A Walk through Aalborg
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Port
Aalborg, Denmark
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Activity Level
Strenuous Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$140
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Walk from the pier to New Square and the Jens Bang's Stone House. Built in 1624, this five-story, ornate Renaissance house was the largest private home in Denmark and today is considered one of the city's great treasures. It boasts a humorous aspect, too, as it was rumored that its wealthy and cantankerous owner, merchant Jens Bang, had some of his enemies caricatured in the grotesque stone faces that make up the façade.
Pass the lovely Baroque-style Town Hall dating back to 1762 and continue to the Budolfi Cathedral. This snow-white cathedral was built as a mere church in the late 1300s; its status was upgraded to 'cathedral' in 1554.
Walk to the Monastery of the Holy Ghost and stop for photos. Established in 1451 as a part of a hospitalier order that originated in France, it is one of the best-preserved medieval establishments in Denmark, and a great example of an early welfare institution that cared for the sick, the old and orphaned. The monastery now serves as a home for senior citizens.
Visit the Missing Bell brew-pub, which is Aalborg's only pub with its own brewery. The pub is tastefully decorated with interior from an old church from Northern England; the only thing missing is the original church bell, because it did not fit into the truck when the interior was shipped to Denmark. How the pub got its name is no longer a mystery. Enjoy a taste of beer with a piece of rye bread, pickled herring and schnapps - all in all a traditional Danish lunch.
Back outside, discover the charming Old Town with your guide and as you stroll down the pedestrian street. A slight detour takes you through an inconspicuous side door and down ten feet underground to see the atmospheric ruins of the Monastery of the Grey Friars. Franciscan Friars built this monastery around 1250.
On your way to the harbor you will see how Aalborg is reviving its waterfront district by demolishing the old industrial facilities and replacing them with new and exciting architecture. Watch for Aalborghus Castle near the waterfront -- it is a half-timbered, 16th-century castle built by King Christian III, and became the seat of the King's provincial governors in Northern Europe.
Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes.