Architecture, Billund

Experience a historic time when you visit the Old Town Hall in Ribe, take a guided tour around in the historic rooms and listen to the horrendous stories! Ribe’s old Town Hall was built before 1496, and has been used as the town’s city hall from 1708 until 2007, when the last town councillor meeting was held. On the walls in old Commoner’s hall hang a collection of portraits of vassals and councillors from 1600-1900. The former debtors prison has been converted to a museum about the laws and statutes in Ribe. Stories are told about town halls, town gates and commerce. Here, you can see the town’s seal, standard dimensions, drinking cup, law book, and spiked mace, thumb screws and more. https://www.visitdenmark.nl/denemarken/reis-plannen/det-gamle-radhus-gdk610602

Ribe Cathedral is visible for miles across the flat landscape, and it is amazing to think that travellers have been met by this sight since the middle of the 13th century when it was completed. Ribe Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in Denmark. http://www.visitribe.com/ln-int/ribe-cathedral-gdk610468

Visitors arriving in Esbjerg from the sea are greeted by Svend Wiig Hansen’s monumental sculpture "Man meets the Sea", which was raised on the occasion of Esbjerg celebrating its 100th anniversary as an independent municipality in 1994. It was officially unveiled on 28 October 1995. http://www.visit-esbjerg.com/ln-int/giant-sculpture-man-meets-sea-gdk1076855

The Concert Hall (Musikhuset Aarhus) is the largest Concert Hall in Scandinavia and is home to the Royal Academy of Music in Aarhus, the Aarhus Symphony Orchestra and the Danish National Opera. The Concert Hall hosts a wide variety of artistic activities. The auditoria are the scene of great Danish and foreign concerts, operas and dance performances. The first thing that meets the eye as one drives past or comes in to park is the 2,000 m2 glass foyer, whose palm trees, old olive trees and many works of art create an atmosphere all their own. https://www.visitaarhus.com/aarhus/plan-your-trip/concert-hall-aarhus-gdk603894

Aalborgtårnet is Aalborg’s tallest landmark, allowing you to enjoy a breathtaking view of Aalborg and its surroundings. Take the elevator 55 meters up and enjoy the incredible 360° panoramic view. As the Aalborg Tower is located on Skovbakken, the platform is 105 meters above sea level. From here, you can enjoy the view with a snack or a drink from the bistro. To get into the Aalborg Tower, you have to ring the bell which is placed on the tower, and an elevator is sent down. The elevator is the highest outdoor elevator in the North of Europe and is an experience in itself. https://www.visitaalborg.com/aalborg/plan-your-trip/aalborg-tower-gdk596481

Musikkens Hus is not only an architectonic lighthouse of Aalborg and Northern Jutland but also very much a national and international rendezvous of music, where visitors brought together by music. The construction of Musikkens Hus is one of the most ambitious and impressive projects in the history of Aalborg. The road to a house of music in Northern Jutland has spanned 28 years. However, natives of Northern Jutland are very persistent, so now, the house is ready to welcome all with a musical interest. The vision for Musikkens Hus in Northern Jutland was to create a venue for concerts with acoustics on the international level. The house is built around the idea of generating synergy, and sharing of expertise and knowhow among the many users and guests of the house. The permanent residents of Musikkens Hus include Aalborg Symphony Orchestra, the Jutlandic Academy of Music - Aalborg, the music educations of Aalborg University, Centre of Danish Jazz History and Musikkens Spisehus. https://www.visitaalborg.com/aalborg/plan-your-trip/musikkens-hus-gdk858209

The impressive Utzon Center is a vibrant cultural center located in Aalborg waterfront. The center was designed by the famous Danish architect Jorn Utzon, who was raised in Aalborg, and his son Kim. The center hosts different exhibits throughout the year and presents sketches and designs by Jorn Utzon. However, the center is much more than simply exhibitions. It is a display of art, architecture and design, completely in the spirit of Jorn Utzon. The exhibitions consist of Jørn Utzon’s own architecture and design works, as well as examples of the national and international cultural legacy that he is part of. The many experimenting activities at the Utzon Center will also contribute to its role as an exciting cultural powerhouse. http://www.visitaalborg.com/ln-int/utzon-center-gdk596163

