Nakskov is situated on the western coast of the island of Lolland, one of the agriculturally richest of the Danish islands. It lies adjacent to the inner part of the Nakskov Fjord, an inlet from the Langeland Belt (Langelandsbælt) that runs between the islands of Lolland and Langeland. Nakskov Fjord is a wildlife reserve, known for its bird life.[3] Nakskov is one of the most environmentally conscious and cleanest towns of Denmark. Technological and environmental enterprises have replaced the earlier heavy industries, and in recent years, local government has restored the town.
History
The area of the current town of Nakskov was settled during the neolithic period and has been continuously inhabited since. The town received trade privileges in 1266, during the reign of king Erik V Glipping. Once the export center of western Lolland, Nakskov thrived on trade, commerce and industry. This changed gradually as overland traffic was enabled by a railway to the neighboring island of Falster in 1875.[4] The connection to Sjælland and Copenhagen over the Storstrømsbroen bridge in 1937[5] shifted goods from the port of Nakskov. Over time, several industries and factories opened in the town, amongst them the sugar factory in 1882, and the shipyard in 1916.
Although traditionally a center of manufacturing and industry, when Denmark joined the EEC in 1973 and the subsidies were dismantled, it caused the industrial boom in shipbuilding to end. Subsequently, Nakskov turned to commerce and trade, and technological and environmental enterprises replaced the earlier heavy industries.
Economy
Denmark's largest sugar factory is located in Nakskov. It processes about 12,000 tons of sugar beet per day and belongs to the German group Nordzucker.[6]
Nakskov is served by Nakskov railway station which is connected to Nykøbing Falster and the rest of the Danish rail network by the Lollandsbanen railway line. Busses run within the town and to neighbouring towns, villages and areas. Bike routes follow the levees encompassing the island of Lolland.
Large parts of the wetlands around Nakskov were drained in the 19th century. The levee along the southern shore of the fjord allows to travel by foot or on a bicycle to Langø. Another attraction of Nakskov is the Danish sugar museum (sukkermuseum). The town also used to display an ex-Soviet submarine designated S-359 or U-359.[8]
Notable people
Jørgen Ringnis (birth date unknown, died 1652 in Nakskov) a Danish woodcarver of altarpieces and pulpits
Martin Severin From (1828–1895) soldier, civil servant and Danish chess master
Blak (born 1989) a Danish rapper and songwriter; stage name of Henrik Blak
Bo Johannesen Danish YouTuber known as Bokoen1, makes YouTube videos with his friends on the multiplayer aspect of the Paradox Interactive strategy game Hearts of Iron IV, among other Paradox and strategy classics.
Sport
Mette Jacobsen (born 1973) a Danish freestyle and butterfly swimmer, competed in five consecutive Summer Olympics from 1988