The important port of Nyborg is situated on the east coast of the island of Funen, on the Great Belt.
History
The castle, built in the 11th century in order to control the Great Belt, led to the development of the town. Nyborg obtained its charter in 1271 and in 1282 King Erik Klipping signed Denmark's first constitution in Nyborg castle. From 1354 until the early 15th century the meetings of the "Danehof", the annual assembly of important personages of the kingdom in audience with the king, were held in Nyborg. From 1560 until 1857 a patrol ship in the Great Belt collected tolls from all ships using this waterway.
The war against Sweden (1658-9) led to a long impoverishment of the town. In 1869 the fortifications were pulled down but the west wing (King's Wing) was restored between 1917 and 1923. Today Nyborg is an important center of communications. A bridge and tunnel across the Great Belt between Funen and Zealand is in course of construction; the section between Funen and the little island of Sprogo, a road and rail bridge 6.6km/4.1mi long, has already been completed.
Nyborg also has a marina.
Nyborg is located approximately 130 kms from Copenhagen, and 380 kms from Skagen.
The present Castle (Nyborg Slot), situated near the marketplace, consists of only one wing, known as the "King's Wing", where the Danish kings held their court between 1250 and 1413. After restoration the medieval character of the castle - fortifications, Knights' Hall and Imperial Council Chambers - can again be appreciated. The castle now houses a collection of weapons.
In Nyborg a visit should be made to the Church of Our Lady (Vor Frue Kirke) in Adelgade; it is a three-aisled edifice the interior of which was restored in 1973. The tower, 67m/220ft high, is covered in copper. Inside can be seen some 17th century epitaphs and a font with a carved lid.
Near the church stands the Korsbrødregård, a stone building with a Renaissance gable of 1614 and cellars with Gothic vaulting.
Nyborg is an important center of communications. A bridge and tunnel across the Great Belt between Funen and Zealand was completed in 1998, dramatically reducing travel times within Denmark. It is one of the largest bridges in Europe. The Great Belt Exhibition Center provides information on the project.
North of Kerteminde stretches the peninsula of Hindsholm which, compared with Funen, has a rough climate. At first the land is hilly and then becomes flat towards the northern point of Fyns Hoved. The road ends near the village of Nordskov. The peninsula has numerous bays and some beautiful beaches.
2 km/1.25 mi south of Nyborg stands Holckenhavn Palace, a Renaissance building (1590-1631) which is considered one of the most magnificent mansions in Denmark. It is surrounded by a large park with well-tended lawns, flower-beds and trees.
About 4.5k m/3 mi southeast of Nyborg lies the promontory of Kundshoved from where ferries cross the Great Belt, which is only 26 km/16 mi wide at this point, to Halsskov on Zealand. A bridge and tunnel project is under way which will provide a link from Knudshoved via the little island of Sprogø to Zealand (the first section, the West Bridge, is complete).
A short distance southwest of Kerteminde will be found the village of Ladby. 1.5 km/1 mi to the north (signposted!) lies "Ladbyskibet", the place where a Viking ship, 22m/72ft long and originally constructed as a burial site, was found in 1935. A roof has been built over the ship and a museum building constructed around it; the museum exhibits replicas of burial objects found here, including horses' bridles.
On Torvet, north of the castle and marketin Nyborg, will be found the "Landporten" gatehouse, a 40m/130ft long building with an entrance gate. It was built in 1660 by Frederik III who, following the war with Sweden, strengthened the fortifications and extended the ramparts. At that time the Landporten was the only entrance to the town from the land side. Some of the ramparts still exist. Bells are rung at 9:45 each evening as a reminder of the time when the gate was closed at 10 pm.
A beautiful timbered house (1601) in Slotsgade, Mads Lerches Gård, now houses the Nyborg Museum (Nyborg og Omegns Museum). Its exhibits illustrate the history of the town; an annex contains some interesting sculptures by Carl Aarsleff.
The museum also houses a furniture collection from the late 15th century, and a collection of weapons.
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Nyborg Castle, Nyborg
Holckenhavn Palace, Nyborg
Nyborg