See, hear and feel your way through the history of rhythmic music from 1950s rock'n'roll, through1980s pop culture to today's wild rhythms - and get an idea of ​​tomorrow's music scene. http://www.visitroskilde.com/ln-int/ragnarock-museum-pop-rock-and-youth-culture-gdk912482

Frederiksberg Palace Gardens is one of the largest and most attractive green spaces in Copenhagen. The park was landscaped during the reign of King Frederik IV from 1699–1730, as a baroque garden surrounding Frederiksberg Palace. The gardens now house the remains of the baroque garden and a romantic landscape garden, which held special significance for the popular King Frederik VI. The romantic landscape garden was changed during his reign from 1808–1839. Today, those wishing to sail along the canals like the king can hire boats from the boat service Svendsens Bådfart. In the summer, Frederiksberg Gardens form the setting for various cultural events, including the music festival Stella Polaris (August) and Midsummer’s Eve (June). Midsummer’s Eve is a particularly special evening in Frederiksberg, attracting some 35,000 visitors. There is a bonfire party by the water close to Frederiksberg Palace and entertainment aplenty. http://visitfrederiksberg.dk/en/emne/the-royal-parks/

Denmark's National Museum in Copenhagen has exhibitions from the Stone Age, the Viking Age, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and Modern Danish History. The National Museum is located in The Prince’s Palace, built in 1743-44. It is no longer used by the royal family, but the Great Hall still appears elegant enough to fit princes and princesses. The Gallery consists of a wide corridor that linked rooms and sleeping quarters, and featured plenty of space for exquisite handicrafts. The stucco in the ceiling, the panels and the oak parquet floor are all thought to be original. The furniture and stove are from the early 18th century. The National Museum boasts a very large ethnographical collection, a collection of classical and near eastern antiquities, a coin- and medal collection, and a toy museum. You can also visit the Victorian apartment Klunkehjemmet, practically unchanged since 1890. After years of reconstruction, the exhibition on Danish Antiquity has re-opened, including prominent national treasures such as the more than 3,000 years old Sun Chariot, the Bronze Age Egtved Girl, and an amazing collection of archaeological finds from the Viking Age, many of which have never been shown at the exhibition before. Another intriguing must-see is the Huldremose Woman, whose well-preserved remains are estimated to date back to the first decade of the first century AD. http://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/national-museum-gdk410508

A royal hermitage set in the King’s Garden in the heart of Copenhagen, Rosenborg Castle features 400 years of splendor, royal art treasures and the Crown Jewels and Royal Regalia. Rosenborg Castle was built by one of the most famous Scandinavian kings, Christian IV, in the early 17th century. Among the main attractions is the Knights’ Hall with the coronation thrones and three life-size silver lions standing guard. Tapestries on the walls commemorate battles between Denmark and Sweden. The interiors are well-preserved and invite you to take a journey in time. You can experience the king’s private writing cabinet, his bathroom, and see wax figures of former royal inhabitants. Rosenborg also houses an exquisite collection of Flora Danica and one of the world’s finest Venetian glass collections, both set in tower chambers. https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/rosenborg-castle-gdk410582

Stroget is one of Europe's longest pedestrian streets with a wealth of shops, from budget-friendly chains to some of the world's most expensive brands. The stretch is 1.1 kilometers long and runs from City Hall Square (Radhuspladsen) to Kongens Nytorv. https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/stroget-gdk414471

Christiansborg Palace, located on the tiny island of Slotsholmen, contains the Danish Parliament Folketinget, the Supreme Court, and the Ministry of State. Parts of the palace are used by the Royal Family for various functions and events. The Royal Reception Rooms include The Tower Room and The Oval Throne Room where foreign ambassadors to Denmark are received by the Queen. The Throne Room gives access to the balcony where the Danish monarchs are proclaimed. https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/christiansborg-palace-gdk420896

