Aalborg is a city in Denmark. Its population, as of 2008, is 121.818, making it the fourth largest in the country after Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Odense. The earliest settlements date back to around 700 AD. Its location by the Limfjord made it an important harbour during the Middle Ages, and an industrial centre later. Today the city is in a transition from a working-class, industrial city to a knowledge-based one. One of the driving forces in the transition is the University of Aalborg, founded in 1974.
It is the location of Aalborg Air Base, an important base of the Danish air force, and is the seat of a bishop within the Danish National Church.
Aalborg traces its history back over 1000 years. It was originally settled as a trading post, because of its position on the Limfjord. The sites of what were two settlements and a visible burial ground can be seen on Lindholm Høje, a hill overlooking the city. The size of these settlements emphasise the significance of this place as a crossroads.
The first mention of Aalborg under its original name Alabu, is found on a coin dated to 1040. An alternative spelling is Alebu and an approximate translation of the name is The (dwelling) place by the stream.
PLACE TO VISIT
The old Aalborghus Castle (Aalborghus Slot) and some picturesque houses of the 17th century remain in the center of the town. The half-timbered (bindingsværk) castle was built in 1550 by King Christian III, and was converted to government administration offices in the 1950s.
Jens Bang's House, a five story building built in 1624 by the merchant Jens Bang is an example of renaissance architecture. It is located on Nytorv next to the old Town Hall.
The present Budolfi Church dates from the end of the 14th century, although at least two earlier churches stood on the same spot. Budolfi Church was just a parish church until it became the seat of the Lutheran bishop of Aalborg Diocese in 1554.
Vor Frue Kirke (Church of Our Lady) is a relatively modern church. The original Church of Our Lady from the early 1100's was pulled down after the Reformation because it was so old and unstable. The newer building in a different location was partially burned in 1894.
Underneath the main pedestrian shopping street is a newly opened museum of the excavation of a monastery from the 11th century.
Aalborgtårnet is a tripod tower erected in 1933. The tower still gives an exquisite view over the fjord and the city from its 105 m rise over the sea level. Just below the hill of the tower is Aalborg Kunstmuseum (Aalborg museum of Art) in a building designed by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto.
On the north side of the Limfjord is Nørresund by, which is connected to Aalborg by a road bridge, an iron railway bridge, as well as a motorway tunnel running under the Limfjord. Nørresundby is the site of the Lindholm Høje settlement and burial ground from the Germanic Iron Age and Viking times. There is also a museum on the site.
Aalborg Historical Museum is located in the city.
In 2008 the Utzon Center, dedicated to the work of the noted architect Jørn Utzon, was built next to the Limfjord at the central harbour front in Aalborg. Born in Copenhagen, Utzon grew up in Aalborg. The center contains an exhibition on Utzon's work, which included the Sydney Opera House, as well as educational displays on architecture and design.
Elbjørn, the icebreaker i is now a restaurant and culture ship at the Aalborg harbour. It has a restaurant, a bar, glass workshop, and a museum.
WHAT TO DO
Aalborg karnival: the biggest carnival in Northern Europe. If you want to have fun with Danish people this is a great opportunity. The next carnival will be from 17th to 24th of May 2008. Alcohol consumption is heavy.
In summer, go to open swimming pool (friluftsbad), Skydebanevej 14, free entrance.
Rent a bicycle and go along the fjord, or take a ferry to Egholm, a small island in the fjord.
In winter, go ice-skating in the C.W. Obels square, right behind the Student House.
SHOPPING
Algade and Bispensgade are main shopping streets. Most shops close at 18 Mon-Fri and 14 on Saturdays, Sundays shops are closed unless it is a special Sunday (usually first of the month).
A higher-class shopping mall is Salling in Algade.
Cheapest supermarkets are Netto and Aldi. Working hours are 9-20 on weekdays and 8-17 on Saturdays. Aldi is open 10-16 on Sundays.
Saturdays and Wednesdays mornings there's a wet market in the center, Aagade
HOW TO REACH
By plane - Scheduled flights from Copenhagen and London from Sterling. The airport is located north of the city. Take Bus no 2 or a taxi to town.
By bus - Abilskou route 888 to Copenhagen takes 5 hours, DKK 250 (DKK430 return).
By train - Aalborg is on the Copenhagen, Roskilde, Odense, Århus Line. 4½ hours/DKK 326 to Copenhagen.
By ferry - There are ferries from Norway/Sweden/UK coming to North Jutland (Hirtshals or Frederikshavn). From there you can take bus or train to Aalborg.
