CULTURE AND ATTRACTIONS

From runestones to the wars against Sweden
The area has been inhabited since the Ice Age 6,000 years ago. To the west of Høje-Taastrup village, archaeologists have uncovered the graves of rich princes dating back to before the birth of Christ.

Near Ansgar Church in Hedehusene stand the Kallerupsten runestones, raised by the Viking chief Hornbore in about 825 A.D. In 1658, Præstegård in Høje-Taastrup was the site of peace negotiations with Sweden that resulted in Denmark ceding sovereignty over the regions of Skåne, Halland and Blekinge, which today are part of south-west Sweden.

Villages and churches
Many of the villages in Høje-Taastrup municipality are rich in history and well-preserved buildings.  Four churches dating from the Middle Ages can be seen in the villages of Høje-Taastrup, Reerslev, Sengeløse and Fløng.

Post-modern architecture
During the last 40 years, development in Høje-Taastrup Town has been characterised by modern town planning and intriguing post-modern buildings. Scandinavia’s tallest sculpture, Torstårnet, is also found here.  

Museums
Small, coy – and world famous.  At Kroppedal Museum you will find everything you need to know about Ole Rømer, who in 1676 discovered the speed of light. The museum contains exhibitions of astronomy, modern times and archaeology.

Nature
The municipality is rich in lakes, marshlands, meadows and forests. Vestskoven, in the north-eastern part of Høje-Taastrup, offers beautiful forest and landscape experiences. Hedeland is a unique, very large leisure area laid out in a former gravel pit. The terrain is hilly with forests and meadows, vineyards, lakes and waterways, and a rich bird and animal life.

At Hedeland you may find a golf course, lakes for fishing, riding centres, riding paths, a motocross course, a veteran railway and allotment gardens, and even a ski slope with views across Køge Bay to Sweden.

When the temperature falls below freezing, snow cannons and a ski lift ensure that you can get out sledging and skiing. Hedeland is also home to a Greek-inspired amphitheatre, Teater Hedeland, which stages performances of classical opera during the summer. Hedeland’s veteran railway is Denmark’s longest narrow-gauge veteran railway.

Urban life and shopping
The towns of Taastrup, Høje-Taastrup and Hedehusene offer a wide diversity of cultural activities, including Taastrup Theatre, the City2 cinema complex, swimming pools and community centres, as well as three hotels with good facilities for conferences etc.

The City2 shopping centre has some 100 shops and seven cinemas. You can also shop while taking a stroll along the newly modernised main street in Taastrup, filled with small, cosy shops and cafes. The Swedish furniture giant IKEA has a store near the junction of the Holbæk motorway, where its neighbours include McDonald´s.

For more information, please visit the tourist information website.