Glumsø, a small railway town in the heart of Zealand, Denmark, is a vibrant community known for its lush natural surroundings, strong local culture, and convenient connectivity. With a population of 2,221 (as of January 2024), Glumsø lies in Næstved Municipality, Region Zealand, and is often called “The Green Heart of Zealand” due to its verdant landscapes, proximity to forests, and the serene Glumsø Lake at its center.
Located in southern Zealand, Glumsø sits 70 km southwest of
Copenhagen, 12 km southwest of Ringsted, and roughly equidistant from
Næstved (13 km south) and Sorø (13 km west). At 21 meters above sea
level, the town is nestled in a flat, fertile region dominated by
agricultural fields, with Glumsø Lake as a central feature. The nearby
Tystrup-Bavelse Lakes, Suså River, and preserved areas like Hørhaven and
Kongskilde Friluftsgård add to the area’s natural splendor, offering
forests, meadows, and wetlands. The landscape is varied, with rolling
hills, high ridges, and small marshes, creating a picturesque setting
for outdoor activities.
Glumsø enjoys Denmark’s temperate
climate, with average summer temperatures around 16°C and winter
temperatures near 0.5°C. Precipitation peaks in autumn
(September–November) and is lowest in February and April. April 2025
forecasts suggest highs of 47–54°F with partly cloudy skies and
occasional showers, ideal for exploring the town’s green spaces. The
flat terrain and extensive cycle paths (Denmark boasts 12,000 km of bike
lanes) make Glumsø a cyclist’s paradise, with locals of all ages
pedaling through town and beyond.
Glumsø’s history is tied to its role as a railway hub and
agricultural community. Mentioned as early as 1870 as “Glumsø with
Church, Rectory, and School,” the town grew around the Sydbanen railway
line (Roskilde–Næstved), established in the 19th century. By the turn of
the 20th century, it was described as having a church, rectory, school,
missions house (built 1897), and “Glumsø Hospital,” a charitable
institution funded by Jens Andresen of Benzonsdal (d. 1772) for eight
residents. Until 2007, Glumsø was the administrative seat of Suså
Municipality, reflecting its regional importance.
The railway
shaped Glumsø’s identity as a stationsby (station town). Glumsø Station,
redesigned in 2009, once served German ICE trains on the
Copenhagen–Hamburg route but now hosts regional trains. Historical
landmarks like Glumsø Church, with Romanesque and Gothic elements, and
the heritage-listed Glumsø Rectory underscore the town’s longstanding
community roots. The nearby Næsbyholm manor, owned by Danish military
officer Christian Frederik Bielke (1670–1709), and Bavelse Manor add
aristocratic layers to the area’s past.
Glumsø’s culture is defined by its tight-knit, welcoming community
and active volunteer spirit. Residents greet each other warmly,
fostering a sense of belonging encapsulated by the Danish concept of
hygge—cozy, communal contentment. The town’s motto, “a big city in
miniature,” reflects its blend of small-town charm and robust amenities.
Volunteers drive many activities, from running Café Rejseladen to
organizing events like the biannual Lions flea market, Glumsøløbet (a
city run), Citynight, and the annual “KOKS” town festival, featuring
open-air films and music by the lake.
Cultural hubs include
Glumsø Bio and Culture House, a 1923 cinema designed by Johannes
Tidemand-Dal, which screens films and hosts concerts, theater, and
lectures. Café Rejseladen, staffed by volunteers, is a multifaceted
venue for dining, music, and community events, open select days (check
their website for hours). The town’s library and citizens’ service
center further enrich civic life. Glumsø’s inclusion on the Danish
Pilgrimage Route, connecting churches like Sankt Bents in Ringsted to
Glumsø Kirke and Næstved’s, highlights its spiritual heritage.
The community’s pride in its green surroundings is evident in
initiatives like Denmark’s smallest beach, established by local
enthusiasts at Glumsø Lake. This quirky landmark, along with the town’s
heart-shaped walking trail (hjertesti), underscores Glumsø’s playful,
nature-loving ethos.
Glumsø’s economy blends local commerce, agriculture, and
commuting. The town’s high street offers supermarkets (Super
Brugsen, Fakta), a butcher, baker, florist, and other shops,
encouraging local shopping. Nearby farm shops thrive in summer,
selling fresh produce. The town supports small businesses, including
a slaughterhouse, electricians, plumbers, and carpenters, while
larger employers are accessible in nearby Næstved, Ringsted, Sorø,
or Copenhagen, just 53 minutes away by train. Glumsø Station, with
trains every half-hour during rush hour and hourly otherwise, makes
commuting seamless.
