Bandholm is a quaint port town nestled on the northern coast of Lolland island in Denmark's Region Zealand, overlooking the Smålandsfarvandet (Småland Sea). With a population of just around 440 residents as of 2025, it exudes a peaceful, nostalgic charm, characterized by historic yellow houses, serene natural surroundings, and a mix of industrial and recreational harbor activities. The town serves as a gateway to the scenic landscapes of Lolland-Falster, offering easy access to hiking, cycling, and nearby attractions like forests and safari parks. Its history is tied to maritime trade and early railways, making it a hidden gem for those seeking an authentic Danish coastal experience away from crowded tourist spots. Below is an in-depth look at Bandholm's key sights, focusing on their history, features, and visitor appeal.
Bandholm Harbor
At the heart of the town lies Bandholm Harbor, a
historic working port that blends industrial functionality with
picturesque leisure appeal. Established in the 19th century, the harbor
features a granite and wooden wharf that once bustled with freight
shipments, particularly grain and goods linked to the nearby railway.
Today, it's primarily an industrial site handling cargo like grain and
wood, but it offers a limited number of guest berths for visiting boats,
with depths up to 4.4 meters, electricity, water, toilets, and showers
available. The surroundings are idyllic, flanked by charming historic
houses on one side and the lush forests of Knuthenborg Park on the
other, providing stunning views of the Baltic Sea and nearby islands
like Askø and Lilleø. Visitors can stroll along the docks, watch ships
come and go, or enjoy the tranquil atmosphere—it's especially
atmospheric at sunset. Tips: It's close to the E47 motorway (about 8 km
away), making it accessible, but space for yachts is limited, so check
availability in advance. No entrance fees, and it's family-friendly for
a relaxed walk.
Museumsbanen Maribo-Bandholm
This preserved
railway is one of Bandholm's standout attractions, offering a nostalgic
journey on Denmark's oldest operational vintage train line. Opened in
1869 as the country's first private railway, it originally connected
Maribo to Bandholm for transporting passengers and freight from the
harbor to local factories. Now operated as a museum railway by Dansk
Jernbane-Klub, the 7.5 km route runs through picturesque Lolland
countryside, with steam or diesel locomotives pulling historic
carriages. Rides typically last about 20-30 minutes each way, and you
can board from either Maribo Station or Bandholm Station. At the
Bandholm end, visitors can explore the free museum at the old train
station, featuring exhibits on railway history, vintage artifacts, and
restored locomotives—don't miss the chance to see the engine up close or
chat with enthusiastic volunteers. Special events like Christmas trains
add seasonal fun. Ratings average 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor with 21 reviews,
praising the authentic experience and scenic views. Tips: Check the
official website (museumsbanen.dk) for schedules, as it operates mainly
weekends and holidays from May to September, plus special runs. Tickets
are affordable (around 100 DKK round-trip for adults), and it's great
for families or train enthusiasts.
Bandholm Badeanstalt
Known
affectionately as "Den Gamle Dame" (The Old Lady), this is Denmark's
oldest sea bathing establishment, founded in 1866 and operational since
1870. The light-blue wooden structure juts out into the sea, featuring
changing rooms, sun terraces (recently updated), and multiple entry
points like stairs and jumping spots for a refreshing dip in the clean,
calm waters of Svanevig Bay. It's a nostalgic nod to 19th-century Danish
bathing culture, with fantastic views over Sakskøbing Fjord. The site is
well-maintained, and the water quality is regularly monitored. It earns
4.5/5 on TripAdvisor with 11 reviews, with visitors loving its historic
charm and serene setting. Tips: Entry is free or low-cost (small fee for
facilities), best visited in summer for swimming. Combine it with a stay
at the nearby Bandholm Badehotel for a full retro experience. It's
family-oriented but watch for jellyfish in warmer months.
Bandholm Strand
This man-made white sandy beach, constructed in 2016,
stretches about 100 meters wide along the coastline near Bandholm
Badehotel, offering a slice of classic Danish seaside relaxation. Unlike
natural beaches on northern Lolland, this one was built with imported
sand, creating shallow, clear waters ideal for families with young
children—the depth stays low for quite a distance. Benches dot the area
for picnics or enjoying views of the sea and islands, and there's a
leafy parkland backdrop for added tranquility. It's rated 3.7/5 on
TripAdvisor with 10 reviews, appreciated for its cleanliness and
kid-friendly vibe, though some note it's small and "cute" rather than
expansive. Tips: Nearby kiosks sell ice cream, and it's perfect for
swimming or sunbathing from June to August. Free access, with parking
nearby; combine with the badeanstalt for a full beach day.
