Less than an hour’s drive from Copenhagen, you find yourself in a completely different world. The South Zealand region and the island of Mon in Denmark are known for their beautiful nature. There are rugged coastlines, fine beaches, high chalk cliffs, castles and small harbor towns. In this article I will take you to the south of Zealand in Denmark and tell you more about things to do, tours, beautiful places in nature, hotels and restaurants. I’m sure this destination will soon find a place on your bucket list.
South Zealand (Sydsjælland) is the southern part of the Danish island of Zealand, nestled between the Great Belt and the Baltic Sea. The region stretches from the town of Næstved to the coastal areas of Vordingborg and Præstø, including the island of Møn. During my visit to South Zealand, I explored its natural landscapes, attractions, nice restaurants, and lovely accommodations. In this Passport the World travel guide, I share all my tips and experiences..
Stevns Klint features a magnificent stretch of chalk cliffs, reaching a height of 40 meters. Along this 15-kilometer series of cliffs, you can indulge in beautiful views, from the balcony of the Højerup church or the top of the lighthouse.
Do you want to learn more about Stevns Klint during your visit? Then it is recommended to go out with a local guide and understand even better what kind of unique place you are in. You can book a tour here.
However, it is not just the natural beauty that makes this place special. Stevns Klint is renowned for its traces of the meteorite that crashed on earth 65 million years ago, resulting in the extinction of over half of all animal species, including dinosaurs. The cliffs contain a unique fish clay layer, which consists of shells and skeletons of the life that once lived here. Stevns Klint is on the Unesco World Heritage List because of these special finds.
Extra tip: When the weather is nice, make sure to book a picnic at Café Mad&Ro and find a nice spot in the area. Everything is super tasty and fresh. You won’t regret it.
At the visitor center of Stevns Klint, you can delve into the intriguing world of the distinctive fish clay layer and its abundance of fossils. An interesting movie is projected on a gigantic limestone block, carved out of the cliff, where the fish clay layer is perfectly visible. Fossils and dinosaur skeletons are also on display.
One of the cultural places you can visit in South Zealand Denmark is Gavnø Slot, a rococo castle from the 12th century, that immerses you in the history of the former inhabitants. Each room tells its own story through old furniture and pieces of art. It is also recommended to take a walk through the castle gardens. There are colorful flower beds, mighty trees and nice plant collections.
Rødvig is a small coastal town, located on the east coast of Zealand in Denmark. The coastline invites you for a walk and the harbor is a good place for photos or find a spot on the terrace.
You can also eat delicious fish in one of the restaurants. Are you looking for a culinary experience? Then book a table at Rødvig Kro og Badehotel, to enjoy a tasting menu while overlooking the sea.
Did you know that South Zealand in Denmark produces gin? And this in a sustainable way? Radius Distillery, near Præstø, has been working with fallen and surplus apples from the area that are used for the production of apple wines, gin and brandy. During a visit you will get a tour through the factory and learn more about the process. And of course you can taste different gins afterwards. Recommended!
Møn is a Danish island in the southeast of the country and is part of the South Zealand region. It’s best known for its dramatic chalk cliffs, dark night skies (Dark Sky Park), and charming small villages. Here are a few tips for things to do and see on Møn. Curious to discover more? Then read on in my full article about Møn in Denmark.
One of the most famous sights on the island Mon Denmark is Møns Klint. These imposing chalk cliffs, formed 70 million years ago, are located on the east coast of the island and rise 128 meters above the turquoise sea. The views are truly beautiful.
Do you want to visit Møns Klint as a day tour from Copenhagen? Check out an interesting tour here.
You can go for a walk on the beach or cool off in the surrounding forests. There are nine walking trails that have been mapped out – from easy, medium to difficult – allowing you to experience the cliffs in different ways.
Don’t forget to look for fossils when you’re on the beach. There is a good chance that you will find belemnites and other fossils here. Møns Klint is known as one of the best places in the world to find fossils and is even on the UNESCO World Heritage List because of this.
South Zealand in Denmark is one of the best places in the world for stargazing. Møns Klint, located on Mon island, is Scandinavia’s first Dark Sky Park, along with nearby Nyord. The cliffs provide minimal light pollution, which creates a special darkness. On a clear evening there is a good chance to see the milky way, the moon, planets and shooting stars passing by.
The best time to see a beautiful starry sky is between September and March, when the nights are longer. But tours can be done all year round, even when it is cloudy.
