Aalborgmanden
Compact granite sculpture in central Aalborg, Aalborgmanden quietly embodies the city’s historic trading spirit and enduring civic pride on lively Boulevarden.
Aalborgmanden is a compact granite sculpture from 1912 that stands on Boulevarden in central Aalborg, evoking the city’s medieval merchant past. The robust male figure, carved in a simplified, almost blocky style, has become a quiet emblem of civic pride and endurance. Set just in front of the administration building, it offers a brief but characterful cultural stop amid shops, cafés, and everyday city life, ideal for a quick photo and a moment of local history.
A brief summary to Aalborgmanden
- Boulevarden 13, Aalborg, Aalborg Centrum, 9000, DK
- Duration: 0.25 to 0.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Combine a stop at Aalborgmanden with a broader stroll through Aalborg’s historic center, using the sculpture as a quick cultural waypoint between shops and cafés.
- Visit during daylight for the best chance to appreciate the granite texture and subtle details in the carving, especially the facial features and stance.
- Use the nearby administration building façade as a backdrop for photos to frame the sculpture clearly against the street scene.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
From Aalborg Busterminal near the railway station, use one of the city buses that stop along Vesterbro and J. F. Kennedys Plads and continue toward the central shopping streets; the ride typically takes 5–10 minutes depending on traffic. A single-zone ticket within Aalborg usually costs around 20–30 DKK and can often be bought via ticket machines or mobile apps. Buses run frequently during the day, but service is less frequent in the late evening and on Sundays.
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Walking
From the central railway station area in Aalborg, expect roughly a 10–15 minute walk through level, paved city streets to reach Boulevarden, where Aalborgmanden stands in front of the administration building. The route is suitable for most visitors and generally accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, though it can be busy at peak times and in wet weather the pavements may be slippery.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available around Aalborg railway station and main squares; a ride to Boulevarden in the city center usually takes about 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic. Typical fares within central Aalborg range from about 80–140 DKK, with higher prices at night, on weekends, and during public holidays. Taxis are convenient for travelers with luggage or limited mobility, but short central trips can be affected by congestion at rush hours.
Aalborgmanden location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Aalborgmanden
A Granite Figure at the Heart of Aalborg
Aalborgmanden stands on Boulevarden, one of central Aalborg’s busiest streets, yet it is easy to walk past without realizing how much history is condensed into this modest granite figure. The sculpture portrays a solid, broad-shouldered man, feet firmly planted, gaze projected outward as if watching over the city. Its compact dimensions make it feel approachable, almost like a familiar face in the urban crowd. Carved from granite in 1912, the work captures a sense of grounded permanence that fits the resilient character often associated with this northern port city. The stone’s rough texture, softened by decades of weather and touch, contrasts nicely with the smooth façades of surrounding buildings and the glassier lines of newer architecture nearby.A Symbol of Medieval Trading Heritage
Although created in the 20th century, Aalborgmanden is closely tied to the city’s medieval heyday as a trading hub. The figure is often interpreted as an embodiment of the historic townsman – the merchant citizen who built prosperity through commerce along the Limfjord. His sturdy build and straightforward pose suggest reliability, hard work, and an unshowy pride in belonging to Aalborg. The city has adopted the sculpture as a kind of civic emblem. A smaller statuette version of Aalborgmanden is used as an honorary award, underscoring the figure’s role as a symbol of community contribution and local commitment. Standing before the original, you are effectively looking at a three-dimensional shorthand for Aalborg’s identity across centuries.Sigfried Wagner’s Distinctive Style
The artist behind Aalborgmanden, Sigfried Wagner, chose granite not just for durability but for its expressive potential. Rather than detailed realism, he worked with simplified volumes and clear lines. The result is a figure that feels carved out of the same bedrock as the region itself, with minimal ornament and a strong, almost architectural presence. Seen up close, subtle details emerge: the suggestion of heavy workwear, the careful shaping of hands, the slight tilt of the head. These small choices prevent the sculpture from becoming rigid; instead, it conveys a quiet, human warmth. From a distance, though, what dominates is the compact silhouette, clearly legible against the backdrop of the administration building.Everyday Landmark in a Lively Street Scene
Part of Aalborgmanden’s charm lies in its everyday setting. Boulevarden hums with buses, bicycles, and shoppers, and the sculpture functions as a convenient meeting point and a visual anchor in the streetscape. It is not fenced off or elevated; you can walk right up, circle around it, and see how the light shifts on the granite during the day. Because it is small, a visit here is brief, often woven into a wider exploration of the city center, from nearby squares to churches and historic houses. It’s an ideal quick stop for urban explorers interested in public art and city symbols, and it offers a meaningful pause between errands, coffee breaks, and museum visits.A Snapshot of Aalborg’s Civic Spirit
Spending a few minutes with Aalborgmanden offers a compact introduction to Aalborg’s civic spirit. The sculpture’s modest scale reflects a certain understatement, while its enduring presence and use as an award figure show how deeply it is woven into local narratives. It is a piece of public art that has slipped into the fabric of daily life, yet still carries a clear story about belonging, diligence, and pride in a city shaped by trade and community.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Old City Hall
0.2 km
Aalborg’s tiny Baroque town hall on Gammeltorv, where a vivid yellow façade, royal motto and intimate interiors tell the story of centuries of civic life.
