Koge, Denmark

I (Jennifer) have set many goals for myself throughout our time on board and one of the goals that I'm really excited about is to thoroughly research and study each port city we visit. In order to best serve each city, I feel it necessary to become acquainted with the history and culture of the city. So here some of the interesting facts I've discovered about Koge ~

-Koge is situated south of Copenhagen on Koge Bay, on the east coast of the island Zealand.
-The town was most likely founded as a result of the profitable catches of herring.
-Koge received its municipal charter in 1288.
-The oldest half timbered house in Denmark can be found in Koge (built in 1527). Near this house, a church was built called Sankt Nicolai. A lighthouse was built in the tower of the church and it became the first lighthouse in all of Denmark.
-Koge's town hall is the oldest still in use as such: it dates from 1552.
-Koge is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Denmark.
-The city covers an area of 98 square miles and has a total population of 56,637.
-The mayor of Koge, Marie Stærke, is 27 years of age and is currently Denmark's youngest mayor.