Aalborg: Denmark's fourth largest city

Aalborg was founded by the Vikings in the 10th C and has been a centre for trade and transport ever since. It prospered in the 17th C and many of its colourful buildings date back to this time. Today the local industry includes the manufacture of Akvavit, or Danish schnapps.

As industry declines, a number of new waterfront developments are underway. Most new buildings feature clean lines and forms.

While not on the waterfront, I have included this image since it is typical of many new buildings in Denmark that use coloured balcony panels to create interest....and yes, delight.

A skirt made of old ties! Sally is going to try this.

We visited the local museum where the very tall (6 foot +) skeleton of a medieval lady could be found in a corner. I also enjoyed an imaginative display of 'recycling' over the decades.
 
The Kunsten Museum of Modern Art, designed by Alvar Aalto was exceptional. I particularly liked the extensive use of natural light, something that we tend not to avoid in many new contemporary art museums. It also included some fascinating works by Danish artists.

Another highlight was a museum celebrating the work of Danish architect Jorn Utzon who designed the Sydney Opera House and many other imaginative developments throughout Denmark. Have any Canadian architects appeared on postage stamps?
 
We stayed at the First Hotel Europa. The room was simple but very well designed with lots of room for luggage and an outward swinging bathroom door. (Now why don't we do this more often?) However, I struggled to figure out how to use this simple cheese slicer, until a young lady demonstrated it for me. (you keep turning counter clockwise and it automatically slices the cheese.)