Næstved

Coordinates: 55°14′0″N 11°46′0″E / 55.233333°N 11.766667°E / 55.233333; 11.766667

Næstved
Town
St. Peter's Church, Næstved
Municipal coat of arms.
Country	Denmark
Region	Zealand
Municipality	Næstved Municipality
Center	Flakhaven
- coordinates	55°14′0″N 11°46′0″E / 55.233333°N 11.766667°E / 55.233333; 11.766667
Mayor	Carsten Rasmussen
Timezone	CET (UTC+1)
- summer (DST)	CEST (UTC+2)
Postal codes	4700
Næstved (lower center) in Denmark

Næstved (Danish: Næstved) a commercial town in a municipality of the same name, lies on the island of Zealand in Denmark. The town is one hour's travel from Copenhagen. Næstved has a population of 41,667 (1 January 2011).^[1] Næstved's UN/LOCODE is DKNVD.

Næstved has several adult education centers, five elementary schools - and has at least one of each type of the four upper-second-level education centers. The city has the largest high school in Denmark, Næstved Gymnasium & HF.

In 2003, the Guard Hussars regiment moved from Næstved to Slagelse.

In January 2008, the City Council presented plans for a new urban area in the Stenlænge area of the town (119 acres), including 1000-1500 residential homes, along with a new stadium, hotel, school, sports facilities, and more. The council intends to establish Næstved's position as the leading Zealand city after Copenhagen, for cultural facilities and for family life. This project brings to life a dream of having the facilities that will attract the best performers from Denmark and abroad: it also, for concerts and shows, would give Næstved the ability to compete with Copenhagen and other cities of Næstved's size.

History

Valdemar IV of Denmark (Valdemar Atterdag) shown on a fresco in Saint Peter's Church in Næstved (Sankt Peders Kirke).

Diorama inside the Næstved Museum showing Næstved as it appeared circa 1600.

Næstved has roots as far back as 400-500 BC. Archaeological material from this period has been found in the soil under Næstved, and tells of human life here before long before the Viking era.

The name of the city, Næstved, derives from two words: Næs and Tved. Tved means "cleared land" or "cleared wood" (as "thwaite" in English toponyms), and refers to the city's origin in the woods of southern Zealand, on the banks of the Suså. "Næs" is the Danish word for a small peninsula (as "ness" in English toponyms), and probably refers to the city's placing on the peninsulas Ydernæs, Grimstrup Næs, and Appenæs.

In 1135, Benedictine monks received Saint Peter's Church and surrounding land in order to found St. Peter's Priory. This is seen as the foundation of the town of Næstved, although the town appears to have existed already at that time, being both big and important to the region.

Culture

Næstved is the cultural center of the Southern Zealand-region, with various museums, concert-venues, theaters and exhibitions of all kinds during the year.

Churches

Næstved has five Danish National Churches: St. Martin's Church, St. Peter's Church, Saint John's Church, Herlufsholm Church, and Holsted Church. There are other churches in the town, such as Sjølundkirken.

Music and stage arts

Grønnegades Kaserne Kulturcenter was opened in 2002 in what used to be military barracks. It is in the center of the city, only five minutes walk away from the station. Denmark's top artists perform here, along with various names from abroad. Amongst the best-known foreign artists to have visited Næstved over the last few years are Electric Light Orchestra, Beth Hart, Runrig and Modern Talking.

In recent years, various theatres have emerged in Næstved, culminating with the creation of an "Egns Teater" - a local theatre - in 2006. Performances by talented local artists add to Næstved's position as a cultural stronghold on Zealand outside Copenhagen.

"Studenternes Hus" downtown (House of Students) is also a widely known and frequently used venue for local and national acts, as well as mid-range artistes from abroad. Cheap entry fees and a relaxed atmosphere attract a young crowd.

Museums

Næstved has a range of museums of local importance, In the city centre, Næstved Museum offers the full story of Næstved - from the very first settlements till this day. In Stenboderne, near St. Peter's Church, a collection of ancient findings are on show, including pottery, armory and more.

Besides those museums offering a broad view of local history, Næstved has numerous small museums, mainly focusing on local art. One of the most important, and most visited, is the Kähler Museum, showing pieces of Kähler ceramics.

