Holbæk


Holbæk is a town in Denmark and the seat of Holbæk municipality with a population of 28,833. It is located in the northeastern part of Region Sjælland, Denmark.
Holbæk is located on Zealand, on the banks of Holbæk Fjord, an inlet of the larger Isefjord. Holbæk is a commercial and industrial center for the surrounding area. By rail, Holbæk is served by Danske Statsbaner's line from Roskilde to Kalundborg, which runs through the city. Vestsjællands Lokalbaner connects Holbæk by rail to Nykøbing Sjælland. The city is a major hub for the Movia bus routes. Holbæk has an active commercial seaport that serves as the harbor for the ferry to Orø. Near the harbor there is a substantial marina.

History

Holbæk is first mentioned in official documents in Absalon's letter of 8 June 1199, in which he granted the majority of his estates to Sorø Klosterkirke in Sorø. It was called Holbækgaard, a larger farm belonging to a nobleman, around which the city eventually developed.
Next it appears in Valdemar the Victorious's book of properties in 1231. Valdmar broke ground for Holbæk Slot in 1236.
Holbæk grew from then on but is not mentioned again until around 1400 when Margaret I came for a court proceeding that granted her territories in Jutland. The event may have triggered the creation of the first city seal, which shows the three trees by the water that are the prominent features of the current seal.

Economy

Companies headquartered in Holbæk include Sparekassen Sjælland.

Culture

Culturally, Holbæk can be noted for Musikhus Elværket, a converted power station that serves as a concert venue for modern music.

Sport

The city is home to the Holbæk B&I football club.

Notable people

Public Service & public thinking

The Arts

Sport

Twin towns – Sister cities

Holbæk is twinned with: