Jyderup is a small town located in northwestern Zealand, Denmark, within Holbæk Municipality and part of Region Zealand. With a population of approximately 4,300 as of 2025, it serves as a station town and is situated roughly halfway between the cities of Kalundborg to the west and Holbæk to the east. The town is surrounded by forests, farmland, and wildlife-rich areas, bordered on the west by Skarresø Lake, which adds to its scenic and natural appeal. Geographically, Jyderup is divided into two main parts by Skovvejen (Forest Road): the northeastern section, which is the older village centered around a historic church, and the southwestern section, which developed as a commercial hub following the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century. Prior to the 2007 municipal reform, Jyderup was the administrative center of Tornved Municipality, but it has since integrated into the larger Holbæk structure, leading to changes in local governance and facilities.
Jyderup Kirke (Jyderup Church)
This 13th-century church stands as
the town's oldest landmark, located in the northeastern (historic) part
of Jyderup near the town center and railway station. It represents the
origins of the settlement, serving as a central point for community and
religious life for over 700 years. Architecturally, it's a modest yet
charming Romanesque-style structure with simple lines, a nave, and a
tower, typical of Danish rural churches from the medieval period.
Visitors enter through a large, well-maintained cemetery that adds to
the serene atmosphere. Inside, expect traditional elements like wooden
pews, an altar, and possibly historical artifacts or frescoes reflecting
local folklore and Christian heritage. The church is still active for
services and events, offering a quiet space for reflection. It's easily
accessible on foot from the train station (a short walk), making it a
convenient starting point for exploring Jyderup. Reviews describe it as
"delightful" and intimate, ideal for those interested in Danish
ecclesiastical history, though it's not overly ornate compared to larger
cathedrals.
Skarresø Lake and Surrounding Trails
Bordering
Jyderup to the west, Skarresø is one of Zealand's largest lakes,
spanning a picturesque area encircled by dense forests like Delhoved,
Restrup, Skovhave, and Bjergsted. The lake's history ties into the
region's glacial formation during the Ice Age, contributing to its clear
waters and diverse ecosystems. It's a haven for wildlife, including
ducks, other waterfowl, and notably white-tailed eagles, which nest on a
small island in the lake—making it a prime birdwatching spot. The water
can appear somewhat murky at times due to natural sediments, but the
surrounding paths are well-maintained with seating areas for picnics or
relaxation. Key activities include the 11 km (about 7.1 miles) loop
trail around the lake, which is moderately challenging, takes around 3
hours to complete, and offers elevation gains of up to 341 feet in
sections. This route winds through forested areas, along the Åmose Å
river, and past scenic viewpoints, with opportunities for fishing or
spotting wildlife. Other trails like Jyderupstien (a regional cycling
and hiking path from Svinninge to Lake Tystrup) and Istidsruten (Ice Age
Route, Stage 5: Jyderup to Nykøbing Sjælland) extend from here,
traversing private lands (dogs must be leashed) and varying terrains
from paved roads to gravel paths. Skarresø Camping nearby provides
accommodations for extended stays. This area embodies Jyderup's natural
appeal, perfect for hikers, nature enthusiasts, or those seeking
tranquility, especially in spring or autumn when foliage is vibrant.
Fuchsiagaarden (Fuchsia Garden)
Fuchsiagaarden is a sprawling
private garden covering 18,000 square meters (about 4.4 acres),
specializing in fuchsias but also featuring a diverse array of plants,
mature bushes, ancient trees, and a large pond stocked with Asian koi
carp fish. Owned by Grethe and Arne, it's a labor of love that showcases
horticultural beauty, with vibrant blooms, manicured paths, and serene
water features. The garden's history is tied to personal passion rather
than grand events, evolving as a showcase for rare and hardy fuchsia
varieties that attract hummingbirds and add color from spring through
fall. Visitors can stroll the grounds, admire the botanical diversity,
and perhaps purchase plants. It's rated highly for its peaceful ambiance
and as a hidden gem for garden lovers, though access may depend on
seasonal openings (typically summer months). Practical tips include
wearing comfortable shoes for walking and checking for entry fees or
guided tours. This sight appeals to botanists, photographers, or anyone
seeking inspiration for their own garden in a rural Danish setting.
