Hos Isidor Henius
Classic Danish smørrebrød, beer and schnapps served with warm hygge and aquavit heritage in a cozy lunchtime restaurant in the heart of Aalborg.
Hos Isidor Henius is a classic Danish lunchtime restaurant in the heart of Aalborg, renowned for artfully composed smørrebrød, cold beer and schnapps, and a warmly nostalgic atmosphere. Checked tablecloths, polished wood and historic photographs set the scene for generous open sandwiches layered with herring, shrimp, roast beef and seasonal toppings. A place where traditional Danish flavors, aquavit heritage and relaxed conversation blend into an unhurried midday ritual.
A brief summary to Hos Henius
- Slotsgade 33, Aalborg, Aalborg Centrum, 9000, DK
- +4598141846
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 11:30 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 11:30 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 11:30 am-5 pm
- Thursday 11:30 am-9 pm
- Friday 11:30 am-9 pm
- Saturday 11:30 am-9 pm
- Sunday 11:30 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Aim for a traditional Danish lunch: two pieces of smørrebrød are usually enough for a full meal, especially if you plan to try dessert.
- Ask staff for aquavit or beer pairings with your chosen smørrebrød to experience the restaurant’s connection to Isidor Henius’ distilling heritage.
- Reserve a table for Thursday to Saturday lunches, when locals often fill the dining room and walk‑ins may need to wait.
- If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, choose an early lunch right after opening rather than peak midday hours.
- Bring a small appetite for variety: share different smørrebrød among your group to sample several classic toppings in one visit.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Hos Henius location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Hos Henius
A Danish lunchtime institution on Slotsgade
Hos Isidor Henius sits in a historic street in central Aalborg, a ground‑floor restaurant that feels purpose‑built for long, leisurely lunches. Inside, low lighting, wooden furniture and framed photographs create an atmosphere that is both old‑fashioned and welcoming. This is the sort of place where lunch is never rushed, and where the midday meal still carries a sense of occasion. Tables are set with crisp cloths and simple place settings, the clink of cutlery and low conversation mixing with the aroma of fresh rye bread and pan‑fried fish. It feels distinctly local, but visitors quickly sense they are invited into a cherished everyday ritual rather than a show staged for tourists.From aquavit pioneer to namesake restaurant
The restaurant takes its name from Isidor Henius, a 19th‑century distiller who helped shape Denmark’s aquavit traditions. His legacy lives on here not just in the name above the door, but in the pride the restaurant takes in pairing food with snaps and beer. Bottles of aquavit line shelves behind the bar, an understated homage to a figure closely tied to Danish drinking culture. This historical thread runs quietly through the experience. Rather than turning the dining room into a museum, the story appears in small details: a portrait here, a label there, and a menu that encourages you to match particular smørrebrød toppings with specific schnapps styles. It is history woven into everyday enjoyment.High‑topped smørrebrød and seasonal specialties
The star of the menu is traditional smørrebrød, the famous Danish open sandwich built on dense, dark rye bread. Plates arrive generously layered: pickled herring with onion and capers, egg and shrimp crowned with dill and lemon, roast beef with remoulade and crispy onions, or fish fillet with tartar sauce and fresh herbs. Each slice is neatly composed so every bite balances texture and flavor. Portions are substantial, so many diners find that two pieces make a full meal, while one allows room for a classic dessert like layered apple cake with cream. Seasonal touches appear throughout the year, with toppings that reflect local produce and changing weather, from lighter seafood combinations in summer to heartier meat selections as the days grow colder.Beer, schnapps and the art of pairing
A visit here is as much about what you drink as what you eat. The drinks list highlights Danish beers and an impressive range of aquavits, from smooth, gently spiced styles to robust, aromatic versions designed to stand up to rich herring or cured meats. Staff are used to guiding guests through choices, suggesting specific pairings for different smørrebrød. This emphasis on pairing transforms lunch into a small tasting journey. Sips of chilled aquavit sharpen the flavors of pickled fish, while malty beers echo the rye bread’s earthiness. It is an accessible introduction to a cornerstone of Danish culinary culture, delivered in a laid‑back, convivial setting.Unhurried midday hygge
The rhythm here follows traditional Danish lunch hours. Most of the action happens in the middle of the day, when tables fill with families, colleagues and friends settling in for a slow meal. The pace is deliberately relaxed, encouraging conversation and second rounds rather than quick bites between errands. Hygge—the Danish concept of cozy togetherness—feels tangible. Warm lighting softens the room, winter coats hang on hooks by the wall, and there is plenty of time to linger over coffee or one last schnapps. For travelers, it offers a window into everyday Danish life; for locals, it is a reassuring constant in an evolving city center.Practical details for planning your visit
Hos Isidor Henius focuses on lunch, opening late morning and closing in the late afternoon on most days, with longer opening hours into the evening from Thursday to Saturday. The menu is moderately priced for Denmark, reflecting generous portions and quality ingredients rather than fine‑dining formality. Booking ahead is wise at peak midday times, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. The restaurant occupies a traditional building, with a street‑level entrance and dining room on a single main floor, though space between tables can feel snug during busy service. Mobile reception is generally reliable in this central part of Aalborg, and the location makes it easy to combine a meal here with a stroll through nearby historic streets and squares.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Old City Hall
0.3 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
1.5 km
A classic 1930s steel tower lifted above a wooded hill, Aalborgtårnet combines a thrilling outdoor elevator ride with 360° views and a cosy sky-high bistro.
