Smerup

Smerup is a village in the southern part of Stevns a peninsula of the Island Sjælland in Denmark, Europe. The village is centered around a church (from app. 1270) and a village pond. The village is situated peacefully between the cities Faxe and Store Heddinge at each end of the road "Stevnsvejen", which connects the two. The distance to the city Køge is 25 km. Smerup is parish-of-ease to the neighboring village "Store Spjellerup", but is itself church city for the larger neighboring village "Store Torøje"

7 farms outside the village limits remain active, while the village numbers 4 shut down farms and about 30 old houses with approx. 50 residents of all ages. Bus connections are scarce – it is necessary to have a car. Nearest shopping is available in the city Karise (4 km).

Smerup is an old village from the years 1000-1100. This is witnessed in the local archive in the year 1310, where the village is named Smith-Thorp. Originally Smerup was a farming village, and all 11 farms were copyhold farms under the manor Vemmetofte. In addition to the 11 farms in the old village and their families, there were a small number of houses inhabited by landless lodgers and workmen (blacksmith, carpenter, weaver etc.).

The farming village is described in detail from around year 1700 with information about residents, land area, buildings and livestock etc. In the summer 1746, 6 farms and 2 houses were caught in a fire, but the farms were rebuilt within a few years. The oldest map of Smerup is from 1790, but parish registers can be found from the 17’th century and from 1787 census papers can be found too.

As a result of the big land reforms in the late 18’Th century, the farms of Smerup were moved out in to the country in 1830. The ancient village community had come to an end, and the farms were placed near their respective lands. At the same time the ownership of the land was changed in a way where freehold replaced copyhold.

In the 1900-years only 2 houses were built in Smerup and since then only 1 new house was built in 2006. All other houses are from the 18’Th and 19’Th centuries. When the co-op was shut down in 1971 the village became quieter. But in recent years a generational change has taken place which has brought young families with children to the village. Spjellerup-Smerup Central School is found 2 km south of the village.

From a distance you see the white church tower; the rest of the village is covered between plantations. An annual civic festival is held which is very popular. The village is a genuine Stevns-village, since it is placed on the proper side, which is the eastern side, of Stevns Å. Administratively though, Smerup belongs to Faxe municipality.

Smerup can be reached via the southbound motorway from Copenhagen. Take exit 37, Rønnede. From there you head towards Fakse on the road to Køge. At Værløse the Stevnsvej begins which is followed for 5-6 km. towards Store Heddinge. At your left you see the white church of Smerup. For those more at home in this area of Denmark, it is easier to take the exit 33 Køge C. You head towards Køge and continue along the old Vordingborgvej. After 100 m you turn left and head for Fakse. At the way to Fakse you pass Karise, where you make another left turn to the south towards Fakse Ladeplads and Vemmetofte. You drive on until you hit the Stevnsvej and make a third left turn. Now just take the next available left turn and you are there.