Buerup Træskomuseum (Buerup Wooden Shoe Museum)
Located in the
nearby village of Buerup, this small museum celebrates traditional
Danish craftsmanship, particularly the art of making wooden shoes
(træsko), which were essential footwear for farm workers and manor
employees in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Historically, Buerup had
two wooden shoe makers who supplied seven local manors, reflecting the
area's agricultural past. The museum displays a collection of
handcrafted wooden shoes, tools, and related artifacts, alongside
exhibits of modern local crafts like jewelry, wood-turned items,
patchwork, and even home-brewed beverages. It's housed in a cozy space
where artisans showcase and sell their work, blending history with
contemporary creativity. Visitors praise it as a "nice little place" for
its authentic, community-driven vibe, though it's modest in
scale—perfect for a quick, educational stop. Open seasonally (e.g.,
Thursdays to Sundays in summer), it's free or low-cost, and combines
with nearby art and craft events under "Kunst og Håndværk i Buerup."
Ideal for those interested in folk history or buying unique souvenirs.
Saint Soeren's Spring (Sct. Sørens Kilde)
This ancient natural
spring, located about 500 meters south of Holmstrup Kirke, is a site of
historical pilgrimage dating back centuries. Named after Saint Søren (a
local variant of Saint Severus or a folk saint), it's steeped in legends
of miraculous healings and restorations, drawing pilgrims from across
Denmark in medieval times. The spring's clear waters were believed to
have curative properties, and its significance is underscored by the
unusually large nearby Holmstrup Kirke, built to accommodate crowds of
visitors. Today, it's a tranquil spot amid nature, with simple access
via a right turn off the main path—ideal for contemplation or a short
hike. Reviews highlight its mystical aura and connection to Danish
folklore, though it's understated without modern facilities. Best
visited in conjunction with the church for a full historical experience;
no admission fee, but respect the site's sacred heritage.
Aggersvold Manor
Just north of Jyderup, this impressive estate traces
its roots to the Middle Ages as "Markegaard," merging three farms in the
16th century under the name Aggersvold. Owned initially by the Bishops
of Roskilde until the Reformation in 1536, it passed through numerous
noble families, including the Langes, Benzons, Løvenskiolds, and later
industrialists like Villars Knudsen Lunn, who expanded its forests
around 1900. The current neoclassical main building, completed in 1835
by Harald Rothe, is a two-story structure with a median risalit,
pilasters, triangular pediment, and grand Bornholmian sandstone
staircases leading to entrances. Rebuilt in 1917–1919 after a fire and
restored in the 2000s, it's protected as a historical site since 1944.
The estate spans 344 hectares (mostly woodland, with pastures),
including a three-winged farm complex. Today, it functions as an event
venue for weddings, conferences, and equestrian activities (stables for
20 horses), blending heritage with modern use. Tours may be available;
it's a prime example of Danish manor architecture and estate management
evolution.
Additional Churches and Natural Areas
Buerup Kirke:
Another medieval church in the area, likely from the 12th–13th century,
featuring Romanesque elements and serving as a community hub. It's noted
for its historical ties to local villages and simple, enduring design.
Holmstrup Kirke: A larger Romanesque church near Saint Soeren's Spring,
built around the 12th century to handle pilgrimage crowds. Its size and
location emphasize the region's spiritual history, with features like
frescoes or gravestones adding depth.
Naturpark Åmosen and Hiking
Trails: Nearby Åmosen Nature Park offers boglands, rivers, and forests
for extended hikes, connecting to Jyderup's trails. With over 26 hiking
routes in the area (many easy to moderate, 2–12 km), including
kid-friendly options with historic sights, it's great for multi-day
exploration.
Origins and Early Medieval History
The origins of Jyderup trace
back to the late 12th century, when it emerged as a small village
clustered around what would become Jyderup Church. The town was first
documented in 1369 under the name "Jwderop," derived from Old Danish
elements: "jyde" (referring to a person from Jutland) combined with
"torp" (later evolving to "rup"), meaning "the Jutlanders' (or a
Jutlander's) settler village." This etymology suggests that settlers
from Jutland cleared forests in the area to establish the community,
though an alternative interpretation proposes it stems from the male
name "Jutta," implying "Jutta's settler settlement." Despite the name's
Jutland connotation, it is unique to Zealand, highlighting the migratory
patterns in medieval Denmark.
