Jørgen Olufsens House, Aalborg
Aalborg’s finest Renaissance merchant’s house, where sandstone, brick and half‑timbering reveal the city’s 17th‑century wealth and waterfront history.
Jørgen Olufsens House is Aalborg’s best‑preserved Renaissance merchant’s residence, built in 1616 by a prosperous grain trader who later became the city’s mayor. Its distinctive mix of sandstone, brick and half‑timbered upper floors once fronted the old Østerå harbour, symbolising civic power and commercial wealth. Today the atmospheric building anchors the historic centre, with its carved portal, cobbled courtyard and richly detailed façade offering a vivid window into 17th‑century urban life in northern Jutland.
A brief summary to Jørgen Olufsens House
- Aalborg, Aalborg Centrum, 9000, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Take time to study the main sandstone portal from across the street; from that angle you can best appreciate the mixed brick and half‑timbered façade in one view.
- Combine a stop here with a slow stroll through Aalborg’s old streets to compare Jørgen Olufsens House with humbler timbered dwellings nearby.
- Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for softer light that brings out the textures of the stone carvings, brickwork and timber frames.
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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Walking from central Aalborg
From the central shopping streets of Aalborg’s city centre, Jørgen Olufsens House lies within an easy 5–10 minute walk along mostly flat, paved streets. The route crosses compact historic blocks with some cobblestones near the house itself, which may be uneven for wheelchairs or prams but is generally manageable with care. Walking is free and allows you to combine the visit with other nearby historic buildings in the old town.
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Local bus within Aalborg
Several city bus lines stop within a 5–10 minute walk of the house, linking it with residential districts and the wider urban area in roughly 10–20 minutes of travel time. Single tickets on Aalborg’s local buses typically cost around 20–30 DKK depending on zones and payment method, with services running frequently during the day and less often in the late evening. Most buses are low‑floor and suitable for wheelchairs and prams, though the final approach includes some cobbled surfaces.
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From Aalborg train and bus station
If you arrive at Aalborg’s main railway and long‑distance bus station, reaching Jørgen Olufsens House on foot takes around 15–20 minutes through the central districts on level pavements. Taxis are available outside the station for a quicker 5–10 minute ride, usually costing in the region of 80–140 DKK depending on traffic and waiting time. Both options are available year‑round, but in winter it is worth allowing extra time in case of icy pavements or snow.
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From Aalborg Airport
From Aalborg Airport, a direct city bus or airport bus connects to the central city in about 15–25 minutes, typically costing around 25–35 DKK for a single ticket, after which you can walk roughly 10 minutes to the house. Taxis from the airport to the historic centre generally take 15–20 minutes and cost in the region of 180–260 DKK depending on traffic and time of day. Services run throughout the year, though early‑morning or late‑night options may be less frequent.
Jørgen Olufsens House 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
Discover more about Jørgen Olufsens House
A Renaissance merchant’s house on the former harbour
Jørgen Olufsens House stands in the heart of Aalborg as a rare survivor from the city’s era as a bustling Renaissance port. Raised in 1616 along the Østerå, then a broad stream forming the harbour, it was commissioned by Jørgen Olufsen, a wealthy merchant and town councillor who would become mayor just two years later. The house was both residence and business headquarters, strategically positioned where ships once moored just a short distance away. From the street you can still sense this maritime past. The building’s broad frontage and deep plan hint at storerooms that once held grain, timber and imported goods, bound for markets across the Kattegat. Although the waterway has since been covered and reclaimed, Olufsen’s mansion continues to mark the line where Aalborg’s mercantile life met its civic heart.Architecture where stone meets timber
Architecturally, Jørgen Olufsens House is an unusually lavish example of Danish Renaissance urban design. The lower storey is built in sandstone and brick, creating a solid base with an imposing, ornamented portal that signalled status and stability. Above, the upper floors shift to richly patterned half‑timbering, painted beams and infill panels that project slightly over the street, maximising space on a tight plot. Look closely at the façade and you can pick out carved details and moulded stone frames that echo continental influences, carried to Jutland by trade and fashion. The combination of heavy masonry and lighter timber was practical as well as decorative, keeping the warehouse levels robust while allowing living quarters to be warmer and more flexible under the steep roof.Life and trade inside the town house