Limfjordsbroen
0.9 km
Historic bascule bridge linking Aalborg and Nørresundby, offering everyday Danish life, harbor views, sea air and classic Limfjord light in all seasons.
Aalborgtårnet
1.0 km
A classic 1930s steel tower lifted above a wooded hill, Aalborgtårnet combines a thrilling outdoor elevator ride with 360° views and a cosy sky-high bistro.
Limfjordstunnelen
2.6 km
Denmark's pioneering underwater motorway tunnel connecting North Jutland's vital regions since 1969.
Selskabet for Aalborgs Historie
2.6 km
Architectural marvel and musical powerhouse in Ørestad, DR Koncerthuset offers world-class acoustics and performances from Copenhagen’s cultural heart.
Lille Vildmose
25.2 km
Discover Denmark's largest protected area, Lille Vildmose, a haven for wildlife and a unique raised bog ecosystem, offering immersive nature experiences and conservation insights.
Troldeskoven
25.2 km
Discover the mystical allure of Troldeskoven near Skørping, where ancient, gnarled beech trees create a magical landscape steeped in Danish folklore and natural beauty within Rold Skov.
Lille Vildmosecentret
25.4 km
Uncover the wild heart of Denmark at Lille Vildmosecentret, where immersive exhibits, rare wildlife, and scenic boglands await beside Limfjord.
Rold Forest
25.5 km
Discover Denmark's largest forest: Hike through ancient woodlands, explore unique geological formations, and uncover the legends of Rold Forest near Skørping.
Koldkrigsmuseet REGAN Vest
25.8 km
Explore Denmark's best-preserved Cold War bunker at Koldkrigsmuseet REGAN Vest: an immersive journey into a secret world hidden beneath the forest, revealing a pivotal era in history.
Naturstyrelsen
26.2 km
Explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Rold Skov and Rebild Bakker with guidance from Naturstyrelsen Himmerland, your gateway to outdoor adventures in Northern Jutland.
Midt inde i Rold Skov
26.3 km
Discover Denmark's largest forest: Hike through ancient woodlands, explore hidden springs, and experience the tranquility of Rold Skov, a natural treasure trove in Himmerland.
Springkilden
26.7 km
Discover the mesmerizing Springkilden in Rold Forest: an artesian spring offering a tranquil escape into nature's beauty near Skørping, Denmark.
Madum Lake
26.8 km
Discover the pristine beauty of Madum Lake in Himmerland, Denmark: swim in crystal-clear waters, hike through ancient forests, and explore a haven for nature and history.
Rold Skov
27.0 km
Discover Denmark's largest forest: Hike through ancient woodlands, explore rolling hills, and uncover the captivating history and folklore of Rold Skov.
Unmissable attractions to see
Boulevarden
0.2 km
A broad, café‑lined pedestrian street at the heart of Aalborg, where everyday city life, relaxed shopping and easy people‑watching come together in one walkable stretch.
Budolfi Church
0.2 km
Aalborg’s snow‑white cathedral, where Gothic stone, Baroque woodwork and a singing carillon weave a thousand years of seafaring, faith and city life into one intimate space.
Street Art Mural - Nändo Väzquez
0.2 km
A vivid Nändo Väzquez mural splashes bold color across a central Aalborg streetscape, turning an ordinary wall on Danmarksgade into a small but striking urban landmark.
Hjelmerstald
0.2 km
A short, cobbled lane of colourful houses and quiet courtyards, Hjelmerstald offers an intimate glimpse of old Aalborg life hidden in the city centre.
Gråbrødrekloster Museum
0.2 km
Step three metres beneath Aalborg’s busiest shopping street into an in situ medieval monastery, where ruins, burials and artefacts reveal the city’s deep past.
Budolfihaven
0.2 km
Aalborg's verdant heart where medieval cathedral bells mark time and history meets contemporary urban life.
Aalborg Historical Museum
0.2 km
Aalborg's thousand-year story told through Renaissance interiors, Viking artifacts, and industrial heritage.
Klostertorvet
0.2 km
Aalborg’s cherished Kildeparken combines historic gardens, musical installations, and year-round events into a vibrant green oasis at the center of the city.
