Apotekersamlingen (The Pharmacy Collection), Aalborg
Step into a creaking attic above Jens Bang’s Stone House and explore centuries of pharmacy history in Aalborg’s atmospheric Apotekersamlingen.
Hidden beneath the steep roof of Jens Bang’s Stone House in central Aalborg, Apotekersamlingen is a time capsule of more than 350 years of pharmacy history. This small museum, accessible only on guided tours, preserves the atmospheric former loft of Svaneapoteket, filled with original jars, instruments, exotic ingredients and handwritten labels. It offers an intimate window onto Renaissance medicine, trade and everyday life in one of Denmark’s most remarkable merchant houses.
A brief summary to Apotekersamlingen
- Østerågade 9, 4. sal, Aalborg, Aalborg Centrum, 9000, DK
- +4599317400
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Budget
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Check tour calendars and book in advance; Apotekersamlingen is only accessible with a guided visit at set times or by prior arrangement.
- Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for stairs and low beams; the collection sits in an old attic that is not fully accessible.
- Combine your visit with time to admire the façade of Jens Bang’s Stone House from the street and explore Aalborg’s historic centre nearby.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
On foot from central Aalborg
From the pedestrian streets in central Aalborg, reaching Jens Bang’s Stone House and Apotekersamlingen typically takes 5–10 minutes on foot along flat, paved streets. The route is straightforward but involves cobblestones near the historic centre, so comfortable footwear is recommended and wheelchair users may encounter uneven surfaces.
-
By bus within Aalborg
City buses serving Aalborg’s centre stop within roughly 5–10 minutes’ walk of Østerågade. Travel time from residential districts is usually 10–20 minutes, depending on the line and traffic. Standard single tickets within the city cost in the range of 20–30 DKK and can be bought from ticket machines, apps or on board on many routes.
-
By train and walk from Aalborg Station
If you arrive by regional or intercity train, Aalborg Station lies about 10–15 minutes’ walk from Jens Bang’s Stone House along broadly level city streets. Train journeys from nearby towns such as Nørresundby or Svenstrup typically take 10–25 minutes, with prices varying by distance and time but often starting around 40–70 DKK for standard adult tickets.
-
By bicycle in the city
Aalborg is compact and bike‑friendly, and many visitors use bicycles to reach the historic centre in 5–15 minutes from most inner districts. You can bring your own bike or use local bike‑sharing services where available for a modest fee. Be aware that bicycle parking in the immediate streets can be busy at peak hours, so allow a few extra minutes to find a legal spot.
Apotekersamlingen location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Cold Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Hot Weather
Discover more about Apotekersamlingen
A hidden attic above Jens Bang’s Stone House
Apotekersamlingen occupies the lofty upper floor of Jens Bang’s Stenhus, the richly decorated 17th‑century merchant house that dominates central Aalborg. Up here, just beneath the crooked beams and the steep tiled roof, the city’s former Swan Pharmacy once stored its wares. The collection preserves that atmosphere: low ceilings, creaking floorboards, and rows of shelves lined with mysterious containers that whisper of trade routes, remedies and beliefs stretching back centuries. From the street, nothing reveals that a small museum is tucked away above the bustling shops. Only by joining a scheduled or pre‑booked tour are you led up into the attic, where the space suddenly opens into a dense, cabinet‑of‑curiosities world. The contrast between busy modern Aalborg outside and the time‑stilled loft is part of the experience.Centuries of pharmacy life in jars and labels
The heart of Apotekersamlingen is its remarkably complete range of historic pharmacy equipment. Wooden drawers and glass jars still bear Latin names and elegantly handwritten labels. Here you see dried herbs, powdered minerals and once‑coveted substances such as opium preparations or exotic spices that arrived via European trade networks. Many shelves are devoted to plant‑based remedies, while others showcase the rise of chemical compounds and industrially produced medicines. Mortars, pestles, balances and pill rollers show how medicines were compounded by hand long before tablets came in blister packs. Demonstration items help explain how pharmacists once distilled essences, mixed tinctures and prepared ointments tailored to the doctor’s prescription or the customer’s own description of their ailments.Stories from the Swan Pharmacy and its people
This loft also tells the story of Svaneapoteket, the “Swan Pharmacy” that served Aalborg for generations. Guided narration brings to life the apothecaries who lived and worked in the stone house, from early Renaissance practitioners dealing in herbs and alchemical ideas to later professionals trained in emerging modern pharmacy. You hear how the pharmacy linked town and world: rare ingredients arriving by ship through the Limfjord, and local customers seeking cures for everything from plague scares to everyday headaches. Personal objects, portraits and documents hint at family life in the building, apprentices moving through the ranks, and the strict regulations that governed what could be sold over the counter.Architecture, atmosphere and small details
Beyond the objects themselves, much of the charm lies in the setting. Massive timber beams, small windows set deep in the walls and the irregular geometry of the loft remind you that this is a working attic of a Renaissance townhouse, not a purpose‑built museum. Light falls across dusty bottles and instruments, picking out colored glass and gilded lettering. Interpretive material, combined with the guide’s explanations, helps you decode the symbolism on jars and signs, from mythological figures to animals that once indicated trust and quality. You begin to notice how decoration and branding were already important in early pharmacies, aiming to reassure customers while also displaying learning and prestige.Visiting a tour‑only micro‑museum
Apotekersamlingen is intentionally intimate. Visitor numbers are limited by the building’s age, the narrow access and the need to protect fragile objects, so access is tied to specific guided tours arranged through the local museum organization. This means your visit tends to be slow‑paced and conversational, with ample time to ask questions and look closely at unusual items. Because it shares its building with other functions and lies in the heart of Aalborg’s compact centre, a visit here often pairs naturally with a stroll past other historic facades, nearby churches and the waterfront. For anyone curious about medical history, everyday life in early modern Denmark, or simply fond of quirky, atmospheric spaces, this attic pharmacy offers one of the city’s most characterful small‑scale cultural experiences.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Old City Hall
0.0 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
0.7 km
Historic bascule bridge linking Aalborg and Nørresundby, offering everyday Danish life, harbor views, sea air and classic Limfjord light in all seasons.
