and towards the center of Zealand. Canoe rentals are available at "Slusehuset", just behind the city administration complex (Rådmandshaven), or use their private canoes. There is a mandatory limit on the number of canoes permitted on the river each day in order to protect the wildlife on the water, in the canebrake and on the banks. Canoers should obtain a number plate for your canoe before you start out on the river Suså. If you rent a canoe from one of the rental companies, then it already has a number plate, but if you want to use your own canoe and you live in one of the municipalities surrounding the Suså, you must obtain a number plate from Naestved Kommune.[2]

BonBon Land

If you visit Denmark, you'll probably know Tivoli, but in Naestved there's an amusement park of almost the same size. It's placed in Holme Olstrup, just 10 minutes from the city center. The park has increased dramatically in size over recent years, and is one of the most visited sights in all of Denmark today. Once you have paid the entrance fee, everything is free to ride.

There are roller-coasters, boats and lots more to try out, and the park has a particularly children-friendly atmosphere, with various cartoons wandering the park, and a children's theater with all the characters in.

Recently, a new feature has been added to the amusement park in Holme Olstrup. It is called Fantasy World, and used to be located in Ringsted. However, the "world" has been bought by BonBon Land, and is now located right next to it. Fantasy World features a huge exhibition of Santa Claus, his home, his workshop and all of his little helpers.

Herlufsholm Kostskole

(Read more Herlufsholm kostskole)

Herlufsholm Boarding School is located in the old Herlufsholm Kloster, on the bank of the Suså just outside the town of Naestved. For centuries students have attended the school, which enjoys a very respectable reputation. Today, the boarding school attracts students from all levels in the society, but earlier the school was more or less a high-society-only school.

Guided tours are arranged from time to time, and the school is worth a visit. Apart from the remarkable architecture, the school has some fascinating stories to be told, and various collections of scientific materials.

Holmegaard Glass Factory

(read more Holmegaard Glass Factory)

Or "Holmegaard Glasværk" as it is called in Danish. World famous glass company located in the village of Holmegaard just outside of Naestved. During the last couple of years a lot of new initiatives have been launched at Holmegaard Glasværk, and it is now a place for exploration for kids and adults of all ages. You'll be able to create your own piece of glass, and there are great savings in the shop, as well as a museum with some of the factory's most notable pieces.

On September 9, 2008, Holmegaard Glass Factory announced, that unless a buyer to the industry have been found within three months, it will be closed due to bankruptcy. This can bring an end to a century-long tradition of glassworks, widely renowned in Denmark and abroad.

Gavnø Castle

Gavnø Castle is located on the island of Gavnø near Naestved. The castle is known for its tulips and a large collection of paintings.

Today, the castle is owned by baron Otto Reedtz-Thott, and has been in the Reedtz-Thott family since 1737. The castle covers some 2,300 acres (9.3 km2) of land, with 1,200 acres (4.9 km2) of agrigulture and 1,000 acres (4.0 km2) of wood.

The castle has a vast variety of exhibitions during the year. The Gavnø Classic Autojumble is Denmark's largest exhibition of classic cars, and takes place every summer. Also there is a Christmas Market taking place in the gardens during two weekends in November.

Art-, book-, hunting- and health-fairs also take place.

Kähler Ceramics

The history of "Kähler" has its beginning in 1839, when Herman Kähler took over an old pottery in Naestved, and founded the Kähler ceramic workshop.

For centuries, the Kähler ceramics has been world renowned for its high quality and unique designs, and the pottery has been on the cutting edge of Danish ceramic art for more than 100 years. Every piece of Kähler is still handmade.

Today Kähler houses some of the best ceramics-designers in the world, including Louise Campbell. Despite the designs being renewed and updated over the recent years, the atmosphere and the vision of the pottery is still intact.

The old pottery is still located downtown Naestved on "Kählersbakken", a ten minute walk from the Axeltorv Square in the city centre. Admission allowed at a reasonable fee.

Transport

Easy access to the city, is one of the top prioities for the local politicians of Naestved. Rail and roads are administrated by the State, so there is a lot of lobbyism going on behind the scenes. Locals are trying to get a highway-connection for the city these days, but so far without success. On the other hand, the railways to and from Naestved have been improved greatly over the years, making Naestved easily accessible by train from most parts of Zealand.

Railways

Naestved Station offers direct connections south and north. You can get to Copenhagen within an hour for approx. 90 DKK. Connections to Jutland, Sweden and mainland Europe are also offered. The station is operated by DSB (Danske Stats Baner ~ Danish Railways).

Heavy traffic on the motorways to Copenhagen has added to the amount of commuters using rail-transport to and from the Copenhagen area.

NB: In Denmark, you must have a valid ticket before entering the train. Tickets can not be bought from the personnel on the train, and if you travel without a valid ticket, you will be fined DKK 600,00.

Buses

A broad network of buses connects Naestved City to its urban area, as well as all major surrounding cities. Ticketprices are reasonable, and tickets are bought from the driver when boarding the bus. All buses depart from the bus-terminal at Naestved Station in the center of the town.

