Things To Do
in Ringsted

Ringsted is a historic market town in Zealand, Denmark, located about 60 km southwest of Copenhagen. It features a legendary medieval church, a compact town center with charming cafés, and a convenient rail link that makes it easy to explore surrounding areas. The town serves as a gateway to Zealand’s countryside, with parks, bike paths, and scenic byways just outside the door.

Ringsted blends heritage with a warm, relaxed atmosphere that’s ideal for a short Danish break.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Orientation
morning
:

Begin your day with a stroll through the town center, where warm light paints the old brick facades. A cup of local coffee and a pastry at a cozy café sets a gentle pace for discovery.

afternoon
:

Explore Ringsted Cathedral's exterior and its quiet surroundings, savoring the sense of history. Visit a nearby museum or gallery to glimpse regional life through careful displays.

evening
:

Conclude the day with a relaxed dinner at a traditional Danish restaurant and a leisurely riverside walk. If energy remains, stop by a late-night bakery for something sweet and reflective before returning to your lodging.

day 2
Market Square and Local Delights
morning
:

Rise early to watch the market awaken, where fresh bread and local produce fill the stalls. Follow the scents and sounds into the lanes, noting crafts, bikes, and the friendly chatter of residents.

afternoon
:

Pause for lunch at a family-run café, sampling open-faced sandwiches and seasonal greens. Stroll through the pedestrian streets, peeking into shops and absorbing the town’s quiet rhythms.

evening
:

Find a cozy spot for a dinner of hearty Danish fare and seasonal vegetables. End the evening with a gentle walk along lamplit streets, listening to distant church bells.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee$3-5
🍺Beer (0.5 L) in bar$6-9
🚌One-way public transit ticket$4-6
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$90-150

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Proximity to Zealand countryside and Copenhagen transport connections
  • Historic Ringsted Church and charming town center
  • Smaller nightlife and fewer large-scale entertainment options
  • Some services may be limited in off-peak seasons
  • "Hej" - Hello
  • "Tak" - Thank you
  • "Hvor ligger væggen?" - Where is the wall?
  • "Hvor meget koster det?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Taler du engelsk?" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in Ringsted

Visit one of these nice places.

Skt. Bendts Kirke (Ringsted Church)

A striking medieval brick church with towers and historic interior elements, ideal for exterior shots at golden hour.

Ringsted Town Center

Historic streets with colorful façades and cobblestones, great for atmospheric street photography.

Ringsted Market Square

Bustling square with daily life, stalls, and seasonal events; ideal for candid photos.

Ringsted City Park/Byparken

Green spaces and ponds offering peaceful compositions and reflections.

Culinary Guide

Food in Ringsted

Danish cuisine emphasizes seasonal produce, hearty meats, and classic open-faced sandwiches (smørrebrød). In Ringsted you’ll find cozy cafés, bakeries, and gastropubs offering modern takes on traditional dishes.

Ringsted Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Smørrebrød

Open-faced rye bread with toppings such as herring, roast beef, or cheese.

Must-Try!

Frikadeller

Pan-fried Danish meatballs served with potatoes and gravy.

Flæskesteg

Crispy roast pork with crackling, typically served with potatoes and parsley sauce.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Ringsted Market Square

Weekly market with local produce, cheese, bread, and seasonal treats; good for snacks and street foods.

Local Food Trucks

Occasional street-food events offering Danish snacks like frikadeller and open-faced sandwiches.

Climate Guide

Weather

Ringsted has a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool winters. Rain can be frequent year-round, and daylight hours vary with the seasons.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Handshake on first meeting; polite and reserved Danish etiquette.

Queueing

Form orderly queues; patience is valued.

Biking Etiquette

Share the road with cyclists; pass with caution and ring bell when appropriate.

Safety Guide

Safety

Denmark is generally safe with low crime rates. Keep an eye on valuables in crowded areas, follow local traffic rules when cycling, and have emergency numbers ready: 112 for emergencies, 114 for non-emergency police in Denmark.

Tipping in Ringsted

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is casual; rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is appreciated but not required.

Payment Methods

Cards (including mobile pay) widely accepted; cash is less common but still accepted in small markets.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Longer days with mild to warm weather; ideal for outdoor walking tours and lakeside picnics.

Autumn

Cooler days with colorful foliage; great for atmospheric city photography and forest walks.

Winter

Short daylight hours; cozy cafés and festive markets, possible snow and frost.

Spring

Blooming trees and mild temperatures; perfect for strolls and cycling.

Nightlife Guide

Ringsted at Night

Ringsted’s nightlife centers on cozy pubs, cafés, and small music venues in the town center. Expect relaxed atmospheres, craft beers, and locally sourced menus rather than a large club scene.

Hiking in Ringsted

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Køge Ås Nature Trails

Rolling hills and heathlands with marked hiking and biking paths near Køge, a short drive from Ringsted.

Skjoldenæsholm Forests Trails

Forest trails around Skjoldenæsholm with quiet woodlands and small lakes.

Ravnholm Forest Trails

Local forest trails offering peaceful woodland walks close to Ringsted.

Airports

How to reach Ringsted by plane.

Copenhagen Airport (CPH)

Main international airport about 60-70 km away with direct rail connections to Ringsted and the rest of Denmark.

Roskilde Airport (RKE)

Smaller regional airport offering seasonal flights and general aviation; about an hour away by car.

Getting Around

Walkability

Ringsted’s town center is compact and walkable, with most sights and amenities within easy walking distance. Surrounding areas offer bike-friendly routes and short drives to nature.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many families live in Ringsted, drawn by schools, parks, and a friendly, walkable city center.

Students and young professionals

A younger demographic centered around local schools and commuting access to Copenhagen.

Local Danish residents and a growing international community

A mix of long-term residents with an increasing number of international visitors and residents.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

A popular sport across Denmark with local clubs and facilities.

Handball

Common in community centers and gyms; youth programs available.

Cycling

Widely used for commuting and recreation; extensive bike paths in Ringsted and nearby areas.

Transportation

Traffic

Ringsted has good road connectivity via major highways and a reliable rail network. In town, traffic is calm with well-marked bike lanes; public transport includes trains and buses connecting to Copenhagen and Zealand-wide destinations.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Ringsted.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most cafés offer vegetarian options; ask for vegetable-based open sandwiches or salads, or veggie stews without meat.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Denmark provides universal healthcare. In Ringsted, you’ll find general practitioner clinics and pharmacies; for hospital care, the nearest major facilities are in Næstved or Roskilde, reachable by train or car. Dial 112 for emergencies.

Discover Denmark

Read more in our Denmark 2025 Travel Guide.

Denmark Travel Guide