1-4 September 2022 | Aalborg Denmark
About Aalborg
Welcome to Aalborg
The city of Aalborg welcomes you!
Aalborg is the capital of North Jutland. A pocket-size city, with its own unique atmosphere and something for everyone. Museums, cultural monuments and historic buildings. World-class architecture, zoo, art, great shopping, picturesque streets, and an inviting, bustling harbour front. Take a walk on the waterfront and you will come across some major powerhouses of culture; the old power station Nordkraft, the astonishing architectonic Utzon Center and Musikkens Hus (The House of Music).
Nordkraft used to supply Aalborg with electricity and energy. Today, the former coal-fired power station, located in the city centre, generates a completely different kind of power – cultural power. Nordkraft joins culture, sports, and recreation by housing sports facilities, a cinema, theatres, and restaurants. With its raw and industrial, yet stimulating look, Nordkraft truly reflects the spirit of Aalborg.
The Utzon Center, situated perfectly at Aalborg waterfront, was the last work of the Aalborg-raised architect Jørn Utzon, best known as the architect who designed the world famous Opera House in Sydney. He described the Utzon Center as “a place where good thoughts could come together and… a centre of excellence for architecture and humanity in the future.”
Musikkens Hus is the latest architectonic lighthouse of Aalborg, but it has quickly become a national and international gathering point for music. The construction of Musikkens Hus is one of the most ambitious and impressive projects in the history of Aalborg. Musikkens Hus is designed by the world renowned Austrian architect firm Coop Himmelb(l)au.
Last, but not least, you can find KUNSTEN Museum of Modern Art located only a short walk from the city centre. KUNSTEN is the only art museum designed by the renowned Finnish architect Alvar Aalto located outside of Finland. It is a truly impressive architectonic masterpiece in white marble, housing a fine art collection and an outdoor sculpture park.
The History of Aalborg
The earliest settlements date to around AD 700. Aalborg’s position at the narrowest point on the Limfjord made it an important harbour during the Middle Ages, and later a large industrial centre. Architecturally, the city is known for its half-timbered mansions built by its prosperous merchants. Budolfi Church, now a cathedral, dates from the end of the 14th century and Aalborghus Castle, a royal residence, was built in 1550. Today, Aalborg is a city in transition from a working-class industrial area to a knowledge-based community.
In and around the city, you will find relics of the past with stories to tell. Lindholm Høje’s stems from the late Iron Age and Viking Era, and it is a magical sight that meets you as you gaze at Lindholm Høje’s approximately 700 graves and 150 stone ships spread across the hills.
Lindholm Høje was buried in sand in the 9th century due to heavy sandstorms that ravaged the area and forced the Vikings to decamp. Aalborg’s location at the salty fjord, Limfjorden, made the city the obvious choice for a market town. In 1342, it became a reality, and the town quickly became one of Jutland’s largest market towns. Naval officer Skipper Clement was one of Aalborg’s best-known figures in the 1500s, and he initiated an uprising among peasants in the town during the civil war: The Count’s Feud in 1534. Skipper Clement’s forces were captured in Aalborg, and 7,000-8,000 men died in a massacre. Skipper Clement was later captured, and in 1536 he was executed at Viborg’s parliament.
In the 1800s, industrialisation came to Aalborg and many factories emerged. The town was best known for its many industrial chimneys and despite the transformed city centre, Aalborg is still a major industrial city, however, the signs of it are less visible these days, as the industry has moved outside the city centre. The cement factory, Aalborg Portland, is a product of the industrialisation, and despite having celebrated its 125-year anniversary, it is still a strong player in the international market today.
Aalborg – University City
During the last decades Aalborg has been turned into an attractive university city with an overwhelming success. Since the establishment of Aalborg University (AAU) in 1974, the University has been characterised by a problem-based and project-oriented teaching method – also called the Aalborg Model. In 2010, the School of Medicine was created with 179 annual students. Despite the fact that AAU is a fairly young university, it is already ranking amongst the best and most acknowledged international universities in the world. Aalborg University strives to better its position for the future by constantly raising the bar in order to maintain a strong learning curve.
It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to the city of Aalborg!
We hope you will enjoy your stay.
The little big city Aalborg
