Ribe, Denmark's oldest town.

Near the Danish west coast you will find Denmark’s oldest town, Ribe.

The town was attested in a document dating back from 854 and in the 860’s the town was Scandinavia’s biggest trade center.

 The town has more than 100 well-preserved old buildings under Heritage Protection.

Denmark's oldest Town Hall is found on the town's Von Støckens Plads. The building was erected in 1496, and was purchased by the city for use as a town hall in 1709.

A big part of the town was destroyed by fire in 1580 where 213 houses burnt down and in 1634 a severe flooding did a lot of damage to the town.

The Cathedral.

You will also find Denmark's only cathedral with five aisles and it is possible to visit the tower of the 800 year old cathedral and enjoy a view over the city and marshland area.

Take a walk around town and a look at the old houses it really takes you back in time.

The smallest house is 26.5 m2 and at one stage there was a family of 9 living here.

The Cathedral.

The Population In Ribe.

It is estimated that the population was about 5000 in the year of 1500 and probably due to the fire and flooding, under 2000 by 1800.

Today the population is just over 8000.

Ribe Harbour.

Accommodation.

The area has about 20 hotels and B & B for you to choose from if staying over night or for a holiday. 

Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say at TripAdvisor

The Vikings.

The town also has a Viking museum and a Viking center, like a living township, that will take you back to the year 825.

Here you can experience how the Vikings were living about 1200 years ago, see their sleeping quarters, see how they made their weapons and clothes and you can have a go at grinding the wheat for bread making.

Viking kitchen.

Click Images To Enlarge.

This is a life size reconstructed Viking estate where you can walk around as you like, get up close to the Vikings and get inside their living quarters and see what’s simmering in the pots on the bonfire, you can even have a go at baking your one flat bread.

If you are into hunting try out your skills in Archery with a handmade longbow or meet the falconer, he hangs around at the archery range as well.
There is something for everyone here and you can join in a lot of the activities if you like.

This is quite an experience that you shouldn’t miss if you are in the area.

You can find ‘Ribe Vikinge Center’ at:

Lustrupvej 4
Lustrupholm, 6760 Ribe
Phone: +45 75 41 16 11

For more information about opening hours and admission fees see here.

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