Behind the dignified frontage, the house once functioned as a self‑contained world of commerce, family life and staff activity. The ground floor and rear wings were used for trading, with vaulted storage rooms, offices and access to yards where goods were loaded and unloaded. Household rooms occupied the upper levels, with panelled chambers, hearths and small windows looking over the narrow streets. Jørgen Olufsen’s role as both merchant and mayor is written into this layout. The building needed to impress visiting partners and officials while remaining a practical base for trading operations. Moving through the house today, you can still imagine the rhythm of deliveries before dawn, clerks recording shipments by candlelight and formal dinners held in the grander rooms when civic duties called.From civic power house to contemporary landmark
Over the centuries the building has adapted to changing urban life while retaining its core Renaissance character. Different occupants have used the interior as residence, offices and hospitality space, but its original fabric has been carefully preserved and restored. The cobbled courtyard and rear ranges reveal the working side of the property, while the street façade continues to act as a stage set for Aalborg’s old town. Today Jørgen Olufsens House anchors a lively part of the city centre, standing out among later brick buildings as a tangible link to the 1600s. Its gables, small‑pane windows and contrasting materials make it a favourite subject for photographs and architectural walks. Even as the uses inside evolve, the exterior still tells the story of a period when trade, politics and family prestige converged under one ornate roof.Exploring the surrounding historic streets
The house is best appreciated as part of a wider wander through Aalborg’s historic core. Nearby lanes preserve other timbered buildings, merchant houses and former warehouses, all on a compact scale that reflects the city’s medieval street plan. As you move around the block, different angles reveal how Olufsen’s mansion dominates its corner, with the stepped gables and timbered upper storey catching the changeable North Jutland light. Whether you pause briefly to admire the façade or spend longer tracing the architectural details, the building offers an accessible insight into how prosperity reshaped this harbour town four centuries ago. It remains one of the clearest physical reminders that Aalborg’s story has long been entwined with overseas trade, local governance and the ambitions of a single influential merchant family.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
0.5 km
Historic bascule bridge linking Aalborg and Nørresundby, offering everyday Danish life, harbor views, sea air and classic Limfjord light in all seasons.
Aalborgtårnet
1.4 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
2.3 km
Architectural marvel and musical powerhouse in Ørestad, DR Koncerthuset offers world-class acoustics and performances from Copenhagen’s cultural heart.
Limfjordstunnelen
2.3 km
Denmark's pioneering underwater motorway tunnel connecting North Jutland's vital regions since 1969.
Rold Storkro
25.4 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
25.6 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
25.9 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
26.2 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
26.6 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
26.7 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
27.1 km
Discover the mesmerizing Springkilden in Rold Forest: an artesian spring offering a tranquil escape into nature's beauty near Skørping, Denmark.
Madum Lake
27.2 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
27.4 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
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.
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.
Fontana - Toldbod Plads
0.1 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.”
Jens Bangs Stonehouse
0.1 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.
Apotekersamlingen
0.1 km
Step into a creaking attic above Jens Bang’s Stone House and explore centuries of pharmacy history in Aalborg’s atmospheric Apotekersamlingen.
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.
Aalborghus Castle
0.2 km
Half-timbered fortress, leafy park and atmospheric dungeons at the heart of Aalborg’s historic waterfront.
Aalborg Havnefront
0.2 km
Aalborg's shimmering Limfjord promenade: modern architecture, cultural icons, and maritime magic in Denmark's vibrant north.
Klosterhaven
0.2 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.
Budolfihaven
0.2 km
Aalborg's verdant heart where medieval cathedral bells mark time and history meets contemporary urban life.
Honnørkajen ved Aalborg Slot
0.2 km
Ceremonial fjordside quay at the foot of Aalborghus Castle, blending royal cruise berth, open water views and relaxed public waterfront life in central Aalborg.