Apotekersamlingen
0.3 km
Step into a creaking attic above Jens Bang’s Stone House and explore centuries of pharmacy history in Aalborg’s atmospheric Apotekersamlingen.
Jens Bangs Stonehouse
0.3 km
Aalborg’s grand Dutch Renaissance mansion, where a wealthy merchant’s 17th‑century ambitions still dominate the old town’s skyline in carved stone and gables.
Klosterhaven
0.3 km
A quiet cloister garden tucked inside Aalborg’s medieval monastery, where simple greenery and ancient walls create a rare pocket of calm in the city centre.
Latinergyden
0.3 km
Aalborg’s narrowest medieval passage, once a water lane and schoolboys’ shortcut, now a quietly atmospheric link between busy Gravensgade and the old monastery.
Church of Our Lady
0.3 km
Thousand-year faith on a city square: a Romanesque Revival church with medieval carvings, noble chapels and a calm interior in the heart of old Aalborg.
Aalborg Kloster
0.3 km
A living medieval monastery in central Aalborg, where whitewashed cloisters, a modest church and quiet courtyards still embody six centuries of care and community.
Gåsepigen af Gerhard Henning
0.3 km
A small bronze girl and her unruly goose bringing poetic calm to busy Vesterbro, Gåsepigen is Aalborg’s charming 1937 fountain sculpture and urban landmark.
Essential places to dine
Den Bette Kro
0.1 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød, hearty kro cooking and a warm, red-tablecloth atmosphere in the very heart of Aalborg.
Taverna Zorba Aalborg
0.1 km
Cozy Greek taverna in the heart of Aalborg, serving generous plates, warm hospitality and a splash of Mediterranean atmosphere on relaxed Nordic evenings.
The South Indian Aalborg
0.1 km
A cosy Aalborg Centrum restaurant serving bold South Indian curries, biryani and parotta, with plentiful vegetarian and vegan choices in a relaxed setting.
Café Peace
0.1 km
Lively all‑day café and restaurant on Aalborg’s Boulevarden, serving generous brunches, casual bistro dishes and drinks with prime street‑side terrace seating.
Caféministeriet
0.1 km
Casual all‑day café and restaurant on Mølle Plads in central Aalborg, known for generous brunches, modern comfort food and a lively, laid‑back urban atmosphere.
Helmut Aalborg
0.1 km
Modern brunch, dinner and cocktails under one roof in central Aalborg, blending casual dining, social drinking and late‑night energy in a single stylish venue.
Det Glade Vanvid - Aalborg
0.2 km
All-inclusive gourmet dining where seasonal excellence meets informal elegance in Aalborg's heart.
Mortens Kro Restaurant & Boutique hotel
0.2 km
Fine dining and intimate suites under one roof in central Aalborg, where contemporary Nordic cuisine and spa-touched boutique comfort create a full gourmet getaway.
Caspars
0.2 km
Healthy bowls, bright juices and sourdough toasts with an Asian twist, served fast and casual on lively Algade in the very centre of Aalborg.
TraPo
0.3 km
Relaxed Italian trattoria in central Aalborg, serving crisp pizzas, comforting pastas, and Roman-inspired classics in warm, rustic surroundings.
Bistro59
0.3 km
Intimate French bistro in Aalborg's heart, serving authentic cuisine with impeccable technique and curated wines.
Duus Vinkjælder
0.3 km
Historic 1918 wine cellar blending Nordic cuisine, live jazz, and immersive dining experiences in atmospheric Aalborg.
SanGiovanni
0.3 km
Atmospheric basement Italian restaurant celebrated for ingredient quality, classical technique, and wine expertise.
La Locanda
0.3 km
Cosy Roman-inspired dining in a historic Aalborg courtyard, where multi-course Italian menus, personal service and candlelit charm turn dinner into an evening event.
Søgaards Bryghus
0.3 km
Family-run copper-kettle brewpub in central Aalborg, where in-house beer, Italian-inflected food and a working cellar brewery animate historic C. W. Obels Plads.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
TheNewNew
0.1 km
A compact Boulevarden boutique showcasing curated contemporary fashion and minimalist Scandinavian style in the heart of Aalborg’s lively city centre.
Rituals
0.1 km
A calm, fragrant Rituals boutique on Aalborg’s Boulevarden, blending Eastern-inspired wellbeing, modern Dutch design and gift-ready luxuries in the city centre.
NORMAL Aalborg, Algade
0.2 km
Everyday essentials and branded goods at fixed low prices in Aalborg's largest NORMAL store.
Shaping New Tomorrow Aalborg
0.2 km
Comfort-first menswear engineered for modern life, where Scandinavian design meets advanced fabric innovation.
Weekday
0.2 km
Contemporary fashion hub in Aalborg's shopping district, featuring statement denim and trend-forward basics.