Politics

On 1 January 2007, the size and population of the municipality of Næstved increased dramatically, as the government decided to merge four smaller municipalities with the municipality of Næstved. Næstved emerged with nearby Fuglebjerg, Fladså, Holmegaard and Suså, increasing population in the municipality of Næstved to more than 80.000. That made Næstved the second-largest town on Zealand, only outranked by the capital, Copenhagen.

Experienced mayor, Henning Jensen, led the city through the merger, and stayed head of the city council, with the four mayors from the other merged municipalities taking place as members of the council. Henning Jensen remained mayor of Næstved until 2011.

Political history

Traditionally, the Social Democratic Party has had the majority of seats in the City Council of Næstved. Today, they also have the most seats (more than half the seats in the City Council).

Critics claim that the party's power in the city is too large, with an absolute majority from only one party making it hard for the views of the opposing parties to be heard.

Traditionally Næstved's public have turned to the left on the political scale, when casting their votes. Social Democrats have been heading the city council almost continuously since its creation. The historically high rate of industrial workers in Næstved, have seen the liberal and conservative parties struggle over the last century.

Surprisingly enough, as Næstved increasingly becomes an academic city, the leftward tendency has never changed, and the Social Democrats in Næstved now stand stronger than ever.

International Cities of Friendship

The Nordic International Cities of Friendship project was initiated in 1939, involving cities in Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Later on Finland also became part of the network, with Iceland and the independent regions of Åland, Greenland and Faroe Islands to follow.

Næstved entered the project in 1947.

Næstved's Cities of Friendship as per 1.1.2007:

• Gjøvik - Norway
• Gävle - Sweden
• Rauma - Finland
• Bessastadahreppur - Iceland

Shopping

Næstved is probably the shopping-center of Southern Zealand.

Næstved Stor Center

A decade ago, a large shopping mall was established on, what was then the outskirts of the city. It is called Næstved Storcenter (Næstved Big Center), and houses some 80+ shops. Clothing, Danish design and much more can be found here. The center also offers seven restaurants of various kinds, from Mexican cuisine to pizzas hamburgers. People from most of Zealand come here to shop, and the large warehouse, BILKA, attracts a lot of customers.

Næstved Storcenter is on the outer edge of the city, and is easily accessible by bus (from Næstved Station) and by train (Næstved Nord Station is a five-minute walk from the mall entrance).

Næstved Mega Center

Just next to Næstved Storcenter you will find Næstved Mega Center, which, though, in comparison is rather small. Næstved Megacenter is home for approx. 10 large stores offering everything from hunters outfits to baby-wear.

Næstved City Centre

The heart of the city has a large pedestrian area for a place of its size.

Every Wednesday and Saturday there's a market in the city centre on "Axeltorv" (Axle Square) - a very old square, dating back to the founding of the city. The cosy environment with various shops, the marketplace and a vast variety of cafes is very popular with tourists and locals alike.

Industries

(This section needs development)

Near the sea, with the harbour in the city centre, Næstved was traditionally a city of industry. In recent years, though, industry in the city centre has decreased, as production has moved to the outskirts of the city - primarily on Ydernæs.

Novenco

Næstved's largest industry. For more than 60 years, Novenco has been among the world leaders in supplying HVAC system. The develop and manufacture high quality heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions for land and marine applications, along with numerous other products including fire-fighting products and systems.

In 1999 Novenco was sold to York International Inc., and had its name changed to York Novenco. In 2006, however, York Novenco was acquired by Dania Capital (a Danish investment company), who changed its name back to Novenco once again.

Holmegaard Glass Factory

Also mentioned in the attractions.

Media

(This section needs improvement)

Næstved has numerous local media, from newspapers to daily television broadcasts. Media company "Sjællandske Medier" (Zealandic Media) has its headquarters in downtown Næstved, and runs a local as well as a regional newspaper. Sjællandske Medier also operates a local TV-station called "24Sjællandske", offering local news twenty-four-seven.

Aside from Sjællandske Medier, Næstved has another media house: it runs two free newspapers

Urban life

Over the last 10 years, Næstved has developed into a more lively city than before. The trend of going out to cafés struck Næstved in the beginning of this century, and today, the town offers several cafés in the City Centre.

