Jens Bang’s Stone House
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.
Jens Bang’s Stone House (Jens Bangs Stenhus) is Aalborg’s most striking Renaissance mansion, a richly ornamented Dutch Renaissance landmark from 1624 on Østerågade in the historic center. Built by wealthy merchant Jens Bang to showcase his status, its sculpted gables, carved stone figures and tall windows still dominate the square. Today, the building houses a historic pharmacy and offices, while its façade and stories of ambition, rivalry and war make it an essential stop on any walk through old Aalborg.
A brief summary to Jens Bangs Stonehouse
- Jens Bangs Stenhus, Østerågade 9, 2 tv, Aalborg, Aalborg Centrum, 9000, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Friday 10 am-7 pm
- Saturday 11 am-1 pm
Local tips
- Plan 15–30 minutes just to enjoy the façade; walk slowly from different angles along Østerågade and the square to appreciate the full height and intricate stone details.
- Bring a camera with a wide‑angle lens or use panorama mode; the building is tall and the street relatively narrow, making it tricky to capture in a single frame.
- Combine your visit with a stroll through Aalborg’s old town; this house works best as part of a broader walk linking historic streets, churches and the waterfront.
- Look for the pharmacy signage and related details at street level; they hint at the building’s long life as both a grand residence and a working chemist’s shop.
- Visit in soft morning or late‑afternoon light when shadows help bring out the three‑dimensional carvings and warm tones of the stonework.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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On foot from central Aalborg
From most hotels and attractions in Aalborg Centrum, Jens Bang’s Stone House is an easy walk of about 5–15 minutes through level, paved streets. The historic center is compact and largely pedestrian‑friendly, with some cobblestones near the square. This option is free and suitable for most visitors, though those using wheelchairs or strollers may prefer the smoother pavements on the main shopping streets rather than the narrowest alleys.
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Local bus within Aalborg
Several city bus lines stop within a short walking distance of Østerågade and the nearby Nytorv area, with typical journey times of 5–20 minutes from residential districts and outer neighborhoods. Single tickets on Aalborg city buses usually cost in the range of 22–30 DKK for an adult, purchased from ticket machines or via local transport apps. Buses run frequently during the day on weekdays, with reduced frequency in evenings and on weekends.
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By bicycle in Aalborg
Aalborg is well suited to cycling, and Jens Bang’s Stone House sits close to several marked cycle routes leading into the old town. From inner suburbs you can expect 10–25 minutes of mostly flat riding. Many visitors use hotel bikes or short‑term rentals, which typically cost around 80–150 DKK per day depending on the provider. Bicycle parking is available near shopping streets and squares, though you may need to walk the last short stretch through pedestrian areas.
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Taxi from Aalborg Airport
From Aalborg Airport to the city center, including the area around Jens Bang’s Stone House, a taxi ride typically takes 15–20 minutes depending on traffic. Fares generally fall in the range of 180–260 DKK for the whole car, with supplements possible in late evening or for larger vehicles. Taxis set passengers down on nearby streets, from where it is a brief walk through the compact center to the house.
Jens Bangs Stonehouse location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Discover more about Jens Bangs Stonehouse
A merchant’s ambition carved in stone
Jens Bang’s Stone House rises above Østerågade like a statement in masonry, its tall gables and dense stone ornamentation announcing the ambitions of the man who built it. Completed in 1624, this was the home and business premises of Jens Bang, a self‑made merchant who rose to become one of Aalborg’s most prosperous traders. He chose a prime corner on the busy market square and commissioned a residence so large and elaborate that it rivalled royal projects of the same era. Bang’s personality has become part of the building’s legend. Known as gifted, forceful and often quarrelsome, he never entered city government, preferring to wield influence through trade rather than politics. Local stories paint him as a man determined to outshine the town’s elite, and his house – with its almost ostentatious scale – is usually taken as his answer to those who doubted him.Dutch Renaissance flourishes in northern Jutland
Architecturally, the house is a textbook example of Dutch Renaissance style transplanted to Denmark. The façade stacks four main floors beneath three steep crow‑stepped gables, each packed with niches, scrolls and finials that animate the roofline. The stonework is richly carved: sandstone frames wrap tall, irregularly spaced windows; angels, grotesque faces and auricular Baroque details perch above arches and ledges, giving the building a slightly theatrical character. At street level, you can still sense the original commercial purpose. Wide arched openings once led into trading booths and storage rooms that connected Bang directly to Aalborg’s bustling port economy. Above, the first‑floor windows are conspicuously large, signalling the grand reception rooms where Bang would have negotiated deals and entertained allies beneath heavy beams and panelled ceilings.Surviving war, occupation and changing times