Limfjordstunnelen
2.1 km
Denmark's pioneering underwater motorway tunnel connecting North Jutland's vital regions since 1969.
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.
Lille Vildmosecentret
25.3 km
Uncover the wild heart of Denmark at Lille Vildmosecentret, where immersive exhibits, rare wildlife, and scenic boglands await beside Limfjord.
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.
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
26.5 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
26.7 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
27.1 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
27.3 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
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.
Nytorv
0.2 km
A historic crossroads square where Aalborg’s trading past, busy shopping streets and everyday city life come together in one open, welcoming space.
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.”
Bispengade
0.2 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.
Jørgen Olufsens House
0.2 km
Aalborg’s finest Renaissance merchant’s house, where sandstone, brick and half‑timbering reveal the city’s 17th‑century wealth and waterfront history.
Jens Bangs Stonehouse
0.3 km
Aalborg’s grand Dutch Renaissance mansion, where a wealthy merchant’s 17th‑century ambitions still dominate the old town’s skyline in carved stone and gables.
Apotekersamlingen
0.3 km
Step into a creaking attic above Jens Bang’s Stone House and explore centuries of pharmacy history in Aalborg’s atmospheric Apotekersamlingen.
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.
Church of Our Lady
0.3 km
Thousand-year faith on a city square: a Romanesque Revival church with medieval carvings, noble chapels and a calm interior in the heart of old Aalborg.
Klostertorvet
0.3 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.
Hjelmerstald
0.3 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.
Budolfihaven
0.3 km
Aalborg's verdant heart where medieval cathedral bells mark time and history meets contemporary urban life.
Aalborg Havnefront
0.4 km
Aalborg's shimmering Limfjord promenade: modern architecture, cultural icons, and maritime magic in Denmark's vibrant north.
Budolfi Church
0.4 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.
Klosterhaven
0.4 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.
Essential places to dine
Hos Henius
0.0 km
Classic Danish smørrebrød, beer and schnapps served with warm hygge and aquavit heritage in a cozy lunchtime restaurant in the heart of Aalborg.
Restaurant JØRN
0.1 km
Light-filled Nordic lunch and brunch restaurant in the Utzon Center, pairing Limfjord views with seasonal Danish cooking and clean, contemporary design.
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 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.
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.
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.
Duus Vinkjælder
0.3 km
Historic 1918 wine cellar blending Nordic cuisine, live jazz, and immersive dining experiences in atmospheric Aalborg.
Restaurant SMAEK
0.3 km
Relaxed Nordic bistro at Aalborg’s waterfront, serving seasonal comfort dishes, generous portions and informal luxury in a bright, central setting.
Bistro Dejavú
0.3 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
0.3 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
0.3 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.
Søgaards Bryghus
0.3 km
Family-run copper-kettle brewpub in central Aalborg, where in-house beer, Italian-inflected food and a working cellar brewery animate historic C. W. Obels Plads.
Restaurant Det Tredje Sted
0.3 km
An elegant French-inspired brasserie on Aalborg’s Bispensgade, where marble tables, fine wines and relaxed hygge turn everyday meals into lingering occasions.
La Locanda
0.3 km
Cosy Roman-inspired dining in a historic Aalborg courtyard, where multi-course Italian menus, personal service and candlelit charm turn dinner into an evening event.
TraPo
0.3 km
Relaxed Italian trattoria in central Aalborg, serving crisp pizzas, comforting pastas, and Roman-inspired classics in warm, rustic surroundings.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Sirup
0.1 km
Central Aalborg women’s fashion boutique offering curated Scandinavian style, personal service and a relaxed shopping pause on lively Nytorv square.
