Carit Etlar’s novel about Gøngehøvdingen takes place in the countryside surrounding Præstø. Svend Gønge was the leader (høvding) of the Danish guerillas during the Dano-Swedish wars in 1658-59 where he inflicted heavy losses on the enemy with his guerillawar. According to tradition it was between Maderne and Roneklint that Ib, Svend Gønge’s friend and second-in-command, lured the Swedish dragoons out onto the ice which broke beneath them. The remains of “Roneklint Battery” and “Svend Gønge’s Cave” can be seen in one of Denmark’s most breathtaking “Marguerite Routes” (special routes that take you through some very beautiful scenery) which winds through the surroundings of Præstø.
History lives in and around “The Old Town of Commerce”. Hans Christian Andersen, Grundtvig, and Thorvaldsen often visited the region. Thorvaldsen made many of his famous works in a studio which still exists on Nysø Castle which is also known for its fine art collection.
The Fjord is the heart of Præstø. On the harbour you sense life a hundred years ago where the ships ran a steady service loaded with fuel, timber, and agricultural produce for the capital. The atmosphere around the fjord and the harbour exudes nostalgia and romance. The ships still enter here and with accommodation for 300 the harbour is paradise for yachtsmen. Here you will find all equipment from hauling crane, electricity, bath and toilet to fine restaurants. You find life on the harbour in Præstø.
The beautiful, old warehouses stand newly renovated as memorials of a time when the ships were made of wood. Today the buildings are carefully preserved and they house many of Præstø’s cultural activities. Præstø is the essence of Danish culture. Visit Gallery “Hestestalden” (The Stable) or “Rødeled”, Denmark’s oldest pottery which today is a working museum.
There are many things to experience on foot, by bicycle, car or boat when you explore Præstø and its countryside. Præstø is situated in the middle of Denmark’s most beautiful nature only one hour’s drive from Copenhagen, Rødby, Storebæltsbroen (the bridge over the Great Belt) and Sweden. Welcome in the country.
Enjoy the old well-kept houses in middle of the town and the charming farms. The cobble stones on the town square, the gable paintings and the idyl at Tubæk stream where angling is also possible.
Præstø is surrounded by fresh sea water and fine beaches. At the marina and at Roneklint there are wonderful sandy beaches. And if you go to the peninsula, Feddet, you will find one of the best beaches and camping sites on Zealand.
The peninsula, Jungshoved, is an exciting area which offers its own experiences both when it comes to history and nature. Denmark’s smallest fishing harbour you will find in Stavreby with an idyl as if time stood still. Close by you will find Jungshoved Church which was built in the 1200s. The church has a gothic ceiling and in the lower turret room members of one of the noble families of the region have been buried since the 1700s. The altarpiece was made by locals in 1590 and later a bas-relief by Thorvaldsen has been added.
In the north of the region “Bøndernes Egehoved” (the Peasants’ Oak Head) is an area with ancient trees, wild flowers and a rich bird life. One of the few white-tailed eagle couples which breed in Denmark live at Even Lake and can often be seen hunting at the fjord. Yes, nature thrives in Præstø and those who dare explore the beautiful coastline may find amber and get unique nature experiences.
The country around Præstø is the centre of a long row of ancient monuments and a Medieval history which can be experienced on your own by car, bicycle or on foot during all seasons.
There are fantastic angling possibilities along the coast, on the fjord, and in the streams in the region which has two camping sites of which one is situated only two minutes’ walk from Præstø centre. And in the surrounding area you will find small, cosy Bed and Breakfasts. The daily shopping may be performed in the well assorted shops or in one of the local farm shops which are definitely worth a visit.
Svend Gønge looked after of the region, we look after the heritage. Welcome to Præstø, a fjord town in Gøngernes’ country.