Ålborg

Aalborg Ålborg
Seal Coat of arms
Nickname(s): "Paris of the North"
Motto: "Seize The World" , In Danish "Vild med Verden"
Country	Denmark
Region	Nordjylland
Municipality	Aalborg
First mention	"Alabu" written at coins from 1035 AC
Officiel birthday	Trade rights June 16, 1342 AC
Government
- Mayor	Henning G. Jensen (S)
Area
- Urban	139 km2 (53.7 sq mi)
- Metro	1,144 km2 (441.7 sq mi)
Elevation	5 m (16 ft)
Population (2009)
- City	122,461
- Density	881/km2 (2,281.8/sq mi)
- Metro	196,292
- Metro Density	172/km2 (445.5/sq mi)
Time zone	Central Europe Time (UTC+1)
Postal codes	9000, 9008, 9020, 9100, 9200, 9210, 9220, 9400
Website	http://www.aalborgkommune.dk/

Aalborg

Location of Aalborg in Denmark

Jomfru Ane Gade.

Aalborg (Danish pronunciation: [ˈʌlb̥ɒːˀ]   ( listen)), sometimes written as Ålborg in Danish, is a city in Denmark. Its population, as of 2009, is 122,461, making it the fourth largest in the country after Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Odense. 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.

It is the location of Aalborg Air Base — an important base of the Danish Air Force — and is the seat of a bishop within the Danish National Church.^{[citation needed]}

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.

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.

Aalborg panelled room, first half 17th century (National Museum, Copenhagen)

During the Middle Ages, Aalborg prospered and became one of the largest cities in Denmark. This prosperity was further enhanced when in 1516 Aalborg was granted a monopoly in salt herring. The herring fishery linked Aalborg to the East coast of England, across the North Sea, both in commercial competition and cultural exchange. The panelled interior from an Aalborg house in the National Museum, Copenhagen (illustration), shares many details with Jacobean panelled rooms.

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

During the German invasion of Denmark in 1940, the Aalborg Aerodrome was captured by German paratroopers very early in the action and Aalborg is said to be the first city ever to be captured by paratroopers. The aerodrome was crucial for German aircraft to be able to reach Norway.

The First European Conference on Sustainable Cities and Towns took place in Aalborg, in 1994. The Conference adopted the Aalborg Charter (http://ec.europa.eu/environment/urban/pdf/aalborg_charter.pdf), which provides a framework for the delivery of local sustainable development, and calls on local authorities to engage in Local Agenda 21 processes.

The 4th European Sustainable Cities and Towns Conference ("Aalborg +10": http://www.aalborgplus10.dk/), held in Aalborg in 2004, adopted the Aalborg +10 Commitments. These commitments are an important step forward in turning sustainable urban development from words into real actions.

Geography

Climate

Summers in Aalborg have average high temperatures of around 20°C (68°F) and lows of 12°C (54°F), but temperatures sometimes exceed 25°C (77°F+) and occasional heatwaves are common during the summer.

Winters usually have temperatures of -3 to 2°C (27 - 36°F), rarely dropping below −10 °C (14 °F).

Precipitation is moderate throughout the year, and snowfall occurs mainly in December through March, but snow cover usually remains shortly.

Weather averages for Aalborg
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Average high °C (°F)	2 (36)	2 (36)	5 (41)	10 (50)	15 (59)	19 (66)	20 (68)	20 (68)	16 (61)	12 (54)	7 (45)	3 (37)	10.9 (52)
Daily Mean °C (°F)	0 (32)	0 (32)	2 (36)	6 (43)	11 (52)	14 (57)	16 (61)	16 (61)	12 (54)	9 (48)	4 (39)	1 (34)	7.5 (46)
Average low °C (°F)	-3 (27)	-3 (27)	-1 (30)	2 (36)	6 (43)	10 (50)	12 (54)	11 (52)	9 (48)	6 (43)	2 (36)	-1 (30)	4.0 (39)
Precipitation mm (inches)	54 (2.13)	35 (1.38)	44 (1.73)	38 (1.5)	49 (1.93)	54 (2.13)	64 (2.52)	67 (2.64)	72 (2.83)	76 (2.99)	75 (2.95)	62 (2.44)	689 (27.13)
Sunshine hours	39	72	117	167	209	218	209	186	130	87	57	42	1,534
Avg. precipitation days	11	8	10	8	9	8	9	10	12	13	14	12	124
Source: DMI (Danmarks Meteorologiske Institut)[1] 05-12-2009

Transportation

View of Aalborg railway station from J.F. Kennedy's Square, 2004

Aalborg Airport is the local airport.

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

The European route E45, going from Finland to Italy, passes through Aalborg.

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.

Aalborg is home to De Danske Spritfabrikker's ("Danish Distillers") akvavit snaps, production facility for the distillation of the Aalborg family of akvavits consisting of 17 different brands. Danish Distillers is Scandinavia's largest producer and supplier of spirits for consumption, and is the world's largest producer and exporter of akvavit, supplying over 140 geographic markets.

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

Aalborg Industries, the world's largest manufacturer of marine boilers, is headquartered here.

Sport

In Aalborg, is Danish football team, Aalborg BK, established in 1885

Main sights

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 1100s 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.

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

Aalborgtårnet is a tripod tower erected in 1933. The tower still gives an exquisite view over the fjord and the city from its 105 m rise over the sea level. Just below the hill of the tower is Aalborg Kunstmuseum ("Aalborg Museum of Art") in a building designed by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto.

On the north side of the Limfjord is Nørresundby, which is connected to Aalborg by a road bridge, an iron railway bridge, as well as a motorway tunnel running under the Limfjord. Nørresundby is the site of the Lindholm Høje settlement and burial ground from the Germanic Iron Age and Viking times. There is also a museum on the site.