MSCH Copenhagen
0.2 km
A modern Scandinavian womenswear boutique in the heart of Aalborg, blending minimalist design, versatile wardrobe staples and relaxed, downtown shopping vibes.
STÆHR Aalborg
0.2 km
Established women’s fashion boutique on Aalborg’s Gravensgade, offering curated Scandinavian‑leaning designer clothing in a calm, central city shopping setting.
Guld&Rod
0.3 km
Indoor flea-market style treasure hunt in central Aalborg, blending vintage charm, everyday bargains and easy second-hand selling under one lively roof.
NordicAfroDesign
0.3 km
Sustainable African-inspired fashion in the heart of Aalborg's city center.
Salling Department Store
0.3 km
Flagship department store in central Aalborg, combining Danish fashion, lifestyle and food with a panoramic rooftop terrace overlooking the city.
Billig-Billy. Costumes and dollar store
0.3 km
A lively central Aalborg discount and costume shop packed with party gear, decorations and quirky bargains, ideal for quick themed fixes and fun, low-cost finds.
Sinnerup Aalborg
0.3 km
Stylish Danish lifestyle store on Aalborg’s Nytorv, uniting Nordic furniture, home décor and women’s fashion in a single inspiring multi-level design universe.
Danmission Op Shop
0.3 km
Treasure hunting with purpose—secondhand shopping that supports vulnerable communities worldwide.
Kilo Vintage Sale Aalborg
0.3 km
Playful weight-based vintage shopping in central Aalborg, where European second-hand style, sustainability and treasure-hunt browsing all come together by the kilo.
Søstrene Grene
0.3 km
Cosy Scandinavian design, crafts and gifts in a softly lit labyrinth of aisles at the heart of Aalborg’s Nytorv pedestrian square.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
London Pub
0.1 km
Classic British-style pub in central Aalborg pouring dozens of beers, ciders and whiskies in a cosy, wood-panelled setting from lunchtime until late.
Quist Wine v/Lene Quist Berggreen
0.1 km
Authentic Italian wines in Aalborg's historic heart, curated by passionate wine experts.
Gl. Aalborg
0.3 km
Classic Danish bar with gaming machines, inexpensive drinks and a cozy, old-school vibe in the heart of Aalborg Centrum’s nightlife streets.
Vingaards Bar
0.3 km
Intimate, old-school bodega bar in central Aalborg, where a big counter, small space and easygoing regulars create a quietly authentic local nightlife stop.
D'Wine Bar
0.3 km
Spanish-inspired wine and tapas bar on Aalborg’s Algade, pouring Iberian wines and cocktails in a candlelit, urban-hygge atmosphere perfect for relaxed evenings.
Kontiki Bar
0.3 km
Unpretentious beer hall on Ågade offering inexpensive drinks, local atmosphere, and a relaxed, central Aalborg hangout from midday to late night.
Susan Sky Blue
0.4 km
A cozy, budget-friendly bar on Aalborg’s Vesterbro, blending Danish hygge, easygoing drinks, and late-night buzz in an intimate neighborhood setting.
Proud Mary Pub Aalborg
0.4 km
Lively pub on Aalborg’s Jomfru Ane Gade, mixing classic bar charm, sport on big screens, live music and late-night drinks in the city’s most famous party street.
Andy's Jomfru Ane Gade
0.4 km
Straightforward, sociable bar right on Aalborg’s legendary Jomfru Ane Gade, ideal for late-night drinks, warm‑ups and bar‑hopping in the city’s party heart.
Sprutten
0.4 km
Laid-back maritime bodega with a fishing-boat bar, pool tables and inexpensive beers in the heart of Aalborg’s legendary Jomfru Ane Gade nightlife street.
Cozy Bar Aalborg
0.4 km
A snug, no‑nonsense bar in central Aalborg, perfect for relaxed drinks, conversational evenings and a budget‑friendly pause between the city’s livelier nightspots.
Zwei Grosse Bierbars Aalborg ApS
0.4 km
High-energy alpine-style beer bar bringing après-ski vibes, big steins and party soundtracks to Aalborg’s legendary Jomfru Ane Gade nightlife strip.
Under Buret
0.4 km
Two floors of neon-lit energy on Aalborg’s Jomfru Ane Gade, mixing laid-back bar vibes downstairs with a DJ-fuelled dance floor and late-night party upstairs.
Douro Wine Bar
0.4 km
Cozy Portuguese wine hideaway in central Aalborg, pairing hand-picked Douro bottles with relaxed tapas, candlelight and unhurried evening conversations.
The Irish House
0.4 km
Authentic Irish pub in Aalborg with live music, traditional cuisine, and an extensive beer and whiskey selection.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