Nearby historical sites underscore the
region's medieval significance. At Skarresø Lake, north of the town,
lies the earthwork known as Skarresholm, first mentioned in 1329. In
1341, King Valdemar Atterdag issued a royal charter from this site,
indicating its use as a fortified location. The ruins consist of two
castle mounds with ramparts and moats, and excavations conducted between
1901 and 1902 revealed cellars from a stone building. By 1408, Queen
Margaret I seized the site and ordered its demolition, marking the end
of its active use as a stronghold. The lake itself served as a mill pond
for the King's Mill in earlier times, and the area around it features
public nature trails today. Additionally, within Jyderup Church—a late
12th-century structure—a "coin block" restored around 1950 contained 11
coins, the oldest dating to the reign of Eric of Pomerania (late 14th to
early 15th century), providing tangible links to Denmark's monarchical
history.
Jyderup Church remains a central landmark, representing the
town's medieval roots in its northeastern section.
19th-Century
Development and Industrialization
By the mid-19th century, Jyderup
had evolved into a modest rural community. Around 1870, it featured
essential amenities such as the church, a parsonage, a school, an inn, a
fulling mill, and a brickworks. A pivotal turning point came in 1875
with the opening of the North West Line (Nordvestbanen), a railway
connecting Holbæk to Kalundborg. The placement of Jyderup Station some
distance from the original church village spurred the development of a
separate "station town" in the southwestern part, fostering commercial
growth. By around 1900, the town had expanded significantly,
incorporating a convalescent home established in 1888 by Countess A. H.
E. Lerche (with funding for 25 places), a post and telegraph office, a
hotel named "Skarritsø," a cooperative dairy, a mill, military levy
sessions, and biannual markets in April and October for horses and
cattle. This period also saw a thriving grocery trade and the emergence
of various businesses, transforming Jyderup from a isolated village into
a regional hub.
The two sections of the town—divided by
Skovvejen—gradually grew together, though they retain distinct
characters: the older northeastern area preserves historical charm,
while the southwestern side features two- to three-story shop buildings,
villa quarters, and industrial zones focused on metal and electronics.
20th Century: Modern Growth and Institutions
The 20th century
brought further modernization. The railroad continued to drive economic
activity, and by the mid-century, Jyderup had established itself as an
administrative and service center. In 1988, the Jyderup State Prison was
opened, providing 162 prison places and 130 workplaces, which became a
notable institution in the town's landscape (it later transitioned to a
women's prison in some contexts). Educational facilities expanded with
Tornved School's Jyderup department, while cultural and recreational
amenities included a library (relocated in 2008 to the former townhall
after the municipal merger), a swimming pool (Jyderup Bad A/S), a
stadium, and various associations.
The 2007 Danish municipal reform
marked a significant event, merging Tornved Municipality into Holbæk
Municipality. This led to the centralization of services, leaving the
old townhall empty and shifting local authority. Infrastructure
improvements continued, with regional trains at Jyderup Station and bus
lines connecting to nearby areas. Plans for upgrading Skovvejen (part of
Route 23) to a motorway, including new junctions, were discussed in
municipal reports from 2007–2018 and revised for 2013–2025.
Economically, the town developed industrial areas east of the center
with transport companies and an internet-based clothing store, alongside
older zones for auto repairs and services. Retail flourished, with about
60 businesses affiliated with the Jyderup Business Association.
Culturally, Jyderup hosts annual festivals, a Christmas tree event, and
associations like the Music Association Brage, Lions Club Tornved, and
JSG&I for sports and gymnastics. Nearby attractions include the Buerup
Wooden Shoe Museum (13 km south) and cycling events like Stage 4 of Post
Danmark Rundt in 2013, which passed through the town.
Jyderup lies up to five forests; Bjergsted Forest, Grevindes Forest,
Stokkebjerg Forest, Aggersvold Forest and Jyderup Forest - which makes
the city's surroundings a very natural area with lots of wildlife. It is
14 kilometers to the sea at Havnsø. There is also an old ruin called
Dronning Margrete's Ruin (named after Queen Margrete 1.), which is
located by Skarresø.
