Discover Kirke Hvalsø: Culture and Forests

Kirke Hvalsø combines historic sites with the varied landscapes of the Bidstrup Forests. If you would like to combine culture, nature and your own activities during your trip, you will find a range of options here: from Hvalsø Church and the cultural centre to hiking trails, woodland landscapes and special nature experiences.

Church, Culture and Local History

Hvalsø Church stands in the centre of Kirke Hvalsø, at the highest point in the town. It was built at the beginning of the 13th century. A defining detail in its architectural history is the original wooden ceiling, which was replaced by a ribbed vault in the 14th century. The church therefore offers a direct connection to the area's earlier history, without requiring you to visit several historic sites.

The present-day cultural life is also part of the town's character. Hvalsø and Særløse Churches hold services, concerts and lectures every year, thereby contributing to cultural life in Hvalsø and Særløse. At Hvalsø Kulturhus, the cultural hall is suitable for concerts, theatre performances, lectures and exhibitions. The library is part of the cultural centre and has a lounge area where you can read while looking out over the town.

Another regular cultural event is the Filmfestihvalsø film festival: Hvalsø Bio has held it every year in March since 2004. Those interested in the town's more recent development will also find the Søtorvet buildings, dating from 2018, in the older part of Kirke Hvalsø. Their rendered and colourful façades characterise this central area, which contains both shops and homes.

Bidstrup Forests: Trails, Water and Open Landscapes

The Bidstrup Forests are located near Hvalsø, between Roskilde and Ringsted. The area includes woodland, heathland, woodland meadows, marshes and lakes. Springs rise in the hills, while clear streams and rivers run through the landscape. A route through the Bidstrup Forests offers views of the glacially shaped Elverdamsdalen landscape and passes old woodland meadows where a rich variety of flowers, insects, butterflies and fallow deer can be observed.

For a shorter route, the approximately 5 km Hjertestien in the northern part of the Bidstrup Forests towards Hvalsø is marked in red. Those planning a longer hike can consider the approximately 35 km Skjoldungestien, which runs between Roskilde, Lejre and Hvalsø. Another option is the work in the Bidstrup Forests, which can be experienced on a signposted 4.5 km circular route starting at the Storskoven car park.

There are also special nature experiences. “Yrsa i den gyldne skov” is a Natureventyr in Storskoven near Hvalsø, while “Skovlingesaga: Tordenfødderne kommer!” is a Natureventyr in Bidstrup Skov near Hvalsø. Kildeengen provides a habitat for rare butterfly and plant species, including the narrow-bordered fritillary, which is listed on the Red List, and the similarly Red-Listed marsh gentian. The annual Le-Festival at Kildeengen welcomes visitors who would like to try mowing with a scythe.

Exploring Kirke Hvalsø and the Surrounding Area

At Avnsø in the Bidstrup Forests, there is a bathing jetty as well as tables and benches where you can eat food you have brought with you. The old school and church path from the vanished village of Lerbjerg to Hvalsø offers further views of Elverdamsdalen. At the northern end of the Bidstrup Forests towards Hvalsø, there is also a marked dog forest where dogs may run free under supervision.

For travel to the area, Hvalsø has a regional railway station with connections to, among other places, Copenhagen, Høje-Taastrup, Roskilde, Holbæk and Kalundborg. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore consider whether you would mainly like to explore Kirke Hvalsø for its historic town centre, cultural attractions or the landscapes of the Bidstrup Forests. For active days, the 9.5 km mountain bike route “Det hvide spor” is available; it is technically demanding and should be taken into account accordingly when planning your trip.

More Places for Your Regional Search

If you would like to compare Kirke Hvalsø with other places in the same region, you can also include Kirke Hyllinge, Kyndeløse, Ordrup, Gershøj, Kirke Såby, Lejre and Kisserup in your search.

To the overview of the wider region: Lejre.