Aalborg Historical Museum is located in the city.

In 2008 the Utzon Center, dedicated to the work of the noted architect Jørn Utzon, was built next to the Limfjord at the central harbour front in Aalborg. Born in Copenhagen, Utzon grew up in Aalborg. The center contains an exhibition on Utzon's work, which included the Sydney Opera House, as well as educational displays on architecture and design.

Carnival in Aalborg, 2008.

Carnival in Aalborg

The annual Carnival in Aalborg 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. 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.

The carnival itself is the following Saturday – on this day the city centre is full of life. The streets are filled with gaily dressed people who are in a real spring mood. In Kildeparken concerts are given from various stages all day to midnight. The Carnival ends with a grand firework display.

Jomfru Ane Gade, deserted in the daytime, 2006.

Jomfru Ane Gade

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 (or Miss) Anne's Street" in English. The pubs and restaurants on this street offer beer and other spirits for some of the most competitive prices in Denmark.

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.

During the day, tourists and employees in the city come to Jomfru Ane Gade, especially for its restaurants. In the afternoons some of the cafés open. Around 11 pm the mood of the street changes into more of a party street when younger people arrive.

Twinning

Aalborg maintains cultural, economic and educational ties with 27 cities around the globe [1] . Thus, Aalborg has the most twin cities in Denmark. Every four years Aalborg gathers youth from the majority of its twin cities for a week of sports games, known as Ungdomslegene (The Youth Games).

Notable people

Born in Aalborg

• John of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, King over Dennmark, Norway and Sweden
• Søren Lodberg Hvas, Bishop over Aalborg diocese
• Preben Kaas, actor and comedian
• Henning Munk Jensen footballer
• Ebbe Sand, footballer
• Britta Thomsen, Danish politician and Member of the European Parliament
• Hanne Dahl, Danish politician and Member of the European Parliament
• Benny Nielsen, butterfly swimmer
• Jens Larsen volleyballer
• Joachim Olsen (31 maj 1977), shot putter
• Peter Gade, badminton player
• Anne Van Olst dressage rider
• Camilla Dallerup ballroom dancer

Longer residence i Aalborg

• Jens Munk (1579–1628), navigator and explorer
• Frederik Ferdinand Tillisch (1801–1889), Danish statesman
• Jørn Utzon, architect grew up in Aalborg
• Peter Adolphsen (* 1972), author grew up in Aalborg
• Bjørn Lomborg, statistician and author grew up in Aalborg
• Bent Flyvbjerg, researcher at Oxford University longer engagement at Aalborg University
• Frank Jensen, politician and former Danish Minister grew up in Aalborg
• Ole Stavad, politician and former Danish Minister educated in Aalborg

Other information

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, the 1998/99 season and the 2007/08 season. The team qualified for the group stages of the 1995-96 and 2008-09 UEFA Champions League seasons.

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

See also

• Hospital of the Holy Ghost, Aalborg
• Aalborg Municipality
• Chronicle of the Expulsion of the Grayfriars#Chapter 7 Concerning the Friary in Ålborg

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Aalborg

Wikisource has the text of the 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica article Aalborg.

• Satellite image from Google Maps
• About Aalborg from Nordjyske Medier (A local Media Group)
• Aalborg Kommune (Aalborg Municipality's official website)
• VisitAalborg (Aalborg Tourist Office)
• Aalborg University in English
• Aalborg University in Danish (Danish)
• Public Transport in Aalborg and surroundings (Danish)
• Aalborg Akvavit
• Ålborgtårnet (Danish)
• Aalborg Carnival Information
• General information on Aalborg and the Indian community

v • d • e 50 most populous cities in Scandinavia  Denmark ·  Norway ·  Sweden 1.  Stockholm 1,252,000 2.  Copenhagen 1,167,569 3.  Oslo 857,000 4.  Helsinki 578,126 5.  Gothenburg 510,500 6.  Malmö 258,000 7.  Espoo 242,372 8.  Århus 228,700 9.  Bergen 223,600 10.  Tampere 209,744 11.  Vantaa 196,228 12.  Stavanger 185,900 13.  Turku 175,738 14.  Trondheim 156,800 15.  Odense 152,100 16.  Oulu 137,360 17.  Uppsala 128,400 18.  Jyväskylä 128,245 19.  Ålborg 121,500 20. Template:Country data ICELAND Reykjavík 120,165 21.  Västerås 107,000 22.  Fredrikstad1 100,500 23.  Lahti 100,252 24.  Örebro 98,200 25.  Linköping 97,400 26.  Drammen 94,900 27.  Kuopio 92,018 28.  Helsingborg 91,500 29.  Skien 86,300 30.  Jönköping 84,400 31.  Norrköping 83,600 32.  Pori 76,434 32.  Lund 76,200 33.  Umeå 75,600 34.  Joensuu 72,368 35.  Esbjerg 71,900 36.  Lappeenranta 70,354 37.  Gävle 68,700 38.  Kristiansand 66,500 39.  Hämeenlinna 66,210 40.  Borås 63,400 41.  Södertälje 60,300 42.  Eskilstuna 60,200 43.  Rovaniemi 59,351 44.  Vaasa 58,746 45.  Täby 58,600 46.  Karlstad 58,500 47.  Randers 55,900 48.  Halmstad 55,700 49.  Växjö 55,600 50.  Kolding 55,000 1 with Sarpsborg. Data according to Statistics Sweden [3] · Statistics Denmark [4] · Statistics Norway [5] Coordinates: 57°2′N 9°55′E / 57.033°N 9.917°E / 57.033; 9.917