Air

The nearest airport is Copenhagen Airport in Kastrup (Copenhagen). By car, the airport is little more than an hour away. It is possible to go by train directly from Naestved to the airport in 1 hour and 20 minutes (approximately).

Roads

The infrastructure in Naestved has been under pressure for some years now. The roads in the city center are heavily crowded at mornings and in the afternoon. The absence of a direct motorway-connection to Copenhagen has led to numerous discussions over the years, but still, Naestveders have to take the 15 minute roadtrip to nearby Rønnede (East of the city) to access the E47/E55, connecting the area to the rest of Europe.

There are direct road connections to nearby Ringsted, Slagelse, Præstø and Vordingborg (80 km/h) - all four cities within 30 minutes reach.

Naestved Harbour

Naestved Harbour

In the middle of the city you'll find Naestved Harbour. The harbour is in a central location in Denmark, near to Storebæltsbroen (The Great Belt Bridge), and the Fehmarn connection can be reached within an hour by road.

One of the biggest stone plants in the country for the refinement of seabed materials is situated at Naestved Harbour. One of the reasons why the company chose to set up at Naestved Harbour was because it would be possible for their annual production of around 120 000 tonnes of material to be sent more quickly to customers - and because Naestved Harbour has exactly the kind of storage capacity required, regardless of whether goods are to be stored for a long time or just briefly.

Sports

The town of Naestved has several teams in the top divisions of various sports. Most notably in the football leagues, where the team has traditionally played a role on the domestic scene, but recently the basket team has been the town's most successful sports team.

Naestved Boldklub (Football)

Næstved BK is a soccer team operating as a club, founded in 1939 as a merger between Naestved Idrætsklub and Naestved Boldklub. They placed first in the Danish Division, the second best league of Denmark. The home kit is green-green-white (jersey-shorts-socks) and the away kit is red-red-white.

Results achieved by the club; Bronze medal winners: 1972, 1975, 1981, 1986 Silver medal winners: 1980, 1988 Danish Cup runners-up: 1994 Danish champions (indoor soccer): 2003

Team FOG Naestved (Basketball)

Further information: Team FOG Næstved

Naestved's basket team plays in the best league of Denmark (Canal Digital Ligaen). The 80's was a successful decade for the team, where it managed to play in the best league for some years, and after a less successful 1990's decade the team is now back in the top division and currently has the ambition to be on of the dominating teams of Denmark within few years.

They have reached the Danish Cup Final twice - in 2007 and again in 2009. Both times they played Bakken Bears from Aarhus - they lost both times though.

Other sport teams in Naestved

Næstved Vikings - American football - Homepage

Team Python Pro - Cycling (Team Python Pro is the professional part of Naestved Bicycle Club (NBC)) - Homepage

Næstved-Herlufsholm Håndbold - Handball (both men and women) - Homepage

VK Næstved - Volleyball - Homepage

Kvik Næstved - Table tennis - Homepage - Competes in the best Danish table tennis league

HG Fodbold (part of Herlufsholm Gymnastikforening) - Football - Homepage - Recently promoted to Sjællandsserien (5th league of Danish football)

Famous people born in Naestved

See also

References

Notes
  1. ↑ BEF44: Population 1st January, by urban areas database from Statistics Denmark
  2. ↑ "Rental of number plates for canoes". Naestved Turist. http://www.visitnaestved.com/international/en-gb/menu/turist/inspiration/canoeingonthesusaa/rentalofnumberplatesforcanoes/rentalofnumberplatesforcanoes.htm. Retrieved 2009-06-29. 

External links

Municipalities in Storstrøm County (1970–2006)

Faxe · Fladså · Højreby · Holeby · Holmegaard · Langebæk · Maribo · Møn · Næstved · Nakskov · Nørre Alslev · Nykøbing Falster · Nysted · Præstø · Ravnsborg · Rødby · Rønnede · Rudbjerg · Sakskøbing · Stevns · Stubbekøbing · Suså · Sydfalster · Vordingborg
30 most populous urban areas of Denmark
as of 1 January 2010, according to Statistics Denmark [1]
1. Copenhagen 1,181,239
2. Århus 242,914
3. Odense 166,305
4. Aalborg 123,432
5. Esbjerg 71,459
6. Randers 60,227
7. Kolding 57,087
8. Horsens 52,998
9. Vejle 50,832
10. Roskilde 46,701
11. Helsingør 46,189
12. Herning 45,890
13. Hørsholm 45,816
14. Silkeborg 42,396
15. Næstved 41,729
16. Fredericia 39,513
17. Viborg 35,656
18. Køge 34,937
19. Holstebro 34,024
20. Taastrup 32,260
21. Slagelse 31,918
22. Hillerød 29,951
23. Sønderborg 27,194
24. Holbæk 27,157
25. Svendborg 27,113
26. Hjørring 24,892
27. Frederikshavn 23,331
28. Haderslev 21,293
29. Ringsted 20,767
30. Ølstykke/Stenløse 20,648