Aalborgtårnet
1.2 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.
Selskabet for Aalborgs Historie
2.4 km
Architectural marvel and musical powerhouse in Ørestad, DR Koncerthuset offers world-class acoustics and performances from Copenhagen’s cultural heart.
Limfjordstunnelen
2.4 km
Denmark's pioneering underwater motorway tunnel connecting North Jutland's vital regions since 1969.
Rold Storkro
25.3 km
Discover tranquility at Rold Storkro, nestled between Denmark's largest forest and scenic hills, offering a blend of historic charm and modern comfort for an unforgettable escape.
Lille Vildmosecentret
25.5 km
Uncover the wild heart of Denmark at Lille Vildmosecentret, where immersive exhibits, rare wildlife, and scenic boglands await beside Limfjord.
Troldeskoven
25.5 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.
Rold Forest
25.7 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
26.0 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
26.4 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
26.6 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
26.9 km
Discover the mesmerizing Springkilden in Rold Forest: an artesian spring offering a tranquil escape into nature's beauty near Skørping, Denmark.
Madum Lake
27.1 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
27.2 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
Jens Bangs Stonehouse
0.0 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.
Klostertorvet
0.1 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.
Bispengade
0.1 km
Aalborg’s wide, bustling shopping artery, lined with fashion, outdoor gear and gadgets, linking central squares and side streets full of food and nightlife.
Budolfihaven
0.1 km
Aalborg's verdant heart where medieval cathedral bells mark time and history meets contemporary urban life.
Budolfi Church
0.1 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.
Nytorv
0.1 km
A historic crossroads square where Aalborg’s trading past, busy shopping streets and everyday city life come together in one open, welcoming space.
Klosterhaven
0.1 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.
Jørgen Olufsens House
0.1 km
Aalborg’s finest Renaissance merchant’s house, where sandstone, brick and half‑timbering reveal the city’s 17th‑century wealth and waterfront history.
Gråbrødrekloster Museum
0.1 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.
Aalborg Kloster
0.2 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.
Aalborg Historical Museum
0.2 km
Aalborg's thousand-year story told through Renaissance interiors, Viking artifacts, and industrial heritage.
Latinergyden
0.2 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.
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.
Fontana - Toldbod Plads
0.2 km
Denmark’s first musical fountain, where Aalborg’s historic customs house meets a lively waterfront square and jets dance to Handel’s “Water Music.”
Aalborghus Castle
0.2 km
Half-timbered fortress, leafy park and atmospheric dungeons at the heart of Aalborg’s historic waterfront.
Essential places to dine
Duus Vinkjælder
0.0 km
Historic 1918 wine cellar blending Nordic cuisine, live jazz, and immersive dining experiences in atmospheric Aalborg.
TraPo
0.1 km
Relaxed Italian trattoria in central Aalborg, serving crisp pizzas, comforting pastas, and Roman-inspired classics in warm, rustic surroundings.
La Locanda
0.1 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
0.1 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.
Restaurant Det Tredje Sted
0.1 km
An elegant French-inspired brasserie on Aalborg’s Bispensgade, where marble tables, fine wines and relaxed hygge turn everyday meals into lingering occasions.
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.
Restaurant Flammen - Aalborg
0.2 km
Hearty all-you-can-eat grill buffet in a former Aalborg cinema, serving abundant meats, salads and sides in a warm, group-friendly setting on Østerågade.
El Mariachi Gastro Pub
0.2 km
Lively Mexican gastropub in central Aalborg, where shared plates, 15 beer taps and tequila-laced cocktails turn dinner into a social evening out.
Restaurant Grillen Burgerbar Aalborg
0.2 km
Flame-grilled burgers and thick shakes by the Limfjord, served in a warm, industrial-style space at the heart of Aalborg’s lively waterfront district.
Bistro Dejavú
0.2 km
Intimate French bistro flair on Aalborg’s waterfront, serving classic cuisine, thoughtful wines and cosy candlelit charm in a former wine cellar by the Limfjord.
