Nykøbing Falster

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Nykøbing Falster is a municipality (Danish, kommune) in Storstrøm County in south Denmark. The municipality is split into two parts, lying half on the island of Lolland and half on the island of Falster; Guldborg Strait (Guldborgsund ) is the waterway that separates these two islands. The municipality covers an area of 134 km², and has a total population of 25,483 (2005). Its mayor is Poul-Henrik Pedersen.

The main town and the site of its municipal council is the city of Nykøbing Falster, which also lies half on the island of Lolland and half on the island of Falster. The 295 meter long Frederick IX Bridge, built 1960-1962, connects the two halves of the city over the Guldborg Strait.

Neighboring municipalities are Sydfalster and Stubbekøbing to the east, Nørre Alslev to the north, Sakskøbing to the northwest, and Nysted to the southwest. The waters of Guldborg Strait, which separate the two halves of the municipality, also help to define the municipality's southern border.

By January 1, 2007 Nykøbing Falster municipality will cease to exist as the result of Kommunalreformen ("The Municipality Reform" of 2007). It will be merged with existing Nysted, Nørre Alslev, Sakskøbing, Stubbekøbing, and Sydfalster municipalities to form the new Guldborgsund municipality. This will create a municipality with an area of 907 km² and a total population of 63,533 (2005). The new municipality will belong to the new Region Sjælland ("Zealand Region").

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[edit] The city of Nykøbing Falster

Nykøbing Falster waterfront
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Nykøbing Falster waterfront

Nykøbing Falster is the largest city on the islands of Lolland and Falster, and is often called "Nykøbing F." to distinguish it from at least two other cities in Denmark with the name of Nykøbing. Nykøbing Falster is the seat of state and regional authorities. The town has a population of 19,679 (2004), of which 16,784 live on the Falster side, and 2,895 live on the Lolland side.

There is a 0.5 kilometer long commercial district, walking street (gågade) on the Falster side of the city with a wide selection of shops. At the end of the street is a large plaza where special events are arranged. These include popular late night events, which are held several times a year.

The city has a large central library in the center of town.

The town receives many visitors during the summer, especially from Sydfalster.

[edit] History

Nykøbing Falster was founded around a 12th-century medieval castle.

[edit] Attractions

The city has a few noteworthy buildings, including a wooden house from 1580 and The Czar's House (Czarens Hus), which was built in 1700 and is probably the most famous monument in Nykøbing-Falster. The latter building was named Czarens Hus in memory of Peter the Great, who stayed there in 1716.

Among the other interesting monuments in Nykøbing-Falster, there is a 15th century castle with a medieval siege-train. City inhabitants often walk in a people's park with an adjacent zoological garden.

Other attractions include:

  • The City Museum (Bymuseet)
  • The Middle Ages Center (Middelaldercentret)
  • The Old Shop (Den gamle butik)

[edit] External links

[edit] References


Municipalities in Storstrøm County

Fakse | Fladså | Holeby | Holmegaard | Højreby | Langebæk | Maribo | Møn | Nakskov | Nykøbing Falster | Nysted | Næstved | Nørre Alslev | Præstø | Ravnsborg | Rudbjerg | Rødby | Rønnede | Sakskøbing | Stevns | Stubbekøbing | Suså | Sydfalster | Vordingborg