Make sure to go out with a Dark Sky guide by night. It is a great experience where you start the evening around the campfire with wine, followed by a walk towards Møns Klint to look for the most beautiful photo spots.
Looking for a nice place to stay around Møns Klint? Check out Villa Huno. Looking for more hotels in Mon in Denmark? This is an overview.
One of the nicest hiking trails around Mon in Denmark is the Camøno trail. This 175 kilometer route takes you from the small island Bogø, through Mon, to the island Nyord. You walk along the rugged coastlines for which the area is known, through forests, fields and small villages. The route consists of several parts to choose from, so you don’t have to walk the entire trail.
A good starting point is the Mons museum in Stege but there are also bus stops, giving you the possibility to start and end the trail wherever you want. More informaioncan be found on the website van VisitDenmark.
Looking for an authentic place to stay in South Zealand in a natural setting? Jungshoved Præstegaard is a country house, located in Præstø. It is situated directly on the sea and is surrounded by vast fields, where you can go for nice walks. During your stay you will also get to know the Danish wildlife, as the area is home to countless deers, hares and pheasants.
The country house offers different rooms, which are fully equipped. Whether you opt for a suite with a private terrace in the main building, a small gypsy wagon or a shelter, where you spend the night partly in the open air, the owners will do everything they can to make your stay as pleasant as possible. The suite offers a private terrace with views of the fields and the sea. In the morning when you open your window you are greeted by the sounds of countless birds.
Do you also want to spend the night in this lovely place? Check out the latest prices and availability at Jungshoved Præstegaard here.
Hotel Kirstine is a historic building, located in the heart of Næstved in South Zealand Denmark. It is a typical half-timbered house, making you want to take many pictures.
The hotel consists of several comfortable rooms, spread over a number of buildings. The biggest rooms have a private terrace. On arrival you can enjoy a high tea and there is also a spa, that you can book all to yourself.
One of the highlighst of staying at Hotel Kristine, is the culinary tasting experience. The chefs provide a truly impressive 10-course menu, with matching wines.
Check the lates prices and availability at Hotel Kirstine here. Looking for more hotels in and around Næstved? This is an overview.
Rødvig Kro og Badehotel is located in the Baltic Sea town of Rødvig. It has been voted one of the best Danish beach hotels. The rooms are sleek, simple but neatly furnished and available with or without a sea view. And of course you want to go for the latter option. The advantage is that you are close to Stevns Klint and many other things to do in South Zealand Denmark. Try to have dinner at least one evening in the hotel restaurant and order the surprise menu.
Check the latest prices and availability at Rødvig Kro og Badehotel here. Looking for more hotels in Rodvig? This is an overview.
This is an overview of tours and things to do in South Zealand & Mon in Denmark.
Naestved and Stevns Klint can be reached within 1 hour from Copenhagen. The island of Mon is an hour and a half drive from the capital. You can rent a car at Copenhagen airport or in the city center and start your journey through South Zealand here.
How long you want to stay in South Zealand, Denmark, really depends on which sights you want to visit and how much time you have. For a good impression of the nature and coastal towns, 3 to 4 days are perfect. A visit to the region is also easy to combine with Copenhagen, something I highly recommend.
Want to learn more about Copenhagen? In the next article I’ll tell you everything you want to know about Denmak’s capital, including tips for things to do, cool neighborhoods and hotels.
Did you enjoy reading this article with tips and things to do in South Zealand and Mon in Denmark and do you want to read more? Check out the website VisitDenmark or follow the region on Instagram. Curious about more Passport the World tips for Denmark and Scandinavia? Check out the next articles.
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Are you interested in the world? Do you want to learn more about a country and its culture? Let me take you on a journey with Passport the World.
As a travel reporter, producer and tour guide, I have been traveling around the world for the last 20 years, looking for the most scenic places and stories that are worth sharing. In Passport the World, I am guiding you along scenic and cultural places, cities, art, viewpoints, hiking trails and unique experiences. To help you get the most out of your travels or to just get to know a country and culture better!
Are you interested in the world? Do you want to learn more about a country and its culture? Let me take you on a journey with Passport the World.
As a travel reporter, producer and tour guide, I have been traveling around the world for the last 20 years, looking for the most scenic places and stories that are worth sharing. In Passport the World, I am guiding you along scenic and cultural places, cities, art, viewpoints, hiking trails and unique experiences. To help you get the most out of your travels or to just get to know a country and culture better!
