Jutland
District: Ribe amt
Esbjerg, the fifth largest town in Denmark, lies on the west coast of Jutland facing the northern tip of the island of Fano. It is the country's most important North Sea harbor and largest fishing port; in addition it is the base for Denmark's oil and gas exploration in the North Sea. A lightship
lies in the harbor.
History
After the Treaty of Vienna of 1864, under the terms of which Denmark had to cede the Duchies of Schleswig-Holstein and Lauenburg to Germany, the ports on the west coast of Schleswig were available to the Danes only on payment of customs duties. Therefore it was decided in 1868 to build a port on the site where Esbjerg now stands, especially with a view to trading with Britain. The port was completed in 1878 but later modernised and extended on several occasions. Esbjerg received its town charter in 1898.
Economy
Exports and imports and the processing of fish form the major branches of the town's economy. The principal exports are the products of agriculture and fishing. There are fur farms outside the town. Passenger traffic is also of significance; there are ferry services from Esbjerg to Great Britain (Newcastle and Harwich) and to the Faroes (Tórshavn).
Sights
Within the town there are wooded areas and parks with lakes and sports facilities, including Strandskoven, Vognsbol Park and Norreskoven.
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