History

Today Aalborg is one of the most important cities in Northern Jutland (Nordjylland). It is known that the first settlement in Aalborg dates back to 700 AD. One of the most important aspects in Aalborg and that makes it one of the most important centers, not only of the Country of Denmark, but of commerce, is the fact that it is the closest point to the Limfjord.

Even though the first settlement dates back to 700 AD. The name itself of Aalborg was first made known in the 11th century, the first written mention was in the year 1040, but with a different name, “Alabu” (the place by the stream).

During the Middle Ages Aalborg was one of the most important trading posts in all of Scandinavia, it is not surprising that with that mercantile power Aalborg would gradually grow and so it was, in 1516 Aalborg was granted all control and administration of the products that entered through the Limfjord and that is how Aalborg grew until it became one of the most important cities in all of Scandinavia.

The importance of Aalborg economically for Scandinavia was already explained and it was said that the Limfjord was thus the most important mercantile post, but despite all this, the fjord itself represents difficulties for transportation. It was not until the year of 1865, when the Danish government had to create a point that passed over the Fjord.

Today, Aalborg is the fourth largest city in Denmark and remains a very active commercial and industrial city. With the founding of Aalborg University (Aalborg Universitet) in 1974, the city has in recent years become a major center for education and research.