Maribo - a cultural and historical city
Discover Maribo, the historical and cultural gem of Lolland-Falster with its cathedral, monastery and nature park.
Maribo is a charming town on Lolland, where history, culture and nature go hand in hand. The town is beautifully situated in the middle of the Maribo Lakes Nature Park and offers everything from cultural and historical experiences with Maribo Cathedral, the royal daughter Leonora Christina and the poet priest Kaj Munk to cosy markets and events.
Markets, city walks and festivals
Take a stroll through the city streets, browse the shops and experience the local atmosphere in the market square. Visit Café Vin & Brød, where you can enjoy the view of Maribo square and Maribo Town Hall. Take a walk in Kaj Munk's footsteps through Maribo, the birthplace of the famous poet and priest.
Enjoy Wednesday markets in the square, the Jazz Festival, atmospheric Birgittadage and Marbo Craft Days with local crafts. Or take a city walk with the guards who guide you through the historic sites of the monastery town and provide lively storytelling. If you want to explore the historic buildings more closely, visit the Mini City in Maribo and see the buildings in a 1:10 scale.
Maribo for nature lovers
Maribo is a paradise for nature lovers. Experience breathtaking views, unique bird and animal life, exciting cultural history, magnificent nature and beautiful manor landscapes such as Søholt Baroque Garden at Naturpark Maribosøerne.
At Denmark's most deserted lakes, you can also hunt for the forest troll Frie Vilje or explore the open-air museum De Gamle Huse, which takes you back in time and offers fun activities and village games for the whole family.
If you want to experience the nature park from the water, you can rent a canoe and head out on your own.
The history of Maribo
Maribo was founded around the Birgittine convent and what is now Maribo Cathedral.
The convent opened its doors in 1416 and during the 16th century it became one of the most important monasteries in Denmark. The convent became home to King Christian IV's daughter, Leonora Christina. Leonora Christina was convicted of treason and after 22 years of imprisonment in the Blue Tower in Copenhagen, she was released and moved to the convent in Maribo, where she ended her days.
Leonora Christina was buried in Maribo Cathedral, where you can see the crypt where the royal daughter was buried and her tombstone.
Maribo Cathedral was originally part of a double monastery for monks and nuns. A stone pavement outside Maribo Cathedral indicates the location of the old monastery.
If you want to experience monastic life up close, you can book an overnight stay at St Birgitta Convent, where 7 Catholic nuns live today.
A Maribo in development
Lolland-Falster is and has always been in great development. This also applies to education and learning. Domestic schools and farmer training programmes were founded by P.H. Classen with charitable contributions from the Classen Fideicommis. Because everyone should have access to knowledge.
This is a legacy that is carried on. In 2021, an international school opened in Maribo. 55 students were ready at the entrance in the first year and in 2024 the school had 175 students. The construction of the Fehmarnbelt tunnel attracts national and international employees and families to Lolland-Falster, and helped spur the founding of Maribo International School.
Newcomers and a future direct connection to Europe will open up new opportunities for growth and tourists. Therefore, a major project to establish a hotel, shops, housing and office facilities near exit 48 is also on the drawing board.