Gåsepigen by Gerhard Henning
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.
Standing on a busy corner of Vesterbro in central Aalborg, Gåsepigen (“the Goose Girl”) is a graceful bronze sculpture by Swedish‑Danish sculptor Gerhard Henning. Unveiled in 1937 as a gift from tobacco company C.W. Obel to mark its 150th anniversary, the nude girl restraining a lively goose stands on a granite fountain rim designed by architect Kaare Klint. Today the figure is a small but characterful landmark, a familiar meeting point that quietly anchors the flow of traffic, shoppers and cyclists passing through Denmark’s northern hub.
A brief summary to Gåsepigen af Gerhard Henning
- Vesterbro 65, Aalborg, 9000, DK
- Visit website
- 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
- Plan a short stop at Gåsepigen while exploring central Aalborg’s pedestrian streets; 10–20 minutes is enough to walk around the sculpture and enjoy the details.
- Visit in early morning or later evening for softer light and fewer people in the background of your photos, especially on busy weekdays.
- Combine the sculpture with a mini-architecture walk, noting Kaare Klint’s simple granite fountain rim and the surrounding streetscape of Vesterbro.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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City bus from Aalborg bus terminal
From Aalborg’s central bus terminal near the railway station, standard city buses running along Vesterbro reach the Gåsepigen stop in about 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic. Tickets for short inner-city journeys typically cost around 20–30 DKK when bought as a single ride on board or via local ticket apps. Services operate frequently during the day but are reduced in late evenings and on Sundays. Buses are generally low-floor and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
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On foot from central Aalborg
From the central shopping streets and squares of Aalborg, Gåsepigen is an easy walk of roughly 10–20 minutes through level, paved urban streets. The route is suitable for most visitors and passes cafés and shops, with pedestrian crossings at the larger junctions near Vesterbro. Surfaces are mostly even, though some older paving stones can be slightly uneven, so allow extra time if you are using a wheelchair or have limited mobility.
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Bicycle within Aalborg
Aalborg is a cycle-friendly city, and reaching Vesterbro by bike from most central districts takes about 5–15 minutes. There are marked cycle lanes on key stretches, though traffic can be busy at peak hours. Many hotels and bike-rental outlets in the centre offer daily rentals from roughly 80–150 DKK per day. Be prepared to dismount and walk the last short stretch if pavements are crowded around the sculpture.
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Car from the wider Aalborg area
Driving from residential districts around Aalborg into the city centre usually takes 10–25 minutes outside rush hour, but congestion on Vesterbro can extend this at peak times. Several paid surface car parks and multi-storey facilities are located near the sculpture, with typical rates in the range of 16–30 DKK per hour in central zones. Height restrictions may apply in garages, and spaces can be limited on weekday mornings, so allow extra time to find parking and walk a few minutes to the site.
Gåsepigen af Gerhard Henning location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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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 Gåsepigen af Gerhard Henning
A quiet bronze in the middle of Vesterbro
In the thick of Aalborg’s city traffic, where buses glide past and cyclists hug the kerb, Gåsepigen forms an unexpectedly poetic pause. Set on a low granite basin at Vesterbro 65, the bronze depicts a young naked girl bending forward to hold back a flapping goose at her feet. The figures are slightly smaller than life-size, yet their presence is unmistakable, framed by façades, shopfronts and the constant hum of the city. The sculpture sits on a circular granite well rim drawn by influential Danish architect Kaare Klint, whose clean lines and careful proportions emphasise the figures above. Water can collect in the basin, reinforcing the sense of a fountain, even though the work today is primarily appreciated as a piece of public art rather than an active water feature.From company jubilee gift to city landmark
Gåsepigen was unveiled in 1937, when the Aalborg-based tobacco company C.W. Obel marked its 150th anniversary by donating a major artwork to the city. Rather than commissioning a heroic figure or an industrial motif, the firm chose an intimate, everyday subject by one of the era’s most respected sculptors, Swedish-born but Danish-based Gerhard Henning.[1] The inauguration drew significant official attention, underlining how closely bound industry, politics and public space were in the interwar years. Placing the sculpture on Vesterbro gave it instant visibility on one of Aalborg’s principal thoroughfares, and over the decades the Goose Girl has become woven into the city’s visual memory, a fixed point in photographs and local anecdotes alike.[1]Gerhard Henning’s sculptural language
