Naestved - City of Denmark

Næstved is a town in Næstved Municipality, Denmark.

Næstved is popular with commuters who work in Copenhagen, as Næstved is located one hour travel time but has housing prices well below those in the capital.

The name of the city, Næstved, is put together of two words: Næs and Tved. Tved means "cleared land" og "cleared wood", and refers to the citys origin in the woods of southern Zealand, on the banks of the Suså. "Næs" is the Danish word for a small peninsula, and probably refers to the city's placing on the peninsulas Ydernæs, Grimstrup Næs and Appenæs.

The council intend to manifest Næstved's position as the leading city on Zealand, outside Copenhagen, when it comes to cultural facilities and family life.

The project brings to life a dream of having the facilities to attract the best performers from domestic and abroad, and gives Næstved the ability to compete with other cities of its own size, as well as Copenhagen, when it comes to concerts and shows.

Næstved is the cultural center of the Southern Zealand-region, with various museums, concert-venues, theaters and exhibitions of all kinds during the year.

Grønnegades Kaserne Kulturcenter was opened in 2002 in what used to be military barracks. It's located in the center of the city, only five minutes walk away from the station. Denmark's top-artists perform here, along with various names from abroad. Amongst the most well-known foreign artists to have visited Næstved over the last few years are Electric Light Orchestra, Beth Hart, Runrig and Modern Talking.

In recent years, various theatres have emerged in Næstved, culminating with the creation of an "Egns Teater" - a local theatre - in 2006. Performances of talented local artists adds to Næstveds position as a cultural stronghold on Zealand outside Copenhagen.

"Studenternes Hus" downtown is also a widely known and often used venue for local and national acts, as well as semi-large artists from abroad. Cheap entry fees and a relaxed atmosphere attracts a young crowd.

Næstved has a range of museums of local importance, including "Næstved Museum" in the city centre, offering the full story of Næstved from the very first settlements till this day. In "Stenboderne" near Sct. Peders Church, a collection of ancient findings are on show, including pottery, armory and more.

Besides those to museums offering a broad view of local history, Næstved have numerous small museums, mainly about local art. One of the most important, and most visited, is the "Kähler Museum", showing pieces of Kähler cheramics.