Bistro V
0.2 km
Contemporary Nordic bistro on Aalborg’s Toldbod Plads, blending relaxed Scandinavian design, lively city-center buzz and seasonal French-inspired comfort food.
Restaurant Menéndez
0.2 km
Latin American-inspired sharing menus, cocktails and warm evening energy in an intimate restaurant by Aalborg’s waterfront street Ved Stranden.
Det Glade Vanvid - Aalborg
0.2 km
All-inclusive gourmet dining where seasonal excellence meets informal elegance in Aalborg's heart.
Simonis Gård A/S
0.2 km
Compact restaurant courtyard just off Aalborg’s Limfjord waterfront, offering upstairs dining spaces with a tucked-away feel in the very heart of the city.
Restaurant Mapak
0.2 km
Contemporary Nordic plates and refined smørrebrød in a warm, minimalist dining room just steps from Aalborg’s waterfront at Ved Stranden.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Guld&Rod
0.0 km
Indoor flea-market style treasure hunt in central Aalborg, blending vintage charm, everyday bargains and easy second-hand selling under one lively roof.
Shaping New Tomorrow Aalborg
0.1 km
Comfort-first menswear engineered for modern life, where Scandinavian design meets advanced fabric innovation.
MESSAGE Aalborg City
0.1 km
Scandi-chic womenswear, soft knits and smart accessories in a bright, modern boutique on Aalborg’s main shopping street, perfect for a stylish city-centre browse.
Søstrene Grene
0.1 km
Cosy Scandinavian design, crafts and gifts in a softly lit labyrinth of aisles at the heart of Aalborg’s Nytorv pedestrian square.
Salling Department Store
0.1 km
Flagship department store in central Aalborg, combining Danish fashion, lifestyle and food with a panoramic rooftop terrace overlooking the city.
Boxen Aalborg - Herremode i Aalborg
0.1 km
Compact menswear boutique on Aalborg’s Nytorv, offering modern, smart-casual fashion for men in a clean, Scandinavian-style setting at the heart of the city.
JACK & JONES
0.1 km
Central Aalborg menswear store on lively Bispensgade, known for denim-focused Scandinavian style, casual essentials and easy wardrobe fixes for urban travellers.
Fabiosvine
0.1 km
Compact, curated fashion on Aalborg’s main pedestrian street, offering boutique-style browsing, personal service, and easygoing atmosphere amid the city-center bustle.
Tiffany
0.1 km
Contemporary women's fashion in the heart of Aalborg's vibrant pedestrian shopping district.
ONLY
0.1 km
Compact women’s fashion store in central Aalborg, blending Scandinavian style, denim, and everyday wear along busy Bispensgade.
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.
CHANGE Lingerie
0.1 km
Inclusive lingerie boutique with expert fitting, 90+ sizes, and personalized styling on Aalborg's premier shopping street.
NORMAL Aalborg, Algade
0.1 km
Everyday essentials and branded goods at fixed low prices in Aalborg's largest NORMAL store.
NORMAL Aalborg - Bispensgade
0.2 km
A lively discount beauty and home store in Aalborg’s main pedestrian street, mixing everyday essentials, global brands and fun impulse buys at low fixed prices.
Sirup
0.2 km
Central Aalborg women’s fashion boutique offering curated Scandinavian style, personal service and a relaxed shopping pause on lively Nytorv square.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Cozy Bar Aalborg
0.1 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.
The Irish House
0.1 km
Authentic Irish pub in Aalborg with live music, traditional cuisine, and an extensive beer and whiskey selection.
Quist Wine v/Lene Quist Berggreen
0.2 km
Authentic Italian wines in Aalborg's historic heart, curated by passionate wine experts.
Gedulgt
0.2 km
Dimly lit, discreet and devoted to serious cocktails, Gedulgt brings speakeasy charm and Nordic flair to a tucked-away corner of Aalborg’s city center.
Proud Mary Pub Aalborg
0.2 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.
London Pub
0.2 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.
John Bull Pub Aalborg
0.2 km
Classic English-style pub in central Aalborg, pouring a huge range of beers and whiskies with live music, sports and a spacious terrace facing the Limfjord.
Heidi's Bier Bar Aalborg
0.2 km
High-energy Alpine-style beer hall in Aalborg’s nightlife lane, serving big steins, loud party tunes and late-night table dancing in a rustic lodge setting.
Zwei Grosse Bierbars Aalborg ApS
0.2 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.
Old Games Pub ApS
0.2 km
Cozy weekend pub in central Aalborg mixing cold beers, retro-style fun and live music for laid-back, late-night socializing by the waterfront.
Andy's Jomfru Ane Gade
0.2 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
0.2 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.
Under Buret
0.2 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.
The Drunken Flamingo
0.2 km
Neon-pink tiki vibes, flamingo-themed cocktails and late-night dancing on Aalborg’s legendary Jomfru Ane Gade – a playful, party-ready bar with tropical flair.
Storm P Beer & Cocktails
0.2 km
Playful cocktails, cold beer and late-night buzz on Aalborg’s legendary Jomfru Ane Gade, where beer garden chill meets sports-bar energy and nightclub beats.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Quirky
- Unique
- Scenic
- Tranquil
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
