Køge

Sister cities

• Espoo
• Kristianstad
• Sjöbo
• Sauðárkrókur
• Klaipėda
• Trittau
• Waterford

History

Like most Danish cities, the origins of Køge precede written history. Køge was first recognized as an official market town in 1288, as a Southern contrast to Roskilde, the ecclesiastical center at that time, and was an important merchant town during the late Middle Ages. During the local witchhunt, called Køge Huskors (1608–1615), at least 15 people were convicted of witchcraft and burned at the stake. During the wars between Denmark and Sweden in the period of 1643–1720, the town suffered severely at the Battle of Køge Bay. In 1807, the town and surrounding area was the scene of the Battle of Køge between British and Danish troops. Køge remained a small town until the late 19th century, when industrial development and population growth began. Today, Køge forms the core of the 18th most populous urban area in Denmark.

Geography

Køge is located at the back of Bay of Køge, demarcated by Copenhagen to the north and the Stevns Peninsula to the south, where Køge Å (Køge Creek) meets the sea. Apart from Køge proper, the town's urban area consists of the suburbs of Køge Nord (Ølby Lyng and Ølsemagle Lyng) to the north and Hastrup and Herfølge to the south.