Ringsted Travel Guide

Explore the best of Ringsted with our comprehensive travel guide, featuring top attractions, where to stay, what to eat, and more.


Ringsted Travel Guide

Located in West Zealand, in Denmark’s Nordic region, Ringsted offers a wealth of cultural and natural attractions for travelers to explore. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor adventures, or delicious local cuisine, this charming town has something for everyone. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top places to visit, best things to do, where to stay, where to eat, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Ringsted

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Ringsted has a rich cultural heritage, which is reflected in its museums and historical sites. Here are some of the top places to visit:

  • Ringsted Museum: This museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of Ringsted, from its Viking past to its modern-day culture.
  • Ringsted Kloster: This beautiful convent dates back to the 15th century and is home to some stunning artwork and architecture.
  • St. Bendt’s Church: This beautiful church is one of the oldest in Denmark, dating back to the 12th century. It’s known for its stunning Romanesque architecture and stunning frescoes.

Natural Attractions of Ringsted: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast or simply want to enjoy some breathtaking natural beauty, Ringsted won’t disappoint. Here are some highlights:

  • Sorø Lakes: These beautiful lakes offer a wealth of outdoor activities, from fishing and boating to hiking and cycling.
  • Skjoldungernes Land National Park: Located just a short drive from Ringsted, this national park offers some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the region, including dense forests, rolling hills, and stunning fjords.
  • Ringsted Outlet: This shopping center is home to over 100 stores, making it the perfect place to shop for local souvenirs and gifts.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ringsted

Ringsted offers many scenic hiking and biking routes that will take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region. Here are some of our favorites:

  • Skjoldungernes Land National Park Trail: This trail stretches over 50 kilometers and takes you through some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the region.
  • Ringstedbanen: This former railway track has been converted into a scenic bike path that stretches for 25 kilometers, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Ringsted Hiking Route: This 15-kilometer hiking route takes you through some of the most beautiful natural landscapes of Ringsted.

Best Things to Do in Ringsted: Activities and Tours

  • Explore Ringsted Museum and learn about the town’s fascinating history
  • Take a bike ride along Ringstedbanen and enjoy the beautiful scenery
  • Visit St. Bendt’s Church and admire its stunning architecture and gorgeous frescoes
  • Go fishing or boating at Sorø Lakes
  • Shop for local souvenirs and gifts at Ringsted Outlet
  • Take a tour of the historic Ringsted Kloster

Week-Long Itinerary for Ringsted

Day 1: Arrive in Ringsted and explore the town center Day 2: Visit St. Bendt’s Church and Ringsted Museum Day 3: Take a bike ride along Ringstedbanen Day 4: Go fishing or boating at Sorø Lakes Day 5: Visit Ringsted Outlet and shop for local souvenirs and gifts Day 6: Take a tour of the historic Ringsted Kloster Day 7: Explore Skjoldungernes Land National Park and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery

Food and Drink Scene of Ringsted

Ringsted has a vibrant food and drink scene, with numerous delicious dishes and local beverages for travelers to try. Here are some must-try items:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Rugbrød: This dense, dark bread is a staple in Danish cuisine and is often served with a variety of toppings, such as cheese, meat, or fish.
  • Smørrebrød: This open-faced sandwich is another Danish classic, featuring various toppings, such as herring, smoked salmon, or roast beef.
  • Stjerneskud: This dish features two kinds of fish, shrimp, salad, and dressing, all served on a slice of toast

Local Beverages

  • Danish beer: Denmark is known for its delicious beers, including popular brands such as Carlsberg and Tuborg.
  • Akvavit: This strong liquor has been produced in Denmark for centuries and is often enjoyed as a digestif after a meal.

Where to Stay in Ringsted: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Ringsted offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences, from cozy guesthouses to luxurious hotels. Some recommended options include:

  • Scandic Ringsted: This modern hotel is located in the heart of Ringsted and offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and free Wi-Fi.
  • Ringsted Guesthouse: This cozy guesthouse is situated in a quiet residential area and offers comfortable rooms, home-cooked breakfast, and personalized service.
  • Danhostel Ringsted: This affordable hostel is located just a short walk from the town center and offers private and shared rooms, a communal kitchen, and free Wi-Fi.