Gerhard Henning was known for his finely modelled female figures and his work with the Royal Copenhagen porcelain manufactory, where he developed an eye for flowing contours and subtle surface treatment.[2][7] In Gåsepigen, that sensitivity appears in the girl’s bent back, the twist of her torso and the tension running through her arms as she restrains the restless bird. The goose itself lends movement and humour, neck stretched and wings partly raised as if eager to escape into the traffic of Vesterbro. This balance of calm modelling and implied action is typical of Henning’s mature style: the composition is compact, yet every angle reveals a new play of lines between girl, bird and basin.A human-scale meeting place in the city fabric
Despite its modest dimensions, the sculpture exerts a strong pull as a natural rendezvous and orientation point. Set in a small paved space off the roadway, it is easy to circle the basin, step close to the bronze and inspect details such as the girl’s carefully rendered hair or the goose’s webbed feet. The low plinth keeps the work at eye level, inviting direct engagement rather than distant admiration. Around it, everyday Aalborg unfolds: buses roll towards the nearby station, office workers cut across the square, and shoppers drift between the pedestrian streets and Vesterbro’s traffic. The moving city becomes a changing backdrop, making the stillness of the bronze feel almost theatrical.Details, patina and changing seasons
Decades of exposure have darkened the bronze to a rich patina, with smoother, slightly shinier areas where countless hands have brushed the girl’s limbs or the goose’s head. In bright sun the metal warms and gleams; in rain it turns reflective, beading with droplets that emphasize the modelling. Frost dusts the basin in winter, while long northern evenings in summer stretch soft light across the figures until late at night. Occasional conservation work has seen Gåsepigen carefully removed and later returned to her spot after cleaning and restoration, testament to how firmly the sculpture belongs to this exact corner.[10] The result is a work that feels both historic and alive, quietly marking the passage of time as the city around it continues to evolve.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Old City Hall
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Limfjordsbroen
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Historic bascule bridge linking Aalborg and Nørresundby, offering everyday Danish life, harbor views, sea air and classic Limfjord light in all seasons.
Aalborgtårnet
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Selskabet for Aalborgs Historie
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Limfjordstunnelen
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Troldeskoven
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Rold Forest
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Lille Vildmosecentret
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Koldkrigsmuseet REGAN Vest
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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
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Midt inde i Rold Skov
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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
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Discover the mesmerizing Springkilden in Rold Forest: an artesian spring offering a tranquil escape into nature's beauty near Skørping, Denmark.
Madum Lake
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Rold Skov
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Unmissable attractions to see
Aalborg Historical Museum
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Aalborg's thousand-year story told through Renaissance interiors, Viking artifacts, and industrial heritage.
Latinergyden
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Aalborg’s narrowest medieval passage, once a water lane and schoolboys’ shortcut, now a quietly atmospheric link between busy Gravensgade and the old monastery.
Aalborg Kloster
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A living medieval monastery in central Aalborg, where whitewashed cloisters, a modest church and quiet courtyards still embody six centuries of care and community.
Klosterhaven
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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.
Budolfi Church
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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.
Aalborgmanden
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Compact granite sculpture in central Aalborg, Aalborgmanden quietly embodies the city’s historic trading spirit and enduring civic pride on lively Boulevarden.
Budolfihaven
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Aalborg's verdant heart where medieval cathedral bells mark time and history meets contemporary urban life.
Klostertorvet
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Aalborg’s cherished Kildeparken combines historic gardens, musical installations, and year-round events into a vibrant green oasis at the center of the city.
Boulevarden
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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.
Apotekersamlingen
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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
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Gråbrødrekloster Museum
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Bispengade
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Aalborg’s wide, bustling shopping artery, lined with fashion, outdoor gear and gadgets, linking central squares and side streets full of food and nightlife.
Hjelmerstald
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A short, cobbled lane of colourful houses and quiet courtyards, Hjelmerstald offers an intimate glimpse of old Aalborg life hidden in the city centre.
