Aalborg (Danish: Aalborg or Ålborg) is a city and seaport in Denmark.

Aalborg 2004

Aalborg is the fourth largest city in Denmark after Copenhagen, Aarhus and Odense, and is the seat of a Lutheran bishop. It is also the chief town of the county of North Jutland on the south bank of the Limfjord, which connects the North Sea and the Kattegat. The Aalborg municipality area was estimated in 2004 to have 163,231 inhabitants.

Aalborg is also the location of Aalborg Air Base, an important base of the Danish air force.

Surroundings

The situation is typical of the north of Jutland. To the west the Limfjord broadens into an irregular lake, with low, marshy shores and many islands. Northwest is the Store Vildmose , a swamp where a mirage is sometimes seen in summer. Southeast lies the similar Lille Vildmose . Store Vildmose was drained and farmed in the beginning of the 20th century, and Lille Vildmose is now the largest moor in Denmark.

A railway connects Aalborg with Hjørring, Frederikshavn and Skagen to the north, and with Aarhus and the lines from Germany to the south as well as Copenhagen in the east over Funen. The harbour is good and safe, though difficult to access.

Industry

Aalborg is a growing industrial and commercial centre, exporting grain and fish. Aalborg is the center of a growing telecomunications industry originating from the Aalborg University.

History

Aalborg traces its history back over 1000 years, settled originally by the Vikings as a trading post because of its position on the Limfjord. The site of what were two Viking settlements, and a visible burial ground is to be seen on a hill overlooking the city, Lindholm Høje, and the size of these settlements emphasise the significance of this place as a crossing point.

The first mention of Aalborg under its original name Alabu, is found on a coin dated to 1040.

During the middle ages, Aalborg prospered and became one of the largest cities in Denmark. This prosperity was further enhanced when in 1516 Aalborg was granted a monopoly in salt herring.

Aalborg received town privileges in 1342 and the bishopric dates from 1554.

Architecture

An old castle and some picturesque houses of the 17th century remain. The cathedral Budolfi Church dates mostly from the middle of the 18th century, while Vor Frue Kirke (Church of Our Lady) was partially burnt in 1894, but the foundation of both is of the 14th century or earlier. There are also an ancient hospital and a museum of art and antiquities. On the north side of the Limfjord is Nørresundby , connected with Aalborg by a road bridge, by an iron railway bridge as well as by a motorwaytunnel under the Limfjord.

Other information

The city has a football team playing in the Danish Superleague, Aalborg Boldspilklub, known for short as AaB.

External links

• Aalborg Tourist office
• Aalborg University