Wooden Bridges of Ribe
A cluster of simple timber footbridges over Ribe Å, offering quiet river views, greenery and a glimpse of Jacob A. Riis in Denmark’s oldest town.
Tucked behind Ribe’s historic streets, the Wooden Bridges form a tranquil crossing over the Ribe Å, linking small tree‑covered islets and grassy banks just steps from the old town. This little cluster of simple timber footbridges offers a quiet pause from the city’s medieval bustle, with reflections in the slow-moving water, views toward Ribe’s red roofs and cathedral tower, and a sense of everyday Danish hygge in the open air. Nearby, a modest bust of Jacob A. Riis hints at the town’s connection to one of America’s pioneering social reformers.
A brief summary to Wooden bridges
- Buste af Jacob A. Riis, Sct Catharinæ Pl., Ribe, 6760, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 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
- Visit in early morning or late afternoon for softer light and calmer paths, ideal for photographing reflections of the bridges and Ribe’s rooftops.
- Combine a riverside stroll with nearby cultural stops such as the Jacob A. Riis-related sites and Ribe’s museums to give context to the bust by the bridge.
- Pack a simple picnic or takeaway coffee and use the grassy banks or benches near the bridges as a relaxed break between sightseeing stops.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
Getting There
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Train and walking from Esbjerg
From Esbjerg, take a regional train to Ribe Station, a journey of about 30–35 minutes with frequent departures throughout the day. A standard adult single ticket typically costs around 60–80 DKK, with discounts for children and railcards. From Ribe Station, allow 10–15 minutes on mostly level pavements through the historic center to reach the Wooden Bridges. The walk is suitable for most visitors, though some cobblestones and uneven surfaces can be challenging for wheelchairs and prams.
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Car from Esbjerg and short walk
Driving from Esbjerg to Ribe takes roughly 30–40 minutes depending on traffic. Public parking areas are available around the old town, some free-limited and others paid in central zones, with typical fees of about 10–20 DKK per hour in the most convenient spots. From the nearest car parks it is usually a 5–15 minute walk through the historic streets to the river and the Wooden Bridges. Roads are well maintained year-round, but parking close to the medieval core can be limited at peak times.
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Regional bus within South Jutland
Regional buses connect Ribe with nearby towns in South Jutland, including Esbjerg and Skærbæk, with travel times usually between 30 and 60 minutes depending on the route. Single fares are commonly in the range of 30–70 DKK, and services run more frequently on weekdays than late evenings or weekends. Most buses stop near Ribe’s central area; from there, expect a 10–15 minute walk on mixed cobblestone and paved surfaces to reach the Wooden Bridges along the river.
Wooden bridges location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Wooden bridges
Riverside crossings in Denmark’s oldest town
Ribe is often introduced as Denmark’s oldest town, and the Wooden Bridges offer one of its gentlest vantage points. Here, a handful of wooden footbridges span the Ribe Å, the calm river that threads past the historic center. Simple in structure and built for pedestrians, the bridges draw your eye down to the mirrored surface of the water and up again to the tiled roofs, half-timbered houses and distant cathedral tower that frame the horizon. Despite sitting only a short walk from the main streets, this pocket of riverside feels like a small green room attached to the old town. The soft creak of the planks underfoot, the low banks and the slow flow of the river create a contrast with Ribe’s cobbled lanes and busy squares.A quiet island of trees and reflections
Where several of the bridges meet, they converge around a tiny, tree-covered island in midstream. It is a modest patch of land, yet it changes the character of the river into a series of channels and views. From one railing you might look back towards the old town façades; from another, the scene opens to grassy lawns, willows dipping into the water and the open sky beyond. The atmosphere here is unhurried. In spring and summer, the banks are lush and green, with birds skimming over the water and the occasional ripple from a fish near the surface. In autumn, the bridges become a quiet platform for watching leaves drift downstream. Even on grey days, the muted light plays on the wet wood and the river’s surface.Jacob A. Riis and Ribe’s transatlantic story