Hvedemagasinet
Housed in a beautifully preserved 19th-century grain
warehouse on Havnegade, Hvedemagasinet serves as Bandholm's cultural hub
and art gallery. The protected yellow building features exhibitions of
local art, including paintings inspired by Lolland's landscapes on the
ground floor and handmade crafts, sculptures, and jewelry for sale on
the upper level. It hosts events like music performances, workshops, and
seasonal shows, fostering a vibrant community atmosphere. Open daily
from 1 PM to 5 PM during the summer season (June to August), it's a spot
to appreciate contemporary Danish artistry amid historic architecture.
With a 4.8/5 rating on TripAdvisor from 5 reviews, visitors highlight
its charming setting and quality exhibits. Tips: Entry is free, and it's
a short walk from the harbor—ideal for rainy days. Check the website
(hvedemagasinet.org) for current artists and events.
While
Bandholm itself is compact and walkable, it's worth noting nearby
highlights like Knuthenborg Safaripark (just a few km away), Europe's
largest drive-through safari with over 1,000 animals in naturalistic
habitats, or Dodekalitten, a modern stone sculpture park with musical
installations. The town's serene vibe makes it perfect for a day trip or
relaxing getaway, especially in summer when attractions are in full
swing.
Medieval and Early Modern Periods (14th–18th Centuries)
Bandholm's earliest historical mentions are linked to the
surrounding estates rather than the village itself, which remained a
modest settlement focused on agriculture and fishing. The area was
originally part of Østofte parish, with no independent church or
major infrastructure until the 19th century. The foundational
estate, known as Årsmarke (later Knuthenborg), was first documented
in 1372. It was owned by various noble families, including the Urne
family from 1527 onward. In 1667, during the reign of King Frederick
III, the property passed to Cornelius Pederson Lerche, a prominent
landowner.
A pivotal shift occurred in 1677 when Lerche's
daughter married Christoffer von Knuth, a nobleman from Mecklenburg.
Upon inheritance, von Knuth expanded the estate, enhancing its
agricultural productivity and infrastructure. His son, Adam
Christoffer von Knuth, was elevated to the title of count in 1714 by
King Frederick IV, leading to the estate's renaming as Knuthenborg.
This aristocratic influence laid the groundwork for Bandholm's later
growth, as the Knuth family invested in local developments,
including roads and harbor facilities to support estate exports.
During this period, Bandholm functioned primarily as a coastal
outpost for the manor, with fishing and small-scale trade sustaining
a sparse population.
In the 17th century, an inn was established
in Bandholm, serving travelers and locals. This inn, which would
evolve into the Bandholm Badehotel, operated as a royal privileged
establishment, highlighting the village's emerging role as a
stopover point on Lolland. By the 18th century, the area's economy
centered on grain production from Knuthenborg's fertile lands,
setting the stage for Bandholm's transformation into a shipping hub.
19th Century: Industrial and Infrastructural Boom
The 19th
century marked Bandholm's golden age, driven by agricultural
exports, railway innovation, and Victorian-era developments under
the Knuth family's patronage. The harbor, with its granite and
wooden wharf constructed in the early part of the century, became a
vital grain discharging port—ranking as Denmark's third largest by
mid-century. This facilitated the export of Lolland's abundant wheat
and other commodities, boosting the local economy and attracting
workers, which spurred population growth.
A landmark event was
the inauguration of the Maribo-Bandholm railway in 1869, Denmark's
first private railway. Spanning 8 km, it connected the inland town
of Maribo to Bandholm's port, enabling efficient transport of
passengers and freight from harbor ships to Maribo's factories. The
Bandholm station, built the same year, included offices, waiting
rooms, and accommodations, symbolizing the era's technological
progress. Two steam locomotives initially operated the line,
underscoring Bandholm's role in Denmark's early industrialization.
The Knuthenborg Manor underwent significant modernization during
this time. In 1866, architect Henrik Steffens Sibbern designed the
current Victorian-style manor house, complete with a French-inspired
tower, and extended it in 1886. Sibbern also created other estate
buildings, such as the Swiss-style Egehuset and the
English-influenced Flinterhuset. In the late 1860s, English
landscape architect Edward Milner redesigned the park, incorporating
artificial lakes, diverse tree species (including a Sequoia
gigantea), and follies like a romantic ruin. Eggert Knuth
(1838–1874) oversaw these changes until his death, after which his
successor continued the enhancements.