Jørgen Olufsens House
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Aalborg’s finest Renaissance merchant’s house, where sandstone, brick and half‑timbering reveal the city’s 17th‑century wealth and waterfront history.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Emil
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SanGiovanni
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Caspars
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Healthy bowls, bright juices and sourdough toasts with an Asian twist, served fast and casual on lively Algade in the very centre of Aalborg.
Det Glade Vanvid - Aalborg
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All-inclusive gourmet dining where seasonal excellence meets informal elegance in Aalborg's heart.
The South Indian Aalborg
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A cosy Aalborg Centrum restaurant serving bold South Indian curries, biryani and parotta, with plentiful vegetarian and vegan choices in a relaxed setting.
Fisk & Skaldyr
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Savor the authentic flavors of Denmark’s North Sea at Fisk & Skaldyr, Aalborg’s celebrated seafood restaurant blending Nordic culinary tradition with a warm, maritime setting.
Taverna Zorba Aalborg
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Cozy Greek taverna in the heart of Aalborg, serving generous plates, warm hospitality and a splash of Mediterranean atmosphere on relaxed Nordic evenings.
Den Bette Kro
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Traditional Danish smørrebrød, hearty kro cooking and a warm, red-tablecloth atmosphere in the very heart of Aalborg.
Restaurant MEAT
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Flame-grilled steaks, long-smoked specialties and generous sharing menus in a warm, urban dining room at the heart of Aalborg’s evening scene.
Restaurant Nam
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Pan-Asian social dining with Vietnamese roots, inventive tasting menus and cocktails served in a raw, intimate space on Aalborg’s lively Vesterbro.
Struktur
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Contemporary Aalborg brasserie and cocktail bar blending French bistro classics with Nordic flair in a relaxed, lively setting on a central city square.
Tabu
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Aalborg's premier fine dining destination serving innovative Nordic cuisine through artfully composed tasting menus.
TraPo
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Café Peace
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Lively all‑day café and restaurant on Aalborg’s Boulevarden, serving generous brunches, casual bistro dishes and drinks with prime street‑side terrace seating.
La Locanda
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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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
STÆHR Aalborg
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NordicAfroDesign
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Spilforsyningen
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TheNewNew
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Napapijri Aalborg
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Rituals
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NORMAL Aalborg - Bispensgade
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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.
CHANGE Lingerie
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Shaping New Tomorrow Aalborg
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Comfort-first menswear engineered for modern life, where Scandinavian design meets advanced fabric innovation.
ONLY
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Compact women’s fashion store in central Aalborg, blending Scandinavian style, denim, and everyday wear along busy Bispensgade.
JACK & JONES
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Guld&Rod
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Indoor flea-market style treasure hunt in central Aalborg, blending vintage charm, everyday bargains and easy second-hand selling under one lively roof.
Tiffany
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Contemporary women's fashion in the heart of Aalborg's vibrant pedestrian shopping district.
Fabiosvine
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Compact, curated fashion on Aalborg’s main pedestrian street, offering boutique-style browsing, personal service, and easygoing atmosphere amid the city-center bustle.
NORMAL Aalborg, Algade
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Everyday essentials and branded goods at fixed low prices in Aalborg's largest NORMAL store.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Gl. Aalborg
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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
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D'Wine Bar
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Susan Sky Blue
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Quist Wine v/Lene Quist Berggreen
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Authentic Italian wines in Aalborg's historic heart, curated by passionate wine experts.
Andy's Jomfru Ane Gade
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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.
London Pub
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Classic British-style pub in central Aalborg pouring dozens of beers, ciders and whiskies in a cosy, wood-panelled setting from lunchtime until late.
Sprutten
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Proud Mary Pub Aalborg
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Under Buret
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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.
Zwei Grosse Bierbars Aalborg ApS
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High-energy alpine-style beer bar bringing après-ski vibes, big steins and party soundtracks to Aalborg’s legendary Jomfru Ane Gade nightlife strip.
The Old Irish Pub
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Big-hearted Irish bar on Aalborg’s Jomfru Ane Gade, mixing televised sports, live music and late-night dancing across two bustling floors until dawn.
The Drunken Flamingo
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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.
Heidi's Bier Bar Aalborg
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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.
Storm P Beer & Cocktails
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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
- Scenic
- Quirky
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Photo Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