NORMAL Aalborg, Friis Shoppingcenter
0.2 km
A bright, budget-friendly variety shop in Friis Shoppingcenter, packed with branded everyday essentials, beauty bargains and quirky finds in central Aalborg.
SEPHORA MAGASIN AALBORG
0.2 km
A polished, fashion-forward beauty hub inside Magasin at Nytorv, where international makeup, skincare and fragrance brands meet Aalborg’s city-center shopping buzz.
Friis Shopping Center
0.2 km
Modern Aalborg shopping hub blending retail, dining, and urban culture in Denmark's vibrant city centre.
Monki
0.2 km
Trendy women's fashion with bold, expressive style in Aalborg's vibrant city center.
Sinnerup Aalborg
0.2 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.
Søstrene Grene
0.2 km
Cosy Scandinavian design, crafts and gifts in a softly lit labyrinth of aisles at the heart of Aalborg’s Nytorv pedestrian square.
Boxen Aalborg - Herremode i Aalborg
0.2 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.
Magasin Aalborg
0.2 km
A sleek, three-level department store in central Aalborg, blending Scandinavian style, curated brands and calm interiors for an easy, all-in-one shopping stop.
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.
Billig-Billy. Costumes and dollar store
0.2 km
A lively central Aalborg discount and costume shop packed with party gear, decorations and quirky bargains, ideal for quick themed fixes and fun, low-cost finds.
MESSAGE Aalborg City
0.2 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.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.3 km
A bright, budget‑friendly Danish design store in central Aalborg, packed with playful gifts, colorful homeware and quirky everyday essentials.
MSCH Copenhagen
0.3 km
A modern Scandinavian womenswear boutique in the heart of Aalborg, blending minimalist design, versatile wardrobe staples and relaxed, downtown shopping vibes.
Kilo Vintage Sale Aalborg
0.3 km
Playful weight-based vintage shopping in central Aalborg, where European second-hand style, sustainability and treasure-hunt browsing all come together by the kilo.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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.
The Irish House
0.2 km
Authentic Irish pub in Aalborg with live music, traditional cuisine, and an extensive beer and whiskey selection.
Gedulgt
0.3 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
0.3 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
0.3 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.
Heidi's Bier Bar Aalborg
0.4 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.
Basement Beer Bar
0.4 km
Aalborg's craft beer sanctuary with 20 rotating taps and weekly discoveries.
Zwei Grosse Bierbars Aalborg ApS
0.4 km
High-energy alpine-style beer bar bringing après-ski vibes, big steins and party soundtracks to Aalborg’s legendary Jomfru Ane Gade nightlife strip.
Douro Wine Bar
0.4 km
Cozy Portuguese wine hideaway in central Aalborg, pairing hand-picked Douro bottles with relaxed tapas, candlelight and unhurried evening conversations.
The Drunken Flamingo
0.4 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.
London Pub
0.4 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.
Proud Mary Pub Aalborg
0.4 km
Lively pub on Aalborg’s Jomfru Ane Gade, mixing classic bar charm, sport on big screens, live music and late-night drinks in the city’s most famous party street.
Quist Wine v/Lene Quist Berggreen
0.4 km
Authentic Italian wines in Aalborg's historic heart, curated by passionate wine experts.
Storm P Beer & Cocktails
0.4 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.
The Old Irish Pub
0.4 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
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.
CLUB MOONLIGHT Aalborgs dansested for voksne
0.3 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
0.4 km
Aalborg's premier basement rock and metal nightclub, hosting live bands and DJ sets Friday through Sunday.
Casino Aalborg
0.4 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.
ESCAPE CLUB & Shisha Lounge
0.4 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
0.4 km
Craft cocktails meet dance floor energy on Aalborg's premier nightlife street.
Club Wolf
0.4 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
0.4 km
Polished cocktails and high-energy club vibes collide at this compact, late-night hotspot on Aalborg’s legendary Jomfru Ane Gade.
Club Stygge
0.5 km
Compact, late-night Aalborg nightclub with loud party hits, simple cocktails and a tightly packed dance floor on bustling Vesterå.
Mjølner
23.7 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
46.3 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
46.5 km
Experience the soulful melodies of live jazz in the heart of Hobro at Jazz Hobro.
Flying Hirsch
56.6 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
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Casual
- Boutique
- Unique
- Romantic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Landmarks
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- 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
- Vegetarian Friendly