Aalborg is a multi-faceted city - full of contrasts. A city with a lust for life and all of its pleasures. It’s also grand on a manageable scale. All the major city attractions are concentrated within easy distance. From fast-paced fun to peaceful oases. From a foaming draft beer to sublime gastronomy. From the Viking era to the Middle Ages, to modern art.
The city’s recently restored waterfront has much to offer for the outdoor and curious visitor. With its many open-air sports and recreations areas, the waterfront invites both active guests and those with lust for life. Near the waterfront you will find both the new Nordkraft and the architectural astonishing Utzon Center.
Until recently, Nordkraft supplied the people of Aalborg with electricity. But now the old, coal-fired power station in the centre of Aalborg generates a completely different kind of power – Culture Power. Nordkraft, the new eagerly awaited cultural powerhouse of Aalborg, opened its doors in 2009. Nordkraft brings together culture, sports, and recreation, combining sports facilities, a cinema, theatres, and restaurants under one roof – all in a fusion of contemporary architecture and authentic industrial styles that create a very special atmosphere. With its unique, raw and industrial yet still stimulating look, Nordkraft truly reviels the identity of Aalborg.
Right next to Nordkraft is the Utzon Center, both situated at Aalborg waterfront. The Utzon Center was the last work of the architect Jørn Utzon who also designed the well-known Opera House in Sydney. He described it as “a place where good thoughts could come together and… a centre of excellence for architecture and humanity in the future.”
Aalborg has no less than 1,500 hotel rooms in the city centre, all of them within easy walking distance. Hotels are available in all styles: Crisp minimalism, a refined gentleman’s club atmosphere, or classic Scandinavian modernism. Aalborg has it all. The hotels have ratings up to four stars; no matter what category you choose, Aalborg offers exceptional value for money.
It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to the city of Aalborg! Please feel at home when you arrive.
Good to know
Map of the city
You will find a map of Aalborg that should provide you with an overview of where everything is situated in proportion to each other.
Map over the city of Aalborg, please visit Map of Aalborg city to see:
- Hotels
- Restaurants and cafés
- Shopping streets
Tourist information – enjoy, drink and dine
During your stay, take the opportunity to explore the cultural vibe in Aalborg either by strolling down the newly established waterfront in the evening or exploring the inner city visiting its art museums and galleries. Please visit the official Tourist Bureau’s website VisitAalborg to get more information on
- Attractions
- Activities
- Restaurants
- Events etc.
Shopping
With its abundance of shops Aalborg’s high streets are an eldorado for anyone who loves to shop. But, whatever you do, don’t miss the side streets. They are packed with exciting little shops selling the work of young designers and craftspeople. You never know what you’ll find.
Opening hours
- Mon-Thurs: 10AM-5.30PM
- Fri: 10AM-7PM
- Sat: 10AM-4PM
- Sun: 11AM-3PM (only the 1st Sunday of the month)
Read more about shopping streets here or about Friis Shopping Centre. Friis Shopping Centre has longer opening hours than regular shops. Monday-Friday 10AM-7PM, Saturday 10Am-4PM, and 1st Sunday of the month 10AM-4PM.
Beerwalk
Need a beer after a day with lots of impressions? An Aalborg Beerwalk makes an agreeable finish to a busy day and a perfect start to a fun afternoon or evening in Aalborg. Treat yourself to an Aalborg Beerwalk and taste 6 well-poured, special beers in as many as 6 great pubs in the centre of Aalborg. The Aalborg Beerwalk consists of: an Aalborg Beerwalk tasting glass, vouchers for 6 samples of excellent beer, a guide to 6 charming handpicked pubs in Aalborg, and a lot of fun. At each pub simply present a voucher and they will pour you a sample in your very own Aalborg Beerwalk tasting glass
- Aalborg Beerwalk, please visit Aalborg Beerwalk to read more about the concept
Running
Even when staying in the city, beautiful oases of nature – perfect for a great work out – are never far away. A different experience awaits you, if you go for a run in Mølleparken during twilight. Here, you can follow a 2.5 km route lit up by lanterns.
- Please ask your hotel for inspiration or look here for inspiration
Currency
Danish Kroner (DKK) is the currency in Denmark. Banks are open from 10.00AM-04.00PM Monday to Friday. Though, in most hotels, restaurants, cafés and shops international credit cards are widely accepted.
Tipping
Tipping: In Denmark, tipping isn't common - all service bills that you receive already include gratuity, and it is unnecessary (but always appreciated) to add a tip in Denmark
Weather
Aalborg is situated in the Northern Denmark. Weather in Denmark varies with the seasons. Denmark has a temperate climate and can be humid and overcast. The winters are usually mild and windy, and the summers can be cool or sunny. The weather in Denmark is a popular subject for discussion as it often changes from day to day and even during the day. It is therefore a good idea to bring a coat or an umbrella on outdoor activities. To check the weather forecast when you visit Aalborg, please visit the website of the Danish Meteorological Institute www.dmi.dk for the latest forecast
Electrical appliances
Electrical appliances run at 220v in Denmark. Electrical outlets in Denmark use a two-prong plug typical for continental Europe. Most laptops will automatically work with 220-230 volts (check the back of your laptop for power input markings.)
Smoking
The conference is a non-smoking event and smoking is prohibited throughout the venue.
Safe country
Generally speaking, Denmark is a very safe country and Aalborg is a particularly safe city. Like in most major cities in the world, however, it is advisable to watch ones belongings and valuables while being in public places and to keep cars locked.
Visa
If you need a visa to enter Denmark please contact the conference secretary as soon as possible to get an invitation letter to present to your local Danish Embassy. A processing time of up to 3 months should be expected! In order to get the invitation letter we need an official statement (stamped) from your employer/institution confirming that you are employed/enrolled accordingly. In the statement it must be stated that your employer/institution will cover all expenses in connection with your trip to Denmark.
Initially, you may mail the statement to us followed by a hard copy sent by normal post to:
- Department + contact person
- Postadr
- fax
For more detailed information on obtaining short term visa for Denmark, please visit the website of the Danish Immigration Service http://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-us/frontpage.htm
Emergency & medical care
In case of emergency please dial +45 112 to contact ambulance, police, or fire department. In case of serious illness or injury dial +45 112. Hotel staff can also direct you to hospitals or dental clinics. For non-emergency sickness the medical authorities recommend consulting a doctor instead of going to the hospital. Your hotel will be able to recommend you one.