Aalborg

Aalborg (Danish: Ålborg, population 161,906 (2001)) is a city and seaport of Denmark, the seat of a (Lutheran) bishop, and chief town of the county of North Jutland, on the south bank of the Limfjord, which connects the North Sea and the Kattegat. Aalborg is the 4'th largest city in Denmark after Copenhagen, Aarhus and Odense

Surroundings

The situation is typical of the north of Jutland. To the west the Limfjord broadens into an irregular lake, with low, marshy shores and many islands. Northwest is the Store Vildmose, a swamp where the mirage is seen in summer. Southeast lies the similar Lille Vildmose. Store Vildmose was drained and farmed in the beginning of the 20th century, and Lille Vildmose is now the largest moor in Denmark.

A railway connects Aalborg with Hjørring, Frederikshavn and Skagen to the north, and with Aarhus and the lines from Germany to the south as well as Copenhagen in the east over Funen. The harbour is good and safe, though difficult to access.

Industry

Aalborg is a growing industrial and commercial centre, exporting grain and fish. Aalborg center of a growing telecomunications industry originating from the Aalborg University.

Architecture

An old castle and some picturesque houses of the 17th century remain. The cathedral Budolphi church dates mostly from the middle of the 18th century, while the Vor Frue church was partially burnt in 1894, but the foundation of both is of the 14th century or earlier. There are also an ancient hospital and a museum of art and antiquities. On the north side of the Limfjord is Nørresundby, connected with Aalborg by a road bridge, by an iron railway bridge as well as by a motorwaytunnel under the Limfjord.

Aalborg received town privileges in 1342 and the bishopric dates from 1554.

Note that both spellings forms 'Aalborg' and 'Ålborg' are used in Danish language.