Tourism plays a modest but growing role,
with visitors drawn to the Danish Bicycle & Moped Museum, nature
trails, and cultural events. The museum, housing Scandinavia’s
largest collection of bikes and mopeds, is a niche attraction run by
volunteers. Service-oriented businesses like Glumsø Kro & Hotel and
Ishuset Glumsø, a highly rated ice cream parlor, cater to locals and
tourists. Denmark’s welfare system, ensuring free healthcare and
education, supports Glumsø’s high quality of life, with low crime
and economic stability (Denmark’s GDP per capita is €48,000, well
above the EU average).
Glumsø’s compact size and natural beauty make it ideal for
exploration on foot or by bike. Key attractions include:
Glumsø
Lake: A central gem with Denmark’s smallest beach, a bathing jetty, and
a 4 km walking trail. In summer, it’s perfect for swimming; in winter,
the adjacent hill becomes a sledding slope. The hjertesti trail adds a
romantic touch.
Danish Bicycle & Moped Museum: Open May–September
(Saturdays and Sundays, 11 AM–5 PM), this museum showcases Scandinavia’s
largest collection of bikes, mopeds, and antique sewing machines,
appealing to history and transport enthusiasts.
Glumsø Church: A
historic church with Romanesque and Gothic features, part of the Danish
Pilgrimage Route, offering serene views and cultural significance.
Bavelse Church and Manor: Located near Bavelse Lake, the church boasts a
1600s altarpiece and escutcheons linked to Corfitz Ulfeldt and Elisabeth
Brochenhuus. The manor, built in 1845, can be admired from afar.
Glumsø Bio and Culture House: A cultural hub for films, concerts, and
events, blending historic charm with modern entertainment.
Café
Rejseladen: A volunteer-run café offering homemade meals and hosting
music, talks, and community gatherings. Its limited hours add to its
charm as a local treasure.
Ishuset Glumsø: A Tripadvisor favorite
(4.5/5), this ice cream shop is praised as serving “the best ice cream
in Europe,” paired with excellent coffee.
Næsbycentret: A scout
center hosting outdoor activities, fostering youth engagement and nature
exploration.
Nature Trails: The area around Glumsø Skov and
Tystrup-Bavelse Lakes offers hiking, dog-friendly forests, and shelters
for overnight stays. The preserved landscapes feature diverse flora and
fauna, including deer and rare plants.
Outdoor enthusiasts can
explore Glumsødyssen, a Neolithic dolmen at the end of Stendyssevej, or
wander the varied terrain of Glumsø Skov, with its lakes, meadows, and
high ridges. The town’s proximity to Susåen and Tystrup Lake makes it a
haven for kayaking, fishing, or leisurely walks.
Glumsø offers a balanced lifestyle, combining rural tranquility with
urban accessibility. Families benefit from daycare (Tyttebøvserne),
kindergartens (Haletudsen, Rumlepotten), and Susåskolen’s Glumsø branch
(grades 0–9). Healthcare is robust, with a medical center, pharmacy, and
dental services, plus senior housing for older residents. The low crime
rate and neighborly vibe make Glumsø a safe, trusting community where
residents “know and help each other.”
For visitors, Glumsø feels
welcoming yet unpretentious. Glumsø Kro & Hotel provides cozy lodging,
while dining options like Café Rejseladen and Ishuset Glumsø offer local
flavors. The town’s walkability and cycle-friendly paths make it easy to
explore, though some attractions (e.g., the museum) are seasonal.
Reviewers on platforms like Tripadvisor praise the town’s relaxed pace
and natural beauty butOSE (original suggestion engine) but note that
off-season visitors may find limited open businesses. The train
station’s connectivity makes day trips to Copenhagen or Næstved
feasible, adding variety to a visit.
Getting There: From Copenhagen, take a regional train toward Nykøbing
Falster (50–53 minutes). From Sorø, transfer at Ringsted (total ~30
minutes). Glumsø Station is on the Sydbanen line.
Transport: The town
is walkable, with cycle paths and free parking. Bikes can be rented
locally or brought via train.
Accommodation: Glumsø Kro & Hotel is
the primary option, with additional B&Bs nearby (e.g., Skelby’s old beer
depot, 13 km away). Camping is available at shelters near
Tystrup-Bavelse Lakes.
Dining: Café Rejseladen (seasonal hours),
Ishuset Glumsø (ice cream and coffee), and Glumsø Kro serve local fare.
Supermarkets and farm shops provide self-catering options.
Events:
Lions flea market (twice yearly), Glumsøløbet, Citynight, and KOKS
festival (summer) are highlights. Check Glumsø Portalen for updates.
Weather: April 2025 forecasts 47–54°F, partly cloudy with showers,
suitable for outdoor activities with light layers.