Næstved
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Næstved | ||
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| Town | ||
 Saint Peter´s Church in Næstved
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| Country | Denmark | |
| Region | Zealand | |
| Municipality | Næstved Municipality | |
| Center | Flakhaven | |
| - coordinates | Coordinates: | |
| Population | 41 810 (2008) | |
| - urban | 80 732 | |
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1) | |
| - summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) | |
| Postal codes | 4700 | |
  Næstved (lower center) in Denmark
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Næstved is a town in Næstved Municipality, Denmark. In 2008, Næstved had 41 810 inhabitants. On January 1, 2007, the Municipality of Næstved merged with those of nearby Fladså, Suså, Fuglebjerg and Holmegaard, increasing urban area total population to more than 80,000.
Næstved is popular with commuters who work in Copenhagen, as Næstved is located one hour travel time but has housing prices well below those in the capitol.
The UN/LOCODE is DKNVD.
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[edit] The town of Næstved
Næstved is an important commercial center in the area, and has 41 810 (2008) inhabitants. The town has become known for the regiment of mounted Guardsmen (Gardehusarer) which have made Næstved their home for over 60 years, and have held weekly drills in the streets of the town. The Guardsmen moved their base to nearby Slagelse in 2003.
[edit] History
[edit] Early history
Næstved has roots as far back as 4-500 bc. Archeologic material from this period in time, has been found in the soil under Næstved, and tells of human life here before long before the Vikings came around.
The name of the city, Næstved, is put together of two words: Næs and Tved. Tved means "cleared land" og "cleared wood", and refers to the citys origin in the woods of southern Zealand, on the banks of the Suså. "Næs" is the Danish word for a small peninsula, 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 Saint Peter's Monastery. 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.
[edit] Today
The city has a handful of further education centers, 5 elementary schools and has at least one of each type of the four upper second level education centers. The city has as well one of (if not) the largest gymnasiums in Denmark, Næstved Gymnasium & HF. See Education in Denmark. The city has also five churches; Saint Morten's from 1667, which is decorated with frescoes; Saint Peter's, which is known for its Gothic chancel and its baroque furnishings; Saint John's; Herlufsholm Church; and Holsted Church. The twone also some free evangelical churches in the town, among others Sjølundkirken. .
[edit] The future
There is an ongoing process of urban renewal/development in Næstved. In January 2008 the City Counsil presented the 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, sportsfacilities and more.
The council intend to manifest Næstved's position as the leading city on Zealand, outside Copenhagen, when it comes to cultural offers and family life.
The project brings to life a dream of having the facilities to attract the best performers from domestic and abroad, and gives Næstved the ability to compete with other cities of its own size, as well as Copenhagen, when it comes to concerts and shows.
[edit] 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.
Grønnegades Kaserne Kulturcenter was opened in 2002 in what used to be military barracks. It's located in the center of the city, only five minutes walk away from the station. Denmarks top-artists perform here, along with various names from abroad. Amongst the most well known foreign artists to have visited Næstved over the last few years are Electric Light Orchestra, Beth Hart, Runrig and Modern Talking.
[edit] 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 outsized by the capital, Copenhagen.
Experienced mayor, Henning Jensen,lead 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.
