See Denmark in a different light

For Brits up and down the country who are desperate to get away from the impending autumn and winter months, a trip to Aalborg and Northern Jutland is the perfect antidote to the winter blues. There are so many fabulous events and activities – adventurous, cultural and food related that make Aalborg the place to visit.

And for all those who are saving up for Christmas, a visit to Aalborg couldn’t be more cost effective with low cost direct flights from London Gatwick to Aalborg – starting from just £25 each way. Also, with the journey time of just 15 minutes between Aalborg Airport and the four star Helnan Phønix Hotel – Aalborg’s oldest hotel dating back to 1853 - this is surely the quickest fix for Seasonal Affected Disorder.

Read on for upcoming events, going out and staying in whilst you’re visiting the destination and Christmas in Aalborg.

Upcoming festivals and events

7 – 8 September – Oktoberfest
If you fancy raising your spirits, then the Oktoberfest in Skraen, Aalborg is for you! The town will be filled with music and laughter in the form of cabaret shows and musical interludes as well as the spectacle of a group of virtuosos who make sweet music with a total of 32 instruments. For more details, visit Skraaen.dk

14 – 16 September 2007 – British Comedy Week in Aalborg
Believe it or not, the British humour of Monty Python, Fawlty Towers and the like has been popular in Denmark since the 1970’s and this 45-year-old laugh affair is celebrated this month with a weekend filled with humour and fun. The weekend will involve a number of performances – planned and impromptu as well as workshops and shows. For more information, visit Visitaalborg.com

12 October 2007 – A Night of Culture
A night of cultural exploration - where visitors get the chance to have a look at buildings and institutions in Aalborg, normally closed to the public. The programme includes all major museums, halls, churches and libraries. In addition, public spaces will be transformed into stages for musical perfomances, poetry reading, art exhibitions and much, much more. For more information, visit Visitaalborg.com

Christmas in Aalborg
The festive season is a very special time in Aalborg and to celebrate, a number of great events have been created for the whole family. Christmas comes early to Aalborg too, with a visit from Mr Claus himself who arrives from Greenland by boat to Honnørkajen at 11am sharp on 25 November! This momentous arrival is followed by a number of events, which continue until Christmas Eve!

Christmas Markets and Interior Design
The Traditional Christmas market in the Old Square is open from 25 November – 23 December and is the perfect place to pick up some extra presents for family and friends. When you’ve exhausted yourself checking out the handcrafted ceramics, glassware and jewellery at the stalls and many galleries (some of which open their ateliers to visitors), revive your sprit with a glass of gløgg (a potent mulled wine) and æbleskiver – a waffle shaped like a tennis ball.

Danish interior design is highly acclaimed and famous global names include Georg Jensen and Bang and Olufsen. Aalborg is proud of its design heritage and each Christmas hosts an exhibition of local artist’s Christmas table settings using the best of Danish design.

To sample traditional Danish Christmas delicacies, head to Duus Vinkaelder a restaurant famous for offering a fabulous traditional Christmas buffet in amazing settings. For those who like to indulge, Mortens Kro is the most famous restaurant in Aalborg. Managed and owned by Denmark’s answer to Gordon Ramsey, Morten Nielsen is famous for serving up gourmet food on and off the television. Visit Mortenskro.dk

If Aquavit is a tad too strong for you, then why not visit Søgaards Bryghus – a microbrewery in the oldest and more historic part of the city. Claus Søgaard, a former butcher, was so passionate about the drink that he has developed his own label and the brewery offers a number of home brewed beers and ales – including a Christmas brew. Søgaard has also created a restaurant where diners can watch the brewing process whilst enjoying their meal and follow it with a guided tour by the brewmeister himself. Visit Soegaardsbryghus.dk

Stay in – in Aalborg
• If the weather is a challenge, consider a visit the inspiring Nordjylland Kunstmuseum. The modern art museum designed by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto rises like a sculpture from the rolling green landscape. Worth visiting not only for the pieces of world-class art on display, but also to experience the natural light that fills the entire building. Visit Nordjyllandskunstmuseum.dk

• For all families who love a mystery, visit the Franciscan Friary Museum . The museum is subterranean lying three meters below ground and recounts the fascinating story of the friary, which was established around AD 1250. Here you’ll be able to see the original walls of the friary as well as skeletons from the churchyard and many fine artefacts. Visit Nordjyllandshistoriskemuseum.dk and Visitaalborg.com

• A visit to Aalborg would be incomplete without a chance to sample Aquavit, which hails from the city. This clear potent spirit known widely as Schnapps has been created here since 1881, and you can now go on a guided tour of V & S Distillers, visit the Schnapps Museum and taste all 17 varieties of Aalborg Aquavit. In addition, you will be able to sample the Aalborg Nordguld Aquavit – a mix that has taken years to create. Its complex flavour of Amber – known as Nordic Gold – gives it a special flavour and Amber – created under the North Sea for millions of years is gently distilled to create a classic gold Aquavit. For more information, visit Distillers.dk/uk

Go out - In Aalborg
• For a cultural treat - rain or shine, visit Lindholm Høje - a historical find with one of the finest collections of ancient monuments in the whole of Scandinavia. In addition to the remains of houses, there are hundreds of stone settings marking graves that are preserved across this area of high ground. The museum takes your journey further piecing together a fascinating glimpse of life in Viking times. Visit Nordjyllandshistoriskemuseum.dk

• If you fancy a safari, then take a visit to Aalborg Zoo and the new African Village, which opened in 2006. Here you’ll find a fabulously recreated African scene with many of the zoo’s African animals including zebra, antelope, dwarf hippos and ostriches as valued inhabitants. Visit Aalborgzoo.dk

Aalborg’s creative and vibrant energy is matched by its fabulous architecture, high-octane nightlife in Jomfru Ane Gade and a rich and varied culture and is the perfect destination for an autumn or Winter break to banish the blues...

For more information on Aalborg, visit: Visitaalborg.com and Visitdenmark.com.