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Aalborg

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  • Summary
The main population hub in the region of North Jutland, Aalborg finds itself tending to two notions of travel that are at the heart of what we at Embark truly believe in: authenticity and adventure. You can bike pretty much everywhere in the city and can borrow public bikes for most of the year, there are a great number of preserved buildings from as long ago as the 17th century, arguably the coolest beaches and most unique landscapes can be found here, and the city's existence along the Limfjord (a fjord filled with islands and bays that slices Jutland latitudinally) has kept it long prosperous. If we were to compare, we'd say that a city like Danish capital Copenhagen would play the part of the billionaire socialite, exuding a glamour and sophistication that everyone wants to be a part of. Aalborg, on the other hand, would be the reserved philanthropist, quietly providing the world with ancient Viking graveyards, Renaissance mansions, and a proximity to natural wonders like migrating sand dunes (the Rabjerg Mile) and the chalky cliffs of Bulbjerg.

Not that "reserved" is an adjective that always applies to Aalborg. Despite a population of just over 100,000 citizens, the city is known for throwing quite a party when the time is right. The Aalborg Carnival in May is the biggest in Scandinavia, while Jomfru Ane Gade owns the distinction as the longest stretch of nightlife establishments in Denmark. You've also got a cafe and restaurant culture that is prevalent on main drags like Boulevarden or off of quaint squares like C.W. Obels Plads and Gammeltorv (Old Square), while a stroll down Østerågade will fulfill the itinerary requirements for wow-worthy architecture (Jens Bangs House and Jørgen Olufsens House are highlights).

Some of the best news about Aalborg is its compact nature. Nearly every attraction in the city of interest to travelers is downtown, making it worth the time to stretch your legs and just foot it. Then again, the city is served well by regular bus transportation and the free-to-use bikes available at depots that are practically around every corner. But also be sure to get out of town, whether you're tramping through extensive nature areas like Rebild or Lille Vildemose or heading to the northern point of Jutland to experience the collision of North and Baltic Seas. There is also that huge Viking graveyard called Lindolm Hoje, where you can also catch a mass gathering of aficionados for the Viking Festival every June.

If you're one to avoid the well-traveled tourist routes, then Aalborg is a city with enough culture, adventure, nightlife, and cuisine to satisfy a desire for an authentic Denmark experience. Browse our included activities and videos for further information.

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