The Stone House has witnessed some of the most turbulent chapters in Danish history. During the Thirty Years’ War, occupying troops seized the residence, forcing Bang to flee the city for several years. Later, in the Torstenson War, foreign forces again took over Aalborg and left the building battered, a reminder that even the grandest private homes were not beyond the reach of conflict. Bang died without direct heirs, and for a time the property was divided among relatives. Its next major chapter began in the 1670s, when a pharmacist established the Swan Pharmacy within its walls. Over the centuries, the pharmacy became almost as famous as the house itself, filling rooms with jars, scales and wooden cabinets and connecting the opulent merchant’s residence to the everyday life of townspeople seeking remedies.Details to look for on the façade
Standing beneath the gables, you can spend a long time tracing the building’s stories in stone. Look up to find winged cherubs and grimacing gargoyles peering out from window heads and cornices, a mix of sacred and playful imagery typical of the period. The asymmetrical arrangement of windows hints at the interior room layout rather than any modern obsession with perfect symmetry. Along the ground floor, imagine the original five arched portals that once punctuated the façade, allowing goods to flow directly in and out. Some sculpted figures that now crown upper‑floor windows may have started life above these doorways, greeting customers and signalling wealth. Even the downpipes and corner details carry decorative touches, rewarding anyone who pauses for a closer look instead of just a quick photo.Experiencing the house in modern Aalborg
Today, Jens Bang’s Stone House anchors one edge of Aalborg’s old town, its weathered masonry contrasting with shopfronts and cafés around the square. Inside, parts of the building continue to serve pharmacy‑related functions and offices, while the exterior remains the main attraction for casual visitors exploring on foot. Guided walks often pause here to unpack the tales of Bang’s fortune, feuds and philanthropy, weaving the house into the broader narrative of Aalborg’s rise as a trading city. Even without entering, the building invites a moment of stillness. Step back to take in the full façade framed by the narrow street, then move closer to inspect individual carvings and stone colours. In the soft, often changeable North Jutland light, the intricate surfaces shift mood throughout the day, reminding you that this is not just a relic but a working, lived‑in landmark that has adapted to four centuries of change while keeping its unmistakable silhouette.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Old City Hall
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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
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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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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
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Architectural marvel and musical powerhouse in Ørestad, DR Koncerthuset offers world-class acoustics and performances from Copenhagen’s cultural heart.
Limfjordstunnelen
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Denmark's pioneering underwater motorway tunnel connecting North Jutland's vital regions since 1969.
Rold Storkro
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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
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Uncover the wild heart of Denmark at Lille Vildmosecentret, where immersive exhibits, rare wildlife, and scenic boglands await beside Limfjord.
Troldeskoven
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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
26.5 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
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.
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.
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.
Budolfihaven
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Aalborg's verdant heart where medieval cathedral bells mark time and history meets contemporary urban life.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Gråbrødrekloster Museum
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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
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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.
Fontana - Toldbod Plads
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Denmark’s first musical fountain, where Aalborg’s historic customs house meets a lively waterfront square and jets dance to Handel’s “Water Music.”
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.
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
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Historic 1918 wine cellar blending Nordic cuisine, live jazz, and immersive dining experiences in atmospheric Aalborg.
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.
TraPo
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Relaxed Italian trattoria in central Aalborg, serving crisp pizzas, comforting pastas, and Roman-inspired classics in warm, rustic surroundings.
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
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Lively Mexican gastropub in central Aalborg, where shared plates, 15 beer taps and tequila-laced cocktails turn dinner into a social evening out.
Bistro Dejavú
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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.
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 V
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Contemporary Nordic bistro on Aalborg’s Toldbod Plads, blending relaxed Scandinavian design, lively city-center buzz and seasonal French-inspired comfort food.
Restaurant Menéndez
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Latin American-inspired sharing menus, cocktails and warm evening energy in an intimate restaurant by Aalborg’s waterfront street Ved Stranden.
Simonis Gård A/S
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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
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Contemporary Nordic plates and refined smørrebrød in a warm, minimalist dining room just steps from Aalborg’s waterfront at Ved Stranden.
