Falster is a flat agricultural island in the south of Denmark, connected to Zealand by the Storstrøm Bridge and Farø Bridges and to Lolland by bridge across the Guldborg Sound. At 514 square kilometres it is one of Denmark's larger islands, but it sits in the shadow of its more-visited neighbours and is largely known for two things: a busy market town and a stretch of beach.
Nykøbing Falster is the main town, with a population of around 16,000 and the full complement of a Danish provincial centre — medieval churches, a regional museum, shops, and a modest waterfront. The town has an unexpected footnote in Baltic history: Tsar Peter the Great of Russia stayed here in 1716, and the house where he lodged (Czarens Hus, Tsar's House) still stands on Langgade.
Marielyst, on the east coast, is one of Denmark's most popular summer resorts — a long run of white sandy beach backed by pine forest and thousands of summer cottages. In July it fills with families from Zealand; out of season it is quiet and the beach stretches almost empty in both directions.
At the island's southern tip, Gedser is the southernmost point of Denmark and the departure point for the ferry to Rostock in Germany. A lighthouse and a memorial mark the spot; the crossing takes around two hours. This corner of the island is otherwise quiet — flat farmland, birds, and the occasional wind farm on the horizon.
The island is largely flat, which makes it good cycling territory, but most visitors come specifically for Marielyst and pass through Nykøbing without stopping.