[edit] The City Council as of 1/12-2007:
- Henning Jensen, Social Democrats, Mayor
- Søren Dysted, Social Democrats, 1. Vice Mayor
- Hans R. Hansen, Venstre (Liberal Party), 2. Vice Mayor
- Per Andersen, Social Democrats
- Carsten Rasmussen, Social Democrats
- Søren Revsbæk, Venstre (Liberal Party)
- Linda Frederiksen, Social Democrats
- Karsten Nonbo, Venstre (Liberal Party)
- Lene Koustrup Madsen, Social Democrats
- Carsten Bering, Conservative Peoples Party
- Lisbet Skov, Social Democrats
- Daniel Tarby Lilleröi, Social Democrats
- Kirsten Devantier, Venstre (Liberal Party)
- John Lauritzen, Social Democrats
- Michael Rex, Danish Peoples Party
- Troels Larsen, Venstre (Liberal Party)
- Dusan Jovanovic, Social Democrats
- Per Sörensen, Social Democrats
- Elmer Jacobsen, Venstre (Liberal Party)
- Kirsten Andersen, Social Democrats
- Kurt Petersen, Conservative Peoples Party
- Torben Nielsen
- Johnny E. Sörvin, Social Democrats
- Peder Bo Larsen, Venstre (Liberal Party)
- Lars Hoppe Söe, Radicals
- Birgit Lund Terp, Social Democrats
- Lindy Nymark Christensen, Social Democrats
- Otto Poulsen, Venstre (Liberal Party)
- Kurt Sörensen, Social Democrats
- Dorthe Lynderup, Venstre (Liberal Party)
- Niels Erik Sörensen, Social Democrats
[edit] Political history
Traditionally, the Social Democratic Party has had the majority of seats in the City Counsil of Næstved. Today they also have the most seats.
Critics claim that the partys power in the city is too big, with an absolute majority from only one party making it hard on the opposing partys to be heard.
[edit] 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:
[edit] Shopping
Næstved is generally known as the shopping-center of Southern Zealand.
[edit] 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, and very often at a bargain prices. The center also offers seven restaurants of various kinds, from Mexican cuisine to hamburgers. People from most of Zealand come here to do shopping, and the large warehouse, BILKA, attracts a lot of customers looking for bargains.
The Næstved Stor Center is located just outside the city, and is easily accessible by both bus (from Næstved Station) and train (Næstved Nord Station is a five minute walk from the entrance).
[edit] Næstved Mega Center
Just next to Næstved Storcenter you'll find Næstved Mega Center, which, though, in comparison is rather small. Næstved Megacenter is home for approx. 10 large stores offering everything from hunters outfit to baby-wear.
[edit] Næstved City Centre
Downtown Næstved is also some sort of mecca, when it comes to shopping. The streets are made for walking, and in the very heart of the city you'll find a place with no cars allowed. Næstved offers quite a large pedestrian area for a size 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 market place and a vast variety of cafe's is very popular with tourists and locals alike.
[edit] Industries
(This section needs development)
Placed near the sea, with the harbour in the city centre, Næstved traditionally was a city of industry. Recent years, though, the visibility of the industries in the city centre has decreased, as production units has moved to the outskirts of the city - primarily on Ydernæs.
[edit] Novenco
Næstved's largest industry.
[edit] Holmegaard Glass Factory
Also mentioned in the attractions.
[edit] Media
(This section needs improvement)
Næstved has numerous local media, from newspapers to daily television broadcasts.
[edit] Urban life
Over the last 10 years, Næstved has developed into a more lively city than before. The trend of going out on cafés struck Næstved in the beginning of this century, and today, the town offers several cafés of different kinds in the City Centre.
Also, the population has increased heavily, and actually Næstved is the second fastets growing city in Denmark, only out-performed by Denmarks second largest city Århus. More people means more ideas, and that shows in Næstved, where new galleries, workshops and alike has popped up over recent years.
The traffic in downtown Næstved can be a killer at some times. Especially around 9 and 15. New roads around the city has solved some of the problem, but still the traffic is heavy at times.
The City received a new library few years ago, just beside another new institution: Grønnegade Cultural Center. These to 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.
[edit] Attractions
Næstved and the surrounding area offers a wide variety of attractions for all ages.
[edit] Susåen
One of Denmarks largest rivers floats right through Næstved. In recent years, the Suså has become more visible in the city, as part of it has been uncovered after the demolition of a huge parking lot, placed above it. Today you are able to strafe along the Suså all the way from the city center (offspring just near the "Stenboderne"-museum, next to Saint Peters Church) through the woods to Herlufsholm. Canooing is possible at reasonable prices. Rental of canoo's is available at "Slusehuset", just behind the city administration (Rådmandshaven).
