It is the principal town and seat of Køge Municipality, Region Sjælland, Denmark.

[1] The natural harbour and strategic location have given Køge a long history as a market town.

The new line positioned Køge as a central hub in Denmark's transport system.

During the local witchhunt, called Køge Huskors (1608–1615), at least 15 people were convicted of witchcraft and burned at the stake.

In 1807, the town and surrounding area was the scene of the Battle of Køge between British and Danish troops.

Køge remained a small town until the late 19th century, when industrial development and population growth began.

Today, Køge forms the core of the 18th most populous urban area in Denmark.

The port is directly connected with the Scandinavian Transport Centre, a large business park on the northwestern outskirts of Køge, where – among others – the headquarters and the Danish distribution centre of the multinational, Danish-founded, discount supermarket chain Netto is located.

Køge Museum is located at 4 Nørregade in a preserved former merchant's house from the year 1619.