Near one of the southern bridges stands a bust of Jacob A. Riis, the Ribe-born journalist and photographer who emigrated to the United States in the 19th century. His work documenting life in New York’s tenements helped spark social reforms and made him an important figure in the history of photojournalism. The sculpture is modest in scale, placed close to the path rather than on a grand plinth. It serves as a quiet reminder that this small Danish town has sent its influence far beyond the riverbanks. A short stroll away, a museum dedicated to Riis further explores his life and work, but here by the water you simply encounter his likeness in passing, set against the backdrop of trees and flowing water.Everyday Ribe along the river path
Most of the activity at the Wooden Bridges is low-key and local: dog walkers crossing from one side of the river to the other, children pausing to peer over the railing, and cyclists gliding along nearby paths. Benches and grassy patches invite you to sit for a while, unpack a simple picnic or just watch the light change on the water. Because the site is open at all hours, it shifts character with the day. Morning brings a soft, dewy calm, while late afternoon and early evening often add warmer light and longer shadows from the trees. In winter, when frost rims the railings and the air is sharper, the open views of the river and town feel particularly clear and uncluttered.A gentle pause between museums and monuments
The bridges sit within easy reach of Ribe’s denser cluster of attractions, including churches, museums and historic houses. That proximity makes this riverside spot an appealing interlude between more structured visits. Instead of a grand monument, you find a small, human-scale landscape of wood, water and greenery. There is no formal entrance or ticketed experience here—only a network of paths inviting you to wander at your own pace. For many visitors, the Wooden Bridges become a quiet mental snapshot of Ribe: a meeting point of nature and town, history and everyday life, all expressed in the simple act of crossing a small river in Denmark’s oldest city.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Queen Dagmar of Bohemia
0.7 km
A contemplative statue on Ribe’s former castle hill, honouring the gentle 13th‑century Queen Dagmar where her life and legend became entwined with Denmark’s history.
Kammerslusen Ribe
5.7 km
Discover Copenhagen's Black Diamond: A fusion of modern architecture and cultural heritage on the waterfront.
Sønderho Church
19.1 km
An 18th‑century island church filled with Denmark’s largest flotilla of votive ships, anchoring Sønderho’s seafaring history in a tranquil Wadden Sea village.
Æ Kåver
19.1 km
Reborn wooden seamark on Fanø’s southern edge, Æ Kåver recalls 17th‑century seafaring in a wild Wadden Sea landscape of wind, sand and wide horizons.
Bunker
24.8 km
A concrete relic of World War II occupation, standing silent in Denmark's westernmost forest.
Namaste Esbjerg
25.0 km
Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’ vibrant urban beach, blending sandy coastline, tranquil bay views, and easy access to city highlights and lush forest parks.
Esbjerg Art Museum
25.0 km
Historic bridge control tower reimagined as a creative hub with city views, art events, and cozy cultural experiences in the heart of Copenhagen’s harbor.
Esbjerg Water Tower
25.1 km
Historic red-brick water tower on a Bronze Age mound overlooking Esbjerg’s harbour, blending medieval-inspired architecture with the story of a young, ambitious port city.
Dronning Louise
25.1 km
Urban beachfront serenity meets Danish royal heritage at Marselisborg Strand, Aarhus’ favorite local escape for swimming, sunbathing, and seaside strolls year-round.
Christian IX statue, Esbjerg
25.1 km
Historic equestrian monument and central meeting point on Esbjerg’s main square, celebrating the king who founded Denmark’s youngest major North Sea port.
Vadehavskysten
25.1 km
An iconic copper bridge tower turned cultural gem, offering harbor panoramas, intimate events, and a taste of Copenhagen’s creative spirit on Knippelsbro.
Landgangen
25.1 km
Step inside a piece of Copenhagen’s iconic bridge architecture, now transformed into a creative hub for art, music, café culture, and panoramic city views.
Gangbroen over Toldbodvej, Esbjerg Havn
25.2 km
A converted harbor tower blending industrial heritage with contemporary art, panoramic views, and creative events on Copenhagen’s iconic Knippels Bridge.
Denmark
25.2 km
Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’s urban beach escape, offering sandy shores, a classic pier, family-friendly facilities, and beautiful views right at the city’s edge.
Esbjerg Museum
25.2 km
Iconic harbor-view cultural tower on Knippelsbro, blending Copenhagen’s bridge heritage with art, events, and sweeping views across Indre By and Christianshavn.
Unmissable attractions to see
Buste af Jacob A. Riis
0.0 km
A modest bronze bust in Ribe’s old town honouring Jacob A. Riis, the local boy whose New York photographs and journalism helped change urban social history.
Ribe Kunstmuseum
0.1 km
Elegant 19th-century villa turned art museum, showcasing Danish masterpieces and a romantic garden with tranquil views towards Ribe Cathedral and the stream.
