Making the most of Aalborg
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The new Aalborg Royal Cruise Berth is one of four cruise berths in central Aalborg, only a few minutes from the busy city centre on foot or by complimentary water or bus shuttle. Most ocean liners dock at pier 4110, around 2 km from the city centre, where free shuttles are provided.
Aalborg’s waterfront has been comprehensively renovated. Once a busy industrial district, it now combines world-class architecture, lively cuisine and a cosy cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Aalborg is a multi-faceted city of contrasts, offering the pleasures of life on a manageable scale. Its principal attractions are close together, from fast-paced fun to peaceful oases, a foaming draft beer to sublime gastronomy, and the Viking era and Middle Ages to modern art. The inviting, beautiful countryside around Aalborg is an added attraction.
Aalborghus Castle (Aalborghus Slot) and several picturesque 17th-century houses survive in the town centre. King Christian III built the half-timbered (bindingsværk) castle in 1550; it was converted into government administration offices in the 1950s.
Jens Bang’s House is a five-storey Renaissance building, erected in 1624 by the merchant Jens Bang. It stands on Nytorv beside the old Town Hall.
Budolfi Church cathedral is largely from the middle of the 18th century, while Vor Frue Kirke (Church of Our Lady) was partly destroyed by fire in 1894. Both churches have foundations dating from the 14th century or earlier.
Beneath the main pedestrian shopping street is a recently opened museum displaying the excavation of an 11th-century monastery.
Aalborgtårnet is a tripod tower built in 1933, still giving fine views across the fjord and city from 105 meters above sea level. Just below its hill stands Aalborg Kunstmuseum (Aalborg Museum of Art), in a building designed by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto.
Aalborg’s Danish Emigration Archives holds historical records for Danes who emigrated from Denmark in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Aalborg Historical Museum is in the city.
Cycling remains the best way to get around; bicycles can be hired near the tourist information office.
Food and shopping
Aalborg is home to De Danske Spritfabrikker ("Danish Distillers"), the world’s largest producer and exporter of aquavit.
The inner city mixes specialist shops with large department stores. Its two principal pedestrian streets are Bispensgade and Algade, while Nytorv is home to the Salling and Føtex department stores.
South of Aalborg, City Syd has Aalborg Storcenter, a large shopping centre with 60 smaller shops and the Bilka department store. North of the Limfjord is the large Kvickly Extra department store.
Money
Denmark is outside the EURO monetary system, though major shops may quote prices in both Danish kroner and EURO (€). Most major international credit cards are accepted in Denmark.
Opening Hours and
Typical shopping hours: Monday–Thursday 10-17.30/18, Friday 10-19/20, Saturday 9.30-15.