From the city center to the Herlufsholm, the Suså is surrounded on both sides by the Herlufsholm wood. You are able to take a walk down both shores, enjoying both the forest and the river as you go. Most people walk down the one side of the river, and walks back again on the other side.
Fishing is allowed in some parts of the river. Ask for a permission at the local Tourist office, located close to the rivers offspring at the harbour (5 minutes walk from the city center).
[edit] BonBon Land
If you visit Denmark, you'll probably know Tivoli, but in Næstved there's an amusement park of almost the same size. It's placed 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. Once you have paid the entrance fee, everything is free to ride.
There are rollercoasters, boats and loads more to try out, and the park has a particularly children-friendly atmosphere, with various cartoons wandering the park.
Only recently, a new feature has been added to the amusementpark in Holme Olstrup. It is called Santa 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. Santa World features a huge exhibition of Santa Claus, his home, his workshop and all of his little helpers.
[edit] Herlufsholm Kostskole
(Read more Herlufsholm kostskole)
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 enjoyes a very respectable renomme. 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.
Guided tours are arranged from time to time, and the school is worth a visit. Apart from the remarkable architecture, the school has some fascinating stories to be told, and various collections of scientific materials.
[edit] Holmegaard Glass Factory
Or "Holmegaard Glasværk" as it is called in Danish. World famous glass company located in the village of Holmegaard just outside of Næstved. During the last couple of years a lot of new initiatives have been launched at Holmegaard Glasværk, and it is now a place for exploration for kids and adults of all ages. You'll be able to create your own piece of glass, and there are great savings in the shop, as well as a museum with some of the factory's most notable pieces.
[edit] 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 agrigulture 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 Denmarks largest exhibition of classic cars, and takes place every summer. Also there is a Christmas Market taking place in the beautiful gardens during two weekends in November.
Art-, book-, hunting- and health-fairs also take place.
[edit] Kähler Ceramics
The history of "Kähler" has it's 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 worldknown for it's 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.
Today Kähler houses some of the best ceramics-designers in the world, including Louise Campbell. Despite the designs being renewed and updated over the recent years, the atmosphere and the vision of the pottery is still intact.
The old pottery is still located downtown Næstved on "Kählersbakken", a ten minute walk from the Axeltorv Square in the city centre. Admission allowed at a reasonable fee.
[edit] Transport
Easy access to the city, is one of the topprioities for the local politicians of Næstved. Rail and roads are administrated by the State, so there is a lot of lobbyism 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 has been improved greatly over the years, making Næstved easily accessible by train from most parts of Zealand.
[edit] Railways
Næstved Station offers direct connections south and north. You can get to Copenhagen within an hour for approx. 80 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 600,00.
[edit] Buses
A broad network of buses connects Næstved City to it's 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.
[edit] 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).
[edit] 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 has 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.
[edit] Næstved Harbour
In the middle of the city you'll 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.
[edit] Sports
The City of Næstved has several teams in the top divisions in various sports. Most notably in the football leagues, where the team has traditionally played a role on the domestic scene.
[edit] Næstved Boldklub (Football)
Further information: Næstved BK
Næstved BK is a soccerteam, placed in the Danish 1. Division (the second best league of Denmark). The club founded in 1939 as a merger between Næstved Idrætsklub and Næstved Boldklub.
The home kit is green-green-white (jersey-shorts-socks) and the away kit is white-white-white. Alternative kit is red-red-red.
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
[edit] Team Fog Næstved (Basketball)
Næstved's basket team plays in the best league of Denmark (Canal Digital Ligaen). The 80's was a successful decade for the team, where it managed to play in the best league for some years, and after a less successful 90's 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.
In 2007 the team reached the cup final but was defeated by Bakken Bears. From now on they try to get some talents up and play with the team.
[edit] Næstved HG Vikings (American Football)
Næstved's American football team currently plays in the Danish First Division (second league of Denmark).
[edit] 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
[edit] External links
- Overhead satellite view of Næstved on WikiMapia
- The tourist offices' official guide to the Næstved Region on visitnaestved.com
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