St. Catherine's Priory, Ribe
0.1 km
A beautifully preserved Dominican priory in Ribe, where brick cloisters, a serene church and a quiet garden reveal nearly eight centuries of Danish monastic history.
Faldne fra Sønderjyske Krige, Ribe
0.1 km
Step into Viking-era life at Vikingborg near Ribe, where interactive exhibits, reconstructed buildings, and live reenactments reveal Denmark’s ancient Norse heritage.
Ribe Water Wheel
0.1 km
A quietly turning water wheel on Ribe’s old dam, where rushing river water and medieval streets meet in a small but evocative glimpse of the town’s working past.
Museet Ribes Vikinger
0.2 km
Dive into 1,000 years of Ribe’s past, from bustling Viking marketplace to medieval port city, in an intimate museum packed with original finds and stories.
Museum For Vikingtid Og Middelalder
0.2 km
Step into a thousand years of Ribe’s past, from bustling Viking marketplace to medieval trading town, in an engaging riverside museum of artefacts and stories.
Hex! Museum of Witch Hunt
0.2 km
Explore the chilling history of witch hunts in 16th–17th century Denmark through immersive audio and artifacts in historic Ribe.
P Dovns Slippe
0.2 km
Explore the Wadden Sea's unique ecosystem and cultural heritage at Vadehavscentret near Ribe, Denmark.
Ribe Kloster
0.2 km
A serene former convent tucked into Ribe’s cobbled centre, where brick Gothic walls, quiet courtyards and layered history evoke centuries of monastic life.
Jacob A. Riis Museum
0.2 km
The childhood home of a Danish-American reformer who documented poverty and changed a nation.
Det Gamle Rådhus Ribe
0.2 km
Compact in size but rich in stories, Ribe’s Old Town Hall reveals centuries of justice, ceremony and civic life within an atmospheric medieval shell.
Den Gamle Arrest, Ribe
0.3 km
Stay the night in Ribe’s old town prison, a 16th‑century listed house on the cathedral square where chaplains, schoolgirls and inmates once shared the same walls.
Ribe Cathedral
0.3 km
Explore Denmark's rich glass and ceramic heritage at Holmegaard Værk, featuring live demonstrations and interactive workshops.
Ribe Domkirkeplads
0.3 km
Tiny but central parking right on Ribe’s cathedral square, putting you only steps from Denmark’s oldest town’s historic heart, shops and cobbled lanes.
Essential places to dine
Huset Ribe
0.1 km
Casual café-brasserie and gourmet deli on a cobbled street in Ribe’s old town, perfect for light meals, good coffee and local delicacies in a relaxed setting.
Postgaarden
0.1 km
Historic 16th‑century café and bed & breakfast in the heart of Ribe, blending crooked beams, cozy courtyard corners and simple rooms full of old-town character.
Terpager & Co
0.1 km
Historic 16th‑century café, wine bar and deli in Ribe’s old town, blending Nordic hygge, plant‑forward cooking and small‑producer wines in a cozy courtyard setting.
Peking House Restaurant
0.2 km
Authentic Chinese buffet in historic Ribe's pedestrian heart—diverse flavors, fresh ingredients, family-friendly.
Saltgades Pølsevogn
0.2 km
Ribe's beloved hot dog stand serving grilled perfection for over 25 years.
Kolvig - by Skovmose
0.2 km
Historic riverside dining in Denmark's oldest city, where Nordic cuisine meets industrial heritage.
Mr.Fish Sushi Ribe
0.2 km
Modern sushi and casual all‑you‑can‑eat style dining in the heart of Ribe’s cobbled Old Town, offering classic, fusion and vegan rolls for eat‑in or takeaway.
Quedensgård Cafe Og Krambod
0.2 km
Historic café and krambod in a crooked old merchant’s house in Ribe, blending Danish comfort food, a leafy courtyard and shelves of characterful curios.
Pinocchio
0.2 km
Casual Italian pizzas and pastas served all day in a cosy, family-friendly restaurant right in the historic heart of Ribe’s medieval old town.
Mongolian Barbeque
0.2 km
All‑you‑can‑eat Asian grill in Denmark’s oldest town, where you build your own bowl and watch chefs flash‑fry it on a blazing hot plate in cozy Ribe surroundings.
Sct. Peder Butik & Café
0.2 km
Medieval charm meets modern comfort in Ribe's cosiest courtyard café and vintage boutique.
