Aalborg is a Danish industrial and university city in North Jutland. The city of Aalborg has a population of 102,312 (124,921 including Nørresundby) making it the fourth largest city in Denmark in terms of population. The municipality of Aalborg has a population of 197,426 (2010) making it the third most populous municipality in the country after Copenhagen and Århus. The earliest settlements date back to around AD 700. Its location by the Limfjord made it an important harbour during the Middle Ages, and an industrial centre later. Today, the city is in transition from a working-class industrial city to a knowledge-based one.
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.
One of the most popular and famous streets in Aalborg, possibly even in Denmark, is Jomfru Ane Gade, or simply just Gaden (“The Street”). The name translates to “Virgin Ane’s Street” in English.
Jomfru Ane Gade. Jomfru Ane Gade is a café and restaurant street during day which, at night, turn into clubs, discos and bars. During the 1990s, the street was infamous for being a ‘hang out’ of two biker gangs who were at war for some years all over Scandinavia, but as the bikers disappeared from the street it became even more popular among people of all ages.
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 in 1554.
Vor Frue Kirke (“Church of Our Lady”) is a relatively modern church. The original Church of Our Lady from the early 12th century 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.
The annual Aalborg Carnival takes place in the weekend of week 21 (usually the last week in May). The Carnival is actually three events, the children’s carnival (Børnekarneval), the battle of carnival bands, and the carnival itself. During the carnival, Aalborg receives about 100,000 people. This makes it the biggest carnival in Scandinavia. The children’s carnival is a carnival dedicated to the children, with performances and activities for children. On Friday “The Battle of Carnival Bands” is an exciting and colourful evening with processions through the city when all the participating groups compete to be the leading carnival group.
