Jutland
District: Nordjyllands amt
Ålborg or Aalborg (the latter spelling is preferred by the inhabitants), the fourth largest town in Denmark, is situated on the south bank of the Limfjord, which links the North Sea with the Kattegat and is particularly narrow at this point. A road and rail bridge and a six-lane motorway
tunnel lead to Nørresundby, on the north side of the ford, which forms part of Greater Ålborg. The popular beaches along the North Sea are within easy reach.
History
Ålborg is mentioned about 1070 by Adam of Bremen as a "well-known seafaring town". In 1342 the existing Viking settlement was granted its town charter. During the Middle Ages there was a close link with Norway. The town enjoyed considerable commercial importance and in 1534 it became the seat of an Evangelical bishop. Until the early 16th century Ålborg was a prosperous trading center but from 1625, largely as a result of the quartering of foreign troops during the Thirty Years War against Sweden, it entered a period of decline. Only towards the end of the 18th century did it recover, and from 1850 onwards various industries became established. The deepening of the Limfjord was of benefit to the town, because it could now be reached by larger ships. During the Second World War enemy aerial attacks and bombardments caused great damage.
Economy and Transport
Today trade and industry have put their stamp on the economic life of the town. Among the most important branches of industry are shipbuilding and cement, paper and metal, glass and timber, tobacco and the production of Ålborg aquavit, a Danish version of schnapps. The modern port is the place from which Danish trade with Greenland is conducted. There are regular flights from Ålborg to the capital Copenhagen and to Norway.
Culture
Ålborg is also a center of education and training and has been a university town since 1973. Tourists can glean much about the region's culture by visiting museums such as the Museum of Modern Art and the Historical Museum, as well as concerts and theatrical performances. In August the Ålborg Festival of concerts is held.
Town area
To the south of the place where the Limfjord Bridge (Limfjordsbroen) crosses to Nørresundby lies the old part of Ålborg, with its beautiful buildings and restored houses. In the newer parts, which adjoin on the west and east, can be found well-tended parks, such as Møllepark, from the highest point of which there is a view of the greater part of the town.
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