Hotel Dagmar
0.2 km
Denmark's oldest hotel since 1581, blending Renaissance charm with modern hospitality on Ribe's historic square.
Restaurant Jacob A. Riis
0.2 km
Square-side steakhouse and brasserie in Ribe’s historic heart, named after reformer Jacob A. Riis and serving generous, familiar dishes from morning through evening.
Restaurant Vægterkælderen
0.2 km
Hearty steaks and classic Danish flavours served in a candlelit 16th‑century cellar beneath historic Hotel Dagmar on Ribe’s storybook main square.
Pizza Express
0.2 km
Casual pizzeria on Ribe's main square serving traditional Italian pizzas in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Maude Retro & Vintage
0.1 km
Colorful, craft-filled treasure trove in Ribe’s old town, where retro charm, handmade ceramics, knitwear and quirky art meet on a cozy cobbled-street corner.
Tøjeksperten
0.1 km
Contemporary menswear in Ribe's historic pedestrian district, backed by Denmark's most generous return policy.
Frøken Anna
0.1 km
Cozy Ribe boutique blending Scandinavian everyday style, curated women’s fashion and relaxed small-town atmosphere in the cobbled heart of Denmark’s oldest town.
Tip Top I/S
0.1 km
A small, local clothing shop on Ribe’s historic Nederdammen, offering practical Scandinavian-style fashion in the heart of Denmark’s oldest town.
Mega Outlet
0.2 km
Discounted designer fashion in the heart of Denmark's oldest city.
Imerco
0.2 km
Denmark's premier homeware destination offering Scandinavian design, kitchen essentials, and exclusive collections in historic Ribe.
CHANGE Lingerie
0.2 km
Scandinavian fit-focused lingerie and loungewear in a cosy boutique on Ribe’s historic Mellemdammen, blending everyday comfort with a touch of indulgent elegance.
Butik B
0.2 km
Inviting women’s fashion boutique in Ribe’s historic center, blending Scandinavian style, everyday practicality and a relaxed, personal shopping atmosphere.
Ribes Embroidery And Yarn (M Svendsen)
0.2 km
A cozy, floor‑to‑ceiling yarn and embroidery cave in Ribe’s historic center, where more than fifty years of color, fiber and patterns invite you to start a new project.
Moxi
0.2 km
A contemporary women’s fashion boutique on Ribe’s historic Saltgade, blending Scandinavian style, quality fabrics and curated labels in a cosy old-town setting.
Janne K Ribe
0.2 km
Bright, comfortable women’s fashion in inclusive sizes, tucked into a historic townhouse on Ribe’s cobbled main street.
Den Lille Ravbutik
0.2 km
A cosy amber specialty shop in Ribe’s medieval heart, where warm golden stones, Scandinavian design and coastal heritage come together in wearable souvenirs.
Room by Inge
0.2 km
A small, quietly curated women’s boutique on Ribe’s cobbled Saltgade, blending Scandinavian wardrobe staples with the historic charm of Denmark’s oldest town.
NEW FORM Ribe
0.2 km
Sporty, pet-friendly clothing store in Ribe’s historic center, stocking practical outdoor and casual wear for the whole family near the Wadden Sea coast.
Only
0.2 km
Contemporary women’s fashion and denim in a compact, easy-to-browse boutique set among Ribe’s cobbled streets and historic architecture.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Café Valdemar
0.1 km
A compact late‑night bar and disco in the heart of historic Ribe, blending casual drinks, chart‑driven beats and a friendly weekend crowd on Sct Nicolaj Gade.
Strygejernet
0.2 km
Intimate corner pub in Ribe’s old town, pairing rustic coziness, smoke-free comfort and friendly bar life with simple drinks, games and unhurried evenings.
Vin For Dig Ribe
0.2 km
Cosy neighbourhood wine shop and intimate vinbar in Ribe, pairing curated bottles with generous takeaway tapas and relaxed Danish hygge.
Stenbohus
0.2 km
Cosy, timeworn bar in the heart of Ribe, blending historic surroundings with easygoing drinks, local character and relaxed late‑night atmosphere.
Termansens
0.3 km
Intimate jazz and live music in a centuries-old townhouse, where Ribe’s historic charm meets cozy, small-scale culture house vibes after dark.