Population growth
necessitated religious infrastructure, leading to the construction
of Bandholm Church in 1874, also by Sibbern, in the Romanesque
Revival style using red brick. Count Knuth donated the land at the
corner of Birketvej and Koholtvej. Initially under Østofte parish,
Bandholm became an independent parish in 1881. The church's
interior, featuring stained-glass windows and a renovated Busch
organ, reflects the era's aesthetic.
Leisure developments emerged
with Denmark's oldest sea bathing establishment, Bandholm
Badeanstalt, opening in 1870, catering to health-seeking visitors.
In 1886, the old inn was elevated to hotel status by the Count of
Knuthenborg, becoming Bandholm Badehotel and capitalizing on the
seaside hotel trend popular among Copenhagen's elite. Structures
like the 1850 Hvedemagasinet (wheat warehouse) further illustrate
the commercial vibrancy.
20th Century: Decline, Preservation,
and Tourism
The early 20th century saw Bandholm's port and
railway thrive initially, with freight traffic peaking until the
1960s. However, post-World War II shifts brought decline: passenger
rail services ended in 1952 due to rising automobile use, and the
station repurposed as a bus terminal in 1956. Freight operations
persisted until 1999, but Bandholm's harbor lost prominence as
larger ports like Nakskov expanded.
Preservation efforts began in
1962 when train enthusiasts revived the Maribo-Bandholm line as a
"museum train," operated by volunteers. By 2018, it was designated a
veteran railway, now running seasonally as a tourist attraction and
symbol of Denmark's industrial heritage. Knuthenborg Park opened to
the public in 1926, evolving into Europe's largest safari park by
the late 20th century, drawing visitors and boosting local tourism.
The Bandholm Badehotel continued operations, undergoing a major
renovation in 2022 to blend its 330-year history with modern
amenities. Today, with a population of around 440, Bandholm
preserves its 19th-century charm through landmarks like the harbor,
church, and Hvedemagasinet (now a cultural center), attracting
history enthusiasts and nature lovers to Lolland's serene
landscapes.
In 1869, the Maribo-Bandholm Railway was inaugurated as the first
railway on Lolland-Falster. In Bandholm, a station was built close to
Knuthenborg's western gate. From the station the harbor railway
continued down to the harbour.
Passenger traffic was discontinued
in October 1952, when the line was laid under the Lollandsbanen. For
many years there was still freight traffic, and the tracks are not yet
out on the quays - the track ends at Havnepladsen. Since 1962,
Museumsbanen Maribo-Bandholm has operated Denmark's first veteran
railway.
The station building is located at Stationsvej 10. It
was listed in 1972 and in 1984 bought by the Dansk Jernbane-Klub, which
operates the veteran railway. Even the building has been the backdrop
for several well-known films and series such as Hurray for the Blue
Hussars, Badehotellet and Lykke-Per, among others.
Today,
Bandholm is connected to Maribo, Nørreballe and Kragenæs via buses, just
as there is a ferry connection to Askø from Bandholm Harbour.
The port city of Lolland is known for having one of the country's
oldest bathing facilities, which dates from 1870 and is located at
Bandholm Harbor next to the ferry berth for the Askø ferry. The bathing
facility consists of 16 cabins with two bathing bridges and a cross
bridge as well as a slide.
In 2016, with approval from the
Coastal Directorate, Bandholm built a larger sandy beach at the Bandholm
Hotel. It was Bandholm Aktivitetsforening that built the beach for the
enjoyment of locals and tourists. 8250 tons of sand were used to
establish the 100 by 50 meter sandy beach.
In September 2017,
European bison and wild boar were released into a large enclosure in the
Merritskov forest near Bandholm. It was Knuthenborg Safaripark, which
owns the forest, which, with support from the Danish Environmental
Protection Agency, was behind the project. If you go for a walk in the
forest, you can experience the bison bulls or the wild boars yourself.
Hvedemagasinet is the city's gathering place for cultural events
such as art exhibitions, lectures, flea markets, communal singing and
communal dining. As the name of the building suggests, it has previously
been used as a grain store.
The harbor in Bandholm is home to, among others, Bandholm Sailing Club and Bandholm Roklub. By Bandholm is Svanevig Hallen, where, among others, the Bandholm Badminton Club is based.