Aalborg

Aalborg (Danish: Ålborg, population 161,161) 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.

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[?].

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.

Aalborg is a growing industrial and commercial centre, exporting grain and fish. An old castle and some picturesque houses of the 17th century remain. The Budolphi[?] church dates mostly from the middle of the 18th century, while the 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 pontoon, by an iron railway bridge as well as by a tunnel under the Limfjord.

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