There are several public nature trails
around the lake. In Skarresø itself lies the island of Magleholm, home
to one of Denmark's rare pairs of eagles. In the old days, the lake was
a mill pond for the King's Mill. The Jyderup path runs from Svinninge
through Jyderup to Kongskilde Fritidsgård south of Sorø.
Regional trains run from Jyderup Station between Copenhagen and
Kalundborg. Several bus lines also start from the station or have a stop
here.
490 Slagelse Station
512 Snertinge - Gislinge
541
Snertinge - Havnsø
542 Eskebjerg - Kaldred
582 Bennebo Skamstrup -
Skellingsted - Brokøb - Mørkøv Station
The Road Directorate has
prepared an EIA report for the Forest Road - part of Route 23 - with a
view to upgrading it to a motorway (Kalundborg motorway). In the
statement, the Road Directorate proposed to close down the current
connection facility in the middle of Jyderup, and build two new
connection facilities (5) Jyderup Ø and (6) Jyderup V.
In the eastern part there is a large industrial area, i.a. with a
large transport company and an internet-based clothing store. Additional
areas are planned for new businesses. From Cementvejen there is access
for modular vehicle trains to route 23 Skovvejen.
North of
Nordvestbanen and south of Skovvejen lies an older industrial area where
there are car workshops, container shops and other service companies.
There is also a large transport company.
The city has a mixed commercial life with independent traders and typical franchise chains as well as business chains. Approx. 60 of them are members of the Jyderup Business Association. In connection with the establishment of the North-West railway in 1875, businesses have come up especially at the station.
Municipal plan
In 2007, Holbæk Municipality drew up the Holbæk
Municipal Plan 2007-2018, which includes Jyderup. Efforts are being
made, among other things, to include new areas for residential areas
north of the city.
Holbæk Municipality has begun work on revising
the entire municipal plan for 2013 to 2025. At a debate meeting at
Holbæk Theater on 26 March 2012 (Put your fingerprint on Holbæk
Municipality (Website no longer available)) citizens and politicians
were informed about Holbæk Municipality's new plan about the work and
invited to submit their ideas for development in the local areas –
including Jyderup. At the meeting, Pernille Steensgaard, journalist at
Weekendavisen, gave a presentation on the connection between different
ways of life, living arrangements and urban development. Afterwards,
there was an opportunity to discuss the planning in plenary and in
groups.
In general
On 19 September 2011, a working group was
set up under Lokalforum Jyderup, which based on the topics
infrastructure; profession; tourism; culture and nature, had to come up
with a written proposal for the city's future. The group consisted of
approx. 35 volunteers with different backgrounds and interests.
The city has many opportunities and natural resources – but "fringe
Denmark" with displacement has moved closer to cities with a lower
population. The result was presented at a public dialogue meeting for
the dialogue committee under the city council on 29 March 2012.
The city has a number of sports clubs, associations and volunteers.
Many of them are organized through JSG&I (Jyderup Skytte Gymnastik &
Idrætsforening (and others).
Among the associations are
Musikforeningen Brage, formerly Tornved Jazz Club. Concert organizer
with 3 annual events
Musikforeningen Live - Concert organizer with 4
annual events
Jyderupvision - A collection of various non-political
working groups that are engaged in urban development
Lions Club
Thornwood. Humanitarian aid work.
JSG&I Jyderup Shooting Gymnastics
& Sports Association - A common association for athletes.
Jyderup
Business Association - An association that looks after the city's
interests, primarily business and cultural.
Jyderup Antenneforening -
A local antenna association that supplies TV, internet and telephony to
the association's members.
Every year a town festival is held in
Jyderup. On the square in front of the old town hall, a Christmas tree
is put up every year in December.
Jyderup has its own stadium, called Jyderup Stadion. In addition,
there are sports clubs that offer, among other things, football,
handball, martial arts, gymnastics and swimming. Several of these clubs
use the local sports hall Jyderup Hallen.
The 4th stage of Post
Danmark Rundt 2013 went through Jyrderup. The route was 105 km long, and
it went from Høng to Asnæs Indelukke. The stage was won by Magnus Cort.