Nyhavn is the perfect place to end a long day. With a cold one on the quay like the locals, or at one of the many restaurants. Originally, Nyhavn was a busy commercial port where ships from all over the world would dock. The area was packed with sailors, ladies of pleasure, pubs and alehouses. Today the beautiful old houses have been renovated and restaurants dominate the old port. Nyhavn is filled with people enjoying the relaxed atmosphere by the canal, jazz music and great food. The famous Danish fairytale writer, Hans Christian Andersen, used to live in no. 20. This is where he wrote the fairy-tales 'The Tinderbox', 'Little Claus and Big Claus', and 'The Princess and the Pea'. He also lived twenty years in no. 67 and two years in no. 18. During Christmas, Nyhavn sets the perfectly Christmas-lit setting for your holiday in Copenhagen. The cafés and restaurants offer Danish Christmas delicacies and the annual Christmas market fills the cobbled street with decorated stalls. A classic Christmas experience. https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/nyhavn-gdk474735

Amalienborg Palace is a must for anyone with a taste for royal history and the life of Denmark’s royal family who still resides inside the palace. Experience royal history at the museum and sense the present of one of the world's oldest monarchies from the beautiful palace square where you can watch the changing of the guards. Amalienborg is famous for its Royal Guard, called Den Kongelige Livgarde. Every day you can experience the changing of the guards, as they march from their barracks in 100 Gothersgade by Rosenborg Castle through the streets of Copenhagen and end up at Amalienborg, where the changing of the guard takes place at 12:00 noon. https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/amalienborg-palace-gdk492887

Towering on a promontory in Northern Zealand, Kronborg faces the sound between Elsinore and Helsingborg in Sweden. Grand fortifications with bastions and casemates used to protect the Danish land from unwanted visitors and was home to the royal family until the late 1600 hundreds. http://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/kronborg-castle-gdk476685

If you visit Sofi ero Castle Park in May or June you will be met by a magnifi cent sight of more than 10,000 rhododendron bushes in full bloom - enough to amaze anyone. King Gustav VI Adolf, who planted the first bush in 1907, would doubtless have been pleased with the collection that is now one of the biggest and most beautiful in Europe. http://www.helsingborg-helsingor.com/english/frameset/index.html?/english/touristinformation/helsingor.html&main

The landmark of the City of the 7 Spires! Beside the Brandenburg Gate, Cologne Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady in Munich, the Holsten Gate is the most famous German building in the world. The Holsten Gate became the proud symbol of Lübeck as a free imperial city. But it's not just the exterior that's a popular subject for photos. The "Holsten Gate Museum" is housed within the famous monument displaying the history of the Hanseatic League, trade, power and wealth. Ultimately, this is what formed the basis of the Lübeck merchants' success, which, in turn, influenced the importance of the medieval city. Visitors can discover the exhibition «The Power of Trade» together with historic ship models, suits of armour, weapons, legal instruments and articles of merchandise inside the building. http://www.luebeck-tourism.de/culture/museums/museum-holsten-gate.html

Visit the third-largest church in Germany in the City of the 7 Spires and discover what the devil, a mouse and St. Mary's church have in common in Lübeck's Old Town. St. Mary's is the church of the Council of the Hanseatic City of Lübeck. The brick basilica serves as a model for the Gothic brick style of churches in the Baltic region. For the first time, the Gothic cathedral style of France was adapted to the local brick. Numerous works of arts are to be found in St. Mary's interior: The Cross of Triumph by Gerhard Marcks in the high choir above the Swarte Altar from 1495 is as much at home here as the largest mechanical organ in the world. The well-known church musician and composer Dietrich Buxtehude was St. Mary's organist and workmaster from 1667 to 1707. The commemorative chapel in the south tower with its church bells possesses a unique expressive power. The bells plunged to the stone floor during the 1942 air raids. The Gothic brick basilica has a medieval painting, the largest peel of bells in Schleswig-Holstein and a carillon with 36 bells from St. Catherine's Church in Danzig. http://www.luebeck-tourism.de/discover/sights/churches-in-luebeck/st-marys.html

The Oresund Bridge is one very impressive piece of architecture and it is the scenic way of getting from Copenhagen to Malmö by car or train. But surely the symbolic meaning is even greater, given that in days gone by the province of Skåne was part of Denmark and the Swedes and Danes were at each other’s throats. The TV series The Bridge (Bron in Swedish) is a Scandinavian crime and drama television series created and written by the Swedish screenwriter Hans Rosenfeldt. Riding on the tide of Nordic Noir and Swedish crime, with predecessors like Sjöwall-Wahlöö and Henning Mankell having paved the way, the series was first aired in 2011 and quickly gained enormous popularity. Today the series has acquired a large international cult following and fans travel from all over the world to check out the filming locations in Malmö and Copenhagen. https://visitsweden.com/where-to-go/southern-sweden/malmo/malmo-and-bridge/