Restaurant Applaus
0.2 km
Inventive Nordic social dining in a relaxed, waterfront-side setting where multi-course tasting menus, shared plates and thoughtful wines turn dinner into an evening event.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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.
MESSAGE Aalborg City
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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
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Cosy Scandinavian design, crafts and gifts in a softly lit labyrinth of aisles at the heart of Aalborg’s Nytorv pedestrian square.
Shaping New Tomorrow Aalborg
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Comfort-first menswear engineered for modern life, where Scandinavian design meets advanced fabric innovation.
Salling Department Store
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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
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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
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Central Aalborg menswear store on lively Bispensgade, known for denim-focused Scandinavian style, casual essentials and easy wardrobe fixes for urban travellers.
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.
Tiffany
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Contemporary women's fashion in the heart of Aalborg's vibrant pedestrian shopping district.
ONLY
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Compact women’s fashion store in central Aalborg, blending Scandinavian style, denim, and everyday wear along busy Bispensgade.
CHANGE Lingerie
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Inclusive lingerie boutique with expert fitting, 90+ sizes, and personalized styling on Aalborg's premier shopping street.
Rituals
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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 - 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.
NORMAL Aalborg, Algade
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Everyday essentials and branded goods at fixed low prices in Aalborg's largest NORMAL store.
Napapijri Aalborg
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Compact, Nordic-urban clothing store on Aalborg’s Bispensgade, blending Napapijri’s adventure heritage with contemporary city style in a bright, curated space.
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
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Authentic Irish pub in Aalborg with live music, traditional cuisine, and an extensive beer and whiskey selection.
Gedulgt
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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.
Quist Wine v/Lene Quist Berggreen
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Authentic Italian wines in Aalborg's historic heart, curated by passionate wine experts.
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.
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
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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.
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.
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.
Sprutten
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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
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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.
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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
ESCAPE CLUB & Shisha Lounge
0.2 km
Intimate nightclub and shisha lounge in the heart of Aalborg’s Jomfru Ane Gade, mixing DJ-driven dancing, drinks and hookah corners late into the night.
LouLou Aalborg
0.2 km
Polished cocktails and high-energy club vibes collide at this compact, late-night hotspot on Aalborg’s legendary Jomfru Ane Gade.
CLUB MOONLIGHT Aalborgs dansested for voksne
0.2 km
Adult‑only dance bar in central Aalborg, mixing 80s, 90s, 00s and current hits with cocktails and late‑night energy in an intimate courtyard setting.
Club Wolf
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Compact, late-night nightclub on Aalborg’s Jomfru Ane Gade, blending chart hits, strong weekend energy and a tightly packed dance floor in the city’s bar street hub.
Rocken
0.2 km
Aalborg's premier basement rock and metal nightclub, hosting live bands and DJ sets Friday through Sunday.
C Night Club
0.2 km
Craft cocktails meet dance floor energy on Aalborg's premier nightlife street.
Club Stygge
0.2 km
Compact, late-night Aalborg nightclub with loud party hits, simple cocktails and a tightly packed dance floor on bustling Vesterå.
Casino Aalborg
0.3 km
Compact, adult-only casino in the heart of Aalborg, pairing classic table games and slots with a relaxed Nordic nightlife atmosphere inside a city-center hotel.
Night Cirque
0.3 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub in central Aalborg, where pulsing beats, bold lighting and a stylish crowd keep the dance floor alive late into the night.
Mjølner
23.4 km
Small-town Nibe’s late-night heartbeat, where a compact dance floor, loud party tunes and local crowds turn a quiet fjord town into a lively night out.
Mariager Fjord Golf
41.5 km
Mariager Fjord Golf blends a challenging 18-hole course with spectacular fjord views, laid-back Danish charm, and a welcoming clubhouse overlooking North Jutland’s scenic waters.
Mariager Sejlklub
44.1 km
Experience the laid-back maritime charm of Mariager Sejlklub, where local sailing culture meets tranquil fjord views on Denmark’s scenic Mariager Fjord.
Buddy Holly
46.2 km
Late-night disco hub in central Hobro, where locals and visitors pack the dance floor to chart hits, lights and drinks until the early hours.
Jazz Hobro
46.4 km
Experience the soulful melodies of live jazz in the heart of Hobro at Jazz Hobro.
Flying Hirsch
56.8 km
Experience the unique après-ski atmosphere at Flying Hirsch, Frederikshavn's vibrant bar with live music and diverse drinks.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
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
- Business Friendly