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.
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.
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.
Gråbrødrekloster Museum
0.3 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.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Flammen - Aalborg
0.0 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
0.1 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
0.1 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
0.1 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.
Restaurant Menéndez
0.1 km
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
0.1 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 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.
Restaurant Mapak
0.1 km
Contemporary Nordic plates and refined smørrebrød in a warm, minimalist dining room just steps from Aalborg’s waterfront at Ved Stranden.
Restaurant Applaus
0.1 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.
Restaurant SMAEK
0.1 km
Relaxed Nordic bistro at Aalborg’s waterfront, serving seasonal comfort dishes, generous portions and informal luxury in a bright, central setting.
Bistro V
0.1 km
Contemporary Nordic bistro on Aalborg’s Toldbod Plads, blending relaxed Scandinavian design, lively city-center buzz and seasonal French-inspired comfort food.
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.
Provence
0.1 km
French-inspired bistro in central Aalborg, offering classic multi-course dining, a French-focused wine list and a warm, art-filled atmosphere from noon to late.
Duus Vinkjælder
0.1 km
Historic 1918 wine cellar blending Nordic cuisine, live jazz, and immersive dining experiences in atmospheric Aalborg.
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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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.
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.
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.
ONLY
0.1 km
Compact women’s fashion store in central Aalborg, blending Scandinavian style, denim, and everyday wear along busy Bispensgade.
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.
CHANGE Lingerie
0.1 km
Inclusive lingerie boutique with expert fitting, 90+ sizes, and personalized styling on Aalborg's premier shopping street.
NORMAL Aalborg - Bispensgade
0.1 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.
Guld&Rod
0.1 km
Indoor flea-market style treasure hunt in central Aalborg, blending vintage charm, everyday bargains and easy second-hand selling under one lively roof.
Napapijri Aalborg
0.2 km
Compact, Nordic-urban clothing store on Aalborg’s Bispensgade, blending Napapijri’s adventure heritage with contemporary city style in a bright, curated space.
Salling Department Store
0.2 km
Flagship department store in central Aalborg, combining Danish fashion, lifestyle and food with a panoramic rooftop terrace overlooking the city.
Shaping New Tomorrow Aalborg
0.2 km
Comfort-first menswear engineered for modern life, where Scandinavian design meets advanced fabric innovation.
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.
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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Irish House
0.0 km
Authentic Irish pub in Aalborg with live music, traditional cuisine, and an extensive beer and whiskey selection.
Gedulgt
0.0 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.
Cozy Bar Aalborg
0.0 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.
Old Games Pub ApS
0.1 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.
John Bull Pub Aalborg
0.1 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
0.1 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.
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.
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.
The Old Irish Pub
0.2 km
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hugos Garage
0.2 km
Garage-themed party bar on Jomfru Ane Gade with retro interiors, sing-along nights, live music and a high-energy over-21 crowd deep into the early hours.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
CLUB MOONLIGHT Aalborgs dansested for voksne
0.1 km
Compact, nostalgic and unapologetically dance‑focused, Club Moonlight brings 80s, 90s and today’s hits to a mature over‑21 crowd in central Aalborg.
Rocken
0.1 km
Aalborg's premier basement rock and metal nightclub, hosting live bands and DJ sets Friday through Sunday.
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.
C Night Club
0.2 km
Craft cocktails meet dance floor energy on Aalborg's premier nightlife street.
Casino Aalborg
0.2 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.
Club Wolf
0.2 km
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.
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 Stygge
0.2 km
Compact, late-night Aalborg nightclub with loud party hits, simple cocktails and a tightly packed dance floor on bustling Vesterå.
Night Cirque
0.4 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
23.5 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
41.6 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
44.2 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
46.4 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
46.6 km
Experience the soulful melodies of live jazz in the heart of Hobro at Jazz Hobro.
Flying Hirsch
56.7 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
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Photo Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- 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
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
