Viborg, Denmark is one of the hidden gems of Denmark that offers history buffs and nature lovers a little something extra during their trip to Mid Jutland.
Photograph: Kelly Kristensen
Text: Kelly Kristensen
Let’s face it. Denmark is a small country, but that doesn’t mean that it lacks great destinations for those wanting to learn more about this great country. In fact, areas on Denmark’s peninsula have much more to offer the curious weekend traveller or newcomer than one might expect. For instance, the town of Viborg in Midtjylland is a great place to spend the day to see a side of Denmark that isn’t common in other areas of the country. As well as the town’s unique examples of historical places, Viborg also has many neighbouring, natural places that you are not likely to find anywhere else!
Viborg Cathedral and Latin Quarter
Dating back to the 1100s, the Viborg Cathedral may have seen its fair share of rebuilds after multiple fires throughout the years, but the structure and décor of this magnificent building will be reason enough for a visit. Unlike the plain, white walls of a typical church in Denmark, the Viborg Cathedral adorns many spectacular paintings on its walls and ceiling by famous Danish painter Joakim Skovgaard. You can see more of his work in the Joakim Skovgaard museum, located just next to the cathedral.
Next to the church, you’ll find two gardens. One is the Latinerhave which has many different sections for plants and herbs and is directly in front of the church. The other is a peaceful spot just off to the side of the church and has a statue of Queen Margrethe I with successor child Erik VII.
Sct. Mogens Gade
After visiting the church, take a walk along Sct. Mogens Gade, the same street where you’ll find the cathedral. This cobblestoned lane is filled with some of the most unique and oldest homes in Viborg. You’ll see architecture from many different styles that take you on a trip to the 1600s and 1700s when this area was home to farms and shops from various trades.
Viborg’s lakes
Down the hill from the cathedral, you will find the beautiful park called Borgvold, which is a great place to hear live music on Saturday afternoons, as well as one of the best places in Viborg to relax as a family with the wooden playground, paddle boats and ice cream stand. If you are hoping to spend some time on the water, you are in luck, since this is also where Viborg’s two lakes: Nørresø and Søndersø connect. You can get a unique view of the town and cathedral from the middle of the lake on your hour-long boat tour aboard the
Margrethe I.
Hald Sø and castle ruins
If you are looking for another one-of-a-kind experience near Viborg, check out the area of Hald Sø for a day spent in nature. Here, you will find not only some beautiful walking paths around the majestic Lake Hald, but you will also find the Hald Ruins, castle ruins from the 1500s. If you are travelling with children, they will particularly love the forest playground that looks like a giant warthog.
More tips to experiencing Viborg as a local
For a yummy treat for breakfast or lunch, head over to Søster Lagkage café for a delicious pastry, coffee or light sandwich. Then, have some fun shopping at any of the fine shops on Sct. Mathias Gade or enjoy live music in the city centre all summer long on a Saturday afternoon. If local beers are something you search for on your weekend adventures, try out the Viborg Bryghus or the microbar Ølluminati for one of their speciality beers.