Denmark, Aalborg

Aalborg is the fourth-largest city in Denmark - after Copenhagen, Aarhus and Odense - with an urban population of 121,540 (2006). The earliest settlements date back to around 700 AD. Its location by the Limfjord made it an important harbour during the Middle Ages and an industrial centre later. Today the city is in a transition from a working-class, industrial city to a knowledge-based one. One of the driving forces in the transition is the University of Aalborg, founded in 1974.

History

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.

Industry

Aalborg is a still an industrial and commercial centre in Denmark, exporting grain, cement and fish, but many of the big industries in the city have been closed in recent years.

It is also the centre of telecommunications industry originating from the University of Aalborg.

Aalborg Industries - the worlds largest manufacturer of Marine Boilers - is headquartered here.

Architecture and tourist attractions

The old castle 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.

Underneath the main pedestrian shopping street is a newly opened museum of the excavation of a monastery from the 11th century.

Aalborg Historical Museum is located in the city.

The city has Denmark's highest number of hairdresser shops, tattoo parlours, bars, nightclubs, pubs and solariums per inhabitant.

Sports

The city is home to the football team Aalborg Boldspilklub, known as AaB for short, which competes in the Danish Superliga championship. The club won the Danish Superliga in the 1994/95 season and the 1998/99 season. The team was in UEFA Champions League 1995-96.

Transportation

Aalborg Airport is the local airport.

The city has a main train station, close to J. F. Kennedy-Square.

The European route E45 goes between Finland and Italy and passes Aalborg.