city, Lolland island, Denmark, on Nakskov Fjord. Founded as a market centre in the early 13th century (chartered 1266), it burned down in 1420, was occupied by the forces of Lübeck (a Baltic town of the Hanseatic League) in 1510, and was occupied by the Swedes in 1658. Important commercially since the 17th century, it is now a major sugar-refining centre. Through most of the 20th century the city's shipyard dominated the region. Its closure in 1986 was followed by a severe economic crisis and rapid depopulation, but the opening of a factory for windmill wings at the beginning of the 21st century provided a boost for the local economy. The Gothic St. Nikolaj Kirke (church) is notable for fine ornamental carving. Pop. (2008) 14,013.