The grey lighthouse was built in 1858 and with its 46 m it is Denmarks second tallest. The spiral staircase leads up to the external balcony. If the 210 steps haven´t already taken Your breath away, then the view certainly will. http://www.visitnordjylland.com/ln-int/skagen-gra-fyr-lighthouse-gdk600368

The Seaside City is opening up a new chapter in its history. The “Havenwelten Bremerhaven” (Harbor Worlds Bremerhaven) are being built in the city at the River Weser dyke. At present it is still the largest municipal construction project on the North Sea coast, but it will soon be a maritime tourism resort with unique attractions: Climate House® Bremerhaven 8° East, Atlantic Hotel Sail City with the look-out-platform, Mediterraneo, Lloyd Marina and living at the dyke. https://www.bremerhaven.de/en/tourism/ships-harbors/around-the-harbor-worlds.23130.html

Malmö Opera presents the whole range of music theatre with the main emphasis on opera and musical. We perform the great opera classics, musicals, contemporary musical drama, concerts and dance, always meeting the highest international standards of quality. Operaverkstan, our department for children and young adults, produces high-quality performances for children aged 3-19 with focus on contemporary works and subject matters. Operaverkstan also introduces classic opera to its audience. The building that houses Malmö Opera was built during the Second World War and inaugurated in 1944. The main auditorium holds an audience of 1511 and the stage is one of the largest in Europe. With it, renowned architect Sigurd Lewerentz, together with colleagues Erik Lallerstedt and David Helldén, created one of the masterpieces of functionalist architecture. The foyer is considered of particular beauty, with its open spaces and sweeping marble staircases, and it is adorned with a number of works of art by artists such as Carl Milles and Isaac Grünewald. The building was listed with the National Trust in connection with the theatre’s 50th jubilee in 1994. https://www.malmoopera.se/node/211

Malmo Konsthall was opened in 1975 and is one of the Swedens largest spaces for contemporary art. Architect Klas Anshelm has created an exhibition with great flexibility, generous space and fantastic light. ” A large, low concrete box open on the park and the light of heaven ”, described Anshelm himself his creation. The construction materials are light and simple; concrete, glass, wood and aluminium. Most of the gallery has a roof built as a lattice of 550 light domes. The ceiling height varies. The light well – with higher ceilings – has large sloping skylight north. Klas Anshelm got the idea to construction when visiting the sculptor Constantin Brancusi’s Paris studio. The result is a gallery that is both functional and aesthetic. An exhibition space that the artist with endless. Malmö Konsthall arranges annually a number of exhibitions with an international focus. https://www.konsthall.malmo.se/en/om-malmo-konsthall/

St. Petri Church is both the oldest preserved church in the city and its oldest preserved brick building. In the 13th century, herring fishing helped Malmö to flourish as a trading town. The Malmö residents came into contact with the Hanseatic cities around the Baltic Sea. There they were inspired to build a new church that would correspond to the city's position. St. Petri Church was probably inaugurated in 1319. Around 1380 the church was completed. The apostle's Peter and Paul became the patron saints of the church. The church building has a tight exterior with pillars and arches. The brick walls are lightened by a few parts with different coloured and glazed bricks. As a building material, clay was used from the district, which was turned into a brick in Malmö. The cream parlour was created in the middle of the 15th century. On the outer walls of the chapel, there are about ten chalkstone figures representing various saints. https://svenskakyrkanmalmo.se/st-petri-kyrka/

The Moderna Museet Malmö is a branch of the famous Swedish Museum of Modern Art in Stockholm. It is located in a converted former power station, within walking distance from the center of the old town of Malmö. The former power station was built in 1901 as a brick building, the typical industrial architecture of its time. As part of the modernization, the building received an extension with a red-painted steel sheeting facade and in 2009 the Moderna Museet moved into the old power station. The museum is specialized on Scandinavian and international art of the 20th and 21st century. The changing exhibitions throughout the year are attracting visitors from all around the world. The former turbine hall was converted as an exhibition room and covers an area of over 800 square meters. In addition, the museum also has an educational workshop of about 100 square meters. The Moderna Museet is the only Scandinavian museum that features a significant collection of contemporary art of the 20th century. In its possession are works by Dali, Kandinsky, Matisse and Picasso. https://www.guidebook-sweden.com/en/guidebook/destination/moderna-museet-malmoe-museum-of-modern-art-in-malmoe