What to Buy in Ringsted: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Ringsted is famous for its local handicrafts and souvenirs, which make great gifts for friends and family back home. Some popular items include:

  • Danish ceramics: Denmark is known for its beautiful ceramics, and Ringsted has a wide variety of pottery studios and stores where you can find unique pieces.
  • Viking souvenirs: With its rich Viking history, Ringsted offers a wide range of Viking-themed souvenirs, such as jewelry, swords, and shields.
  • Local honey: Beekeeping is a popular activity in Ringsted, and you can find a variety of delicious local honey products, such as honeycomb and beeswax candles.

Local Culture and Customs of Ringsted

Denmark has a rich cultural heritage, and Ringsted is no exception. Some of the local customs and traditions you may encounter include:

  • Hygge: This Danish concept of coziness and comfort is at the heart of Ringsted’s culture. Expect warm, inviting atmospheres, comfort foods, and friendly camaraderie.
  • Viking heritage: Ringsted has a rich Viking past, and you may encounter various Viking-themed events, exhibitions, and souvenirs around town.
  • Respect for nature: Denmark is known for its pristine natural landscapes, and Ringsted is no exception. Respect for nature is ingrained in Danish culture, and visitors are encouraged to do their part in preserving the environment.

Best Time to Visit Ringsted

The best time to visit Ringsted is during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is warm and sunny, and the town truly comes alive with various festivals, events, and outdoor activities. However, if you prefer fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, spring and fall are also excellent times to visit.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ringsted

Do:

  • Respect the natural environment and follow Leave No Trace principles when hiking or exploring the outdoors.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverage offerings, from traditional Danish dishes to delicious local beers and spirits.
  • Learn about Ringsted’s rich cultural heritage and embrace the town’s customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage natural or cultural sites in any way.
  • Be overly loud or disruptive in public spaces.
  • Ignore local customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Ringsted

Denmark is generally a safe country, and Ringsted is no exception. However, travelers should still take the usual precautions, such as keeping an eye on their belongings and avoiding dark or isolated areas at night.

Health in Ringsted

Denmark has a high standard of healthcare, and Ringsted has a modern hospital and several clinics should any medical issues arise. However, it’s always best to consult with your doctor before traveling and ensure you have adequate travel insurance.

Getting to Ringsted: Transportation Options and Logistics

Ringsted is easily accessible by several modes of transportation:

Airports Near Ringsted

The nearest major airports to Ringsted are Copenhagen Airport (50 km away) and Billund Airport (149 km away). From there, you can take a train or bus to Ringsted.

Bus Stations Near Ringsted

Ringsted has a central bus station with frequent connections to Copenhagen and neighboring towns and cities.

Other Options

You can also reach Ringsted by car or bike. Denmark has an excellent network of roads and bike paths, making it easy to explore the country on two wheels.

How to Get Around in Ringsted

Ringsted is a small town, and most attractions and points of interest can be explored on foot or by bike. However, if you prefer public transportation, there are several bus routes that connect different parts of town.

Where to Go Next from Ringsted: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Ringsted is ideally located in West Zealand, making it a perfect base for exploring other nearby towns and attractions. Some recommended destinations include:

  • Roskilde: This beautiful town is known for its stunning Gothic cathedral, Viking heritage, and lively music festivals.
  • Copenhagen: Denmark’s capital city is just a short train ride away from Ringsted and offers a wealth of attractions, including Tivoli Gardens, the Little Mermaid statue, and the colorful Nyhavn Harbor.
  • Odsherred: This scenic coastal area is dotted with charming towns, sandy beaches, and breathtaking natural landscapes, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and beachgoers.

Conclusion

Ringsted may be a small town, but it’s full of surprises and delights for visitors. From its rich cultural heritage to its beautiful natural landscapes, there’s always something new to discover in this charming Danish town. We hope this guide has inspired you to plan your trip and explore all that Ringsted has to offer.