Also, the population has increased heavily, and actually Næstved is the second fastest growing city in Denmark, only out-performed by Denmark's second largest city Århus. More people means more ideas, and that shows in Næstved, where new galleries, workshops etc. has popped up in recent years.

The traffic in downtown Næstved can be very congested at times. New roads around the city has solved some of this problem, but still the traffic can be heavy, Especially around 8 and 16.

The City received a new library in 2005, just beside another new institution: Grønnegade Cultural Center in the center of Næstved. These two new structures have added to the experience of Næstved as a large city. Prominent new buildings and fine restoration-works in the city center has also added to that experience.

Attractions

Næstved and the surrounding area offer a wide variety of attractions for all ages.

Suså

Susåen, with the bridge connecting the shores. The surrounding Herlufsholm forest is excellent for walks.

The Suså River is Denmark's third longest river and flows through Næstved. After the demolition of a huge parking lot above it, the Suså has recently became more visible in the city. The Suså is surrounded on both sides by the Herlufsholm Wood from the city center to Herlufsholm. Visitors are able to walk down both sides of the Suså, and enjoy both the forest, the river, and Herlufsholm Boarding school.

Fishing is allowed in some parts of the river. Canoeing is also practiced on it.

BonBon Land

Næstved is home to an amusement park in Holme Olstrup, just 10 minutes from the city center. The park has increased dramatically in size over recent years, and is one of the most visited sights in all of Denmark today.

Recently, a new feature has been added to the amusement park in Holme Olstrup. It is called Fantasy World, and used to be located in Ringsted. However, the "world" has been bought by BonBon Land, and is now located right next to it. Fantasy World features a huge exhibition of Santa Claus, his home, his workshop and all of his little helpers.

Herlufsholm Kostskole

See also: Herlufsholm School

Herlufsholm Boarding School is located in the old Herlufsholm Kloster, on the bank of the Suså just outside the town of Næstved. For centuries students have attended the school, which enjoys a very respectable reputation. Today, the boarding school attracts students from all levels in the society, but earlier the school was more or less a high-society-only school.

The school houses various collections of scientific materials.

Holmegaard Glass Factory

See also: Holmegaard Glass Factory

Holmegaard Glass Factory is a glass company located in the village of Holmegaard, just outside of Næstved.

Gavnø Castle

Gavnø Castle is located on the island of Gavnø near Næstved. The castle is known for its tulips and a large collection of paintings.

Today, the castle is owned by baron Otto Reedtz-Thott, and has been in the Reedtz-Thott family since 1737. The castle covers some 2,300 acres (9.3 km²) of land, with 1,200 acres (4.9 km²) of agriculture and 1,000 acres (4.0 km²) of wood.

The castle has a vast variety of exhibitions during the year. The Gavnø Classic Autojumble is Denmark's largest exhibition of classic cars, and takes place every summer. Also there is a Christmas Market taking place in the gardens during two weekends in November.

Art-, book-, hunting- and health-fairs also take place.

Kähler Ceramics

The history of "Kähler" has its beginning in 1839, when Herman Kähler took over an old pottery in Næstved, and founded the Kähler ceramic workshop.

For centuries, the Kähler ceramics has been world renowned for its high quality and unique designs, and the pottery has been on the cutting edge of Danish ceramic art for more than 100 years. Every piece of Kähler is still handmade.

The old pottery is still located downtown Næstved on "Kählersbakken", a ten minute walk from the Axeltorv Square in the city centre.

Transport

Easy access to the city, is one of the top prioities for the local politicians of Næstved. Rail and roads are administrated by the State, so there is a lot of Lobbying going on behind the scenes. Locals are trying to get a highway-connection for the city these days, but so far without success. On the other hand, the railways to and from Næstved have been improved greatly over the years, making Næstved easily accessible by train from most parts of Zealand.

Railways

Næstved Station offers direct connections south and north. You can get to Copenhagen within an hour for approx. 90 DKK. Connections to Jutland, Sweden and mainland Europe are also offered. The station is operated by DSB (Danske Stats Baner ~ Danish Railways).

