Holbæk is a Danish city and seat of Holbæk municipality in the north-east of Region Sjælland, Denmark.
Holbæk is situated 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 serviced by Danish State Railways' line from Roskilde to Kalundborg which runs through the city. The city serves as a major hub for the Vestsjællands Trafikselskab bus routes. Holbæk has an active commercial seaport, that serves as the harbor for the ferry to Orø (island). Near the harbor there is a substantial marina.
History
Holbæk is first mentioned in official documents in Absalon's letter of June 8, 1199, in which he grants the majority of his estates to Sorø Klosterkirke in Sorø. It is called Holbækgaard, a larger farm a belonging to a nobleman, around which the city would eventually evolve.
Next it appears in Valdemar the Victorious' book of properties (see Kong Valdemars Jordebog on the Danish Wikipedia) in 1231. Valdmar breaks ground for Holbæk Slot (Holbæk Castle) in 1236.
Holbæk clearly grows from then on but is not mentioned again until around 1400 when Margaret I shows up for a court proceeding granting her territories in Jutland. The event may have triggered the creation of the first city seal which shows the three trees by the water which are the prominent features of the current seal.
Culture
Culturally, Holbæk can be noted for Musikhus Elværket, a converted electrical plant that serves as a concert house for modern music.
The city is home to Holbæk B&I the local football club.
Sources
Famous citizens
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