Ålborg, or Aalborg, is much like some of the other old towns you’ll see in Europe: a rather enchanting mix of the 15th century and the 21st. Ålborg was established around 10 centuries ago - which makes it one of the oldest towns in Denmark.

The town is a port, sitting astride the Limfjord, which passes through the northern part of the Jutland Peninsula; once a large commercial city, Ålborg is still an important centre for trade and industry. But it is now better known as a cultural centre and an important producer of the fiery spirit called aquavit. Ålborg is home to the Ålborghallen, the largest conference and concert venue in Scandinavia, which means that it attracts a lot of tourist traffic; but the tourists also come for the many other sights that lie in and around the city. Among the most prominent of these are the 15^th century Helligandsklosteret, the Monastery of the Holy Ghost, in excellent repair and now a home for senior citizens; and the Ålborghus Castle, an important 16^th century monument. Also of interest are the Butolphi Cathedral, dedicated to the English saint Butolph and the Ålborg Art and Historical Museum. The latter houses, among other artefacts, Viking longboats excavated from the nearby Lindholm Hoje, also a major Viking burial ground. In the region around Ålborg, too, there are interesting sights to see: the Rebild Hills National Park and the town of Skagen, one of the most picturesque in the country- so pretty, in fact, that it inspired the master Holger Drachmann to set up his studio here.

Ålborg, thanks to its excellent location- by the Limfjord- is easily accessible by boat or ship; there are a number of ferries that come to the town, not just from other parts of Denmark, but also from abroad. In addition, there are convenient rail and road links to other Danish cities, as well as cities across the border- particularly in Germany. Once in Ålborg, you can head for the tourist office at Østera 8, where accommodation can be booked and information can be obtained.