Heavy traffic on the motorways to Copenhagen has added to the amount of commuters using rail-transport to and from the Copenhagen area.

NB: In Denmark, you must have a valid ticket before entering the train. Tickets can not be bought from the personnel on the train, and if you travel without a valid ticket, you will be fined DKK 600.

Buses

A broad network of buses connects Næstved City to its urban area, as well as all major surrounding cities. Ticketprices are reasonable, and tickets are bought from the driver when boarding the bus. All buses depart from the bus-terminal at Næstved Station in the center of the town.

Air

The nearest airport is Copenhagen Airport in Kastrup (Copenhagen). By car, the airport is little more than an hour away. It is possible to go by train directly from Næstved to the airport in 1 hour and 20 minutes (approximately).

Roads

The infrastructure in Næstved has been under pressure for some years now. The roads in the city center are heavily crowded at mornings and in the afternoon. The absence of a direct motorway-connection to Copenhagen has led to numerous discussions over the years, but still, Næstveders have to take the 15 minute roadtrip to nearby Rønnede (East of the city) to access the E47/E55, connecting the area to the rest of Europe.

There are direct road connections to nearby Ringsted, Slagelse, Præstø and Vordingborg (80 km/h) - all four cities within 30 minutes reach.

Næstved Harbour

Telecommunication

At Næstved, there is a 220.1 metres tall guyed mast for FM-/TV-broadcasting.

Næstved Harbour

In the middle of the city you will find Næstved Harbour. The harbour is in a central location in Denmark, near to Storebæltsbroen (The Great Belt Bridge), and the Fehmarn connection can be reached within an hour by road.

One of the biggest stone plants in the country for the refinement of seabed materials is situated at Næstved Harbour. One of the reasons why the company chose to set up at Næstved Harbour was because it would be possible for their annual production of around 120 000 tonnes of material to be sent more quickly to customers - and because Næstved Harbour has exactly the kind of storage capacity required, regardless of whether goods are to be stored for a long time or just briefly.

Sports

The town of Næstved has several teams in the top divisions of various sports. Most notably in the football leagues, where the team has traditionally played a role on the domestic scene, but recently the basket team has been the town's most successful sports team.

Næstved Boldklub (Football)

Næstved BK is a soccer team operating as a club, founded in 1939 as a merger between Næstved Idrætsklub and Næstved Boldklub. They placed first in the Danish Division, the second best league of Denmark. The home kit is green-green-white (jersey-shorts-socks) and the away kit is red-red-white.

Results achieved by the club; Bronze medal winners: 1972, 1975, 1981, 1986 Silver medal winners: 1980, 1988 Danish Cup runners-up: 1994 Danish champions (indoor soccer): 2003

Team FOG Næstved (Basketball)

Further information: Team FOG Næstved

Næstved's basket team plays in the best league of Denmark (Canal Digital Ligaen). The 1980s was a successful decade for the team, where it managed to play in the best league for some years, and after a less successful 1990s decade the team is now back in the top division and currently has the ambition to be on of the dominating teams of Denmark within few years.

They have reached the Danish Cup Final twice - in 2007 and again in 2009. Both times they played Bakken Bears from Aarhus - they lost both times though.

Other sport teams in Næstved

• Næstved Vikings - American football
• Team Python Pro - Cycling (Team Python Pro is the professional part of Næstved Bicycle Club (NBC))
• Næstved-Herlufsholm Håndbold - Handball (both men and women)
• VK Næstved - Volleyball
• Kvik Næstved - Table tennis - Competes in the best Danish table tennis league
• HG Fodbold (part of Herlufsholm Gymnastikforening) - Football

Famous people born in Næstved

• Harald T. Friis, radio engineer
• Lars Jørgensen, handball-player (Born in the former municipality of Fladså)
• Jesper Klein, actor
• Helge Adam Møller, politician
• Flemming Ronne, artist
• Casper Andersen Pedersen

See also

• Chronicle of the Expulsion of the Grayfriars#Chapter 13 Concerning the Friary in Næstved

References

Notes

1. ^ BEF44: Population 1st January, by urban areas database from Statistics Denmark

External links

• The tourist offices' official guide to the Næstved Region on visitnaestved.com
• Næstved during 1500 years - history of the town