Hamburg's parliament, senate and mayor all have their seats in the City Hall on Rathausmarkt. Convenient as that may seem, it took quite some time for this distinctive building to become the Hamburg icon it is today. After several relocations, fires and other turmoil, the current City Hall is the sixth edition in Hamburg's history. Construction started in 1886 when 4,000 wooden poles were drilled into the muddy shores of the Alster Lake in order support the weight of the building, which would measure 133 metres wide, 70 metres deep and 112 metres tall. Special care was given to construct a passageway connecting the new building to both the Chamber of Commerce and the Hamburg Stock Exchange. The courtyard between these buildings resembles an Italian piazza and houses the Hygieia-fountain, named after the Greek goddess of health and built in remembrance of the cholera epidemic that swept through the city in 1892. After 11 years of labour, the City Hall with its 647 rooms was opened in 1897. Luckily, you don't have to be a German politician to get a peek inside this eclectic, neo-renaissance building. Hamburg's City Hall is open to the public, and visitors may join a guided tour or visit exhibitions housed inside. http://www.hamburg.com/sights/city-hall/

The 'Michel' is Hamburg's largest church and one of the city's must-see sights. Its bell tower offers a stunning view over the city.​​​​​​​ The spot where St. Michael's Church now stands has seen its share of trouble. A lightning strike and then a catastrophic fire centuries later destroyed the first and second churches that were built on this site. But the city's Protestants persevered, and in 1912 the construction of the church that we see today was finished. Although heavily damaged during WWII, it has been fully repaired, and today you'll find a baroque gem that is regularly listed among Northern Germany's most beautiful churches and important landmarks. Between the inner-city and the piers of Landungsbrücken, the distinctive copper roof and the 132-metre-tall tower supporting Germany's largest clock bell are visible from afar. At 106 metres, the observation deck offers a fantastic panorama view of the city and harbour. http://www.hamburg.com/sights/michel/

King Kristian of Denmark loved building and commissioned many cities, castles and fortifications to be built around his kingdom including Halmstad Castle. https://www.destinationhalmstad.se/english/to-do/attractions.html?url=113685985%2Fdefault.aspx%3Fc%3D3%26TLp%3D641182%26TLl%3Den&sv.url=12.562a806313e8e51ee2e8bc7

Halmstads Konsthall has 8-10 exhibitions a year, making it a lively centre for art in Halmstad. Halmstads Konsthall is conveniently located in the centre of Halmstad, very close to the main shopping streets and restaurants and a wide selection of public artworks within walking distance. https://www.destinationhalmstad.se/english/to-do/attractions.html?url=113685985%2Fdefault.aspx%3Fc%3D3%26TLp%3D360594%26TLl%3Den&sv.url=12.562a806313e8e51ee2e8bc7

Bremen´s 'drawing room' is the Marktplatz, and its greatest attraction is the Town Hall. Guided tours of the historic building provide an insight into its fascinating 600-year history. The tour includes the impressive Upper Town Hall and a look into the splendid Golden Chamber. Since 2004, the Town Hall and the Roland have been inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List. https://www.bremen-tourism.de/bremen/offer/detail/DEU99999990039255330?lang=en

It may be hard to imagine because the Vismarkt is currently one of the busiest locations in Groningen, but it is believed that during the Middle Ages the Drentse Aa was an inland harbour here, with a wooden church. In 1226, the church received its official name: Kerk van Onze Lieve Vrouwe ter A, currently Der Aa church. Today it is used as a location for receptions, concerts, symposia and exhibitions. https://toerisme.groningen.nl/en/see-and-do/culture/kerken-en-torens

Celle is one of the most important residence cities in the state of Lower Saxony. For almost three centuries it was the permanent residence of the dukes of Brunswick-Lüneburg and therefore the seat of government in the most significant Guelphs principality. http://www.celle.travel/travel-tips/museums-in-celle/residence-museum.html