Aalborg

Aalborg is the largest city in northern Jutland, set where the Limfjord narrows between Aalborg and Nørresundby. For centuries it lived from trade, herring, grain and industry, and its waterfront has been transformed from docks and warehouses into a long promenade with parks, harbour baths and modern architecture.

The old town keeps the Renaissance mansion of Jens Bang's Stenhus, half timbered merchant houses, Aalborghus castle and the white Budolfi Cathedral with its carillon. On the waterfront, the Utzon Center was designed by Jørn Utzon, the architect of the Sydney Opera House, who grew up in the city, and Musikkens Hus is the city's concert house. Kunsten, the museum of modern art designed by Alvar Aalto, lies in a park south of the centre. Jomfru Ane Gade, a single street lined with bars and restaurants, is famous across Denmark for its nightlife, and the city has a long tradition of akvavit. Show more

Across the fjord, Lindholm Høje is one of the most important Viking burial grounds in Scandinavia, with hundreds of graves marked by stones set in the shape of ships. Aalborg Zoo and the Aalborg Tower with views over the fjord are popular stops. Further south, the Rold Skov forest and the heather hills of Rebild offer walks in one of Denmark's largest woodlands.

Aalborg has an airport, trains to Copenhagen and Aarhus and connections to Skagen and the North Sea coast. Two or three days suit the city and its surroundings. Museums are open all year, while the promenade and harbour baths are liveliest in summer.