Klubben 1811
0.3 km
Casual, spacious bar in Ribe’s old town, mixing sports, pool and cold beer in a bright, easygoing setting just steps from the city’s medieval streets.
Grosmann's
7.8 km
Small-town Danish hygge in a tiny cocktail bar on Kirkegade, where classic drinks, warm lighting and everyday village life meet in laid-back South Jutland style.
Mødestedet
18.9 km
Cozy wine bar on Skærbæk’s main street, where locals and visitors share unhurried glasses of wine, simple snacks and relaxed conversation from day to evening.
Bodega Pubs v/ Kim
19.0 km
Cozy local bodega in Skærbæk serving cold beer, simple drinks, and laid-back Danish bar culture in a friendly, down-to-earth neighborhood setting.
Dowdi Pub Bar
24.9 km
Old-school brown pub in central Esbjerg with inexpensive beers, wood‑panelled charm and a relaxed, local crowd from daytime regulars to late‑night lingerers.
Pappi's pub
25.0 km
Unpretentious, drinks-first bar on Kongensgade offering a simple Danish pub vibe, easy prices and a central stop-off point in the heart of Esbjerg.
Bjælkehytten - En Vestjysk BierBar
25.0 km
Timber-clad, late-opening beer hut on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, serving easygoing brews and shots in a cosy, West Jutland party atmosphere at the heart of nightlife.
Rustik - Bar & Natklub
25.0 km
High‑energy bar and nightclub on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, mixing industrial style, cocktails and a tightly packed dance floor late into the night.
SoHo - Bar & Cocktails
25.0 km
Adults-focused cocktail bar tucked inside Esbjerg Street Food’s old theatre hall, pairing crafted drinks, modern design and a lively, central city atmosphere.
King George
25.0 km
Esbjerg's beloved beer hall where Danish tradition, lively atmosphere, and authentic hospitality converge on Skolegade.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
No.31 - Bar & Natklub
25.1 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, blending late-night bar vibes, loud DJ sets and a youthful dance floor in the heart of the city.
Club Fanø Rindby
26.3 km
Vital hub for kite sports, fatbiking, and Nordic coastal adventure on Fanø, pairing local expertise with welcoming spirit in the island’s scenic Rindby beach area.
Bilka-søen
28.3 km
Esbjerg's energetic nightclub delivering vibrant music, dancing, and social entertainment in a lively atmosphere.
Crazy Daisy Vejen
28.5 km
High-energy disco club in central Vejen, bringing late-night music, dancing and big-city nightclub vibes to a compact South Jutland town.
Romo Golf Links
30.3 km
Romo Golf Links offers an authentic coastal golf experience amid the windswept dunes and wild beauty of Rømø, blending challenging play with stunning North Sea views.
Fishi
35.3 km
Compact, no-frills nightclub in Vejen with loud beats, simple drinks and a friendly small-town crowd that keeps the dance floor moving late into the night.
Al Capone
44.2 km
Tønder’s sole nightclub, Al Capone blends a rustic 1920s‑inspired mood, late‑night beats and strong drinks into an intimate speakeasy‑style party den.
P2 Champagne & Cocktail Tønder
44.2 km
Intimate champagne and cocktail lounge bringing late-night sparkle and city-style glamour to the historic heart of Tønder.
Koldingtivet Engen
47.7 km
Compact Kolding disco where locals pack the dance floor, mainstream hits fill the speakers and late-night energy turns a modest venue into a full-bodied club night.
Discoteque Tordenskiold
48.1 km
Kolding's legendary two-floor discotheque and cultural institution since 1973.
Mørks Kælder
48.3 km
Modern basement nightclub in central Kolding, pouring drinks and classic dance tunes for a grown-up crowd late into the weekend night.
Pitstop
48.5 km
Small, central and loud, Pitstop is Kolding’s alternative live music stronghold, blending intimate gigs, late-night dancing and laid-back bar vibes in a historic building.
Liglad Day & Nightlife
48.7 km
Compact late-night club on Grindsted’s main street, mixing local vibes, DJs and simple drinks for weekend nights that run into the early hours.
Jazz 6000
48.7 km
An essential stop in Kolding for jazz lovers, Jazz 6000 brings world-class live music, community spirit, and a cozy club atmosphere to southern Denmark.
Rotes Kliff
49.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Rotes Kliff in Sylt, a premier disco club and cocktail bar perfect for unforgettable evenings.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Cultural Heritage
- Mindfulness
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
- LGBT Friendly
