After the Aalborg Marathon: A Day in Aalborg

The Route: Aalborg centre → Kunsten → waterfront and Utzon Center → Lindholm Høje Logistics: The centre and waterfront are close together on the south bank of the Limfjord. Lindholm Høje is on the north bank, near the race venue. Marathon Month: August Duration: Day trip

Centre (brunch) ──(walk)──> Kunsten ──(walk)──> Utzon Center and waterfront ──(bus or taxi, north bank)──> Lindholm Høje

The Aalborg Marathon finishes on a Saturday morning, early enough that the afternoon is yours and Sunday is the day for the city. The start and finish are on the north bank of the Limfjord, but the museums and restaurants are on the south, so a day in the centre also means crossing the water that you spent the morning running over.

August in Aalborg. Mid-August is summer, with long evenings and a fair chance of showers. Museums keep their regular hours, but check each one before you set out, since some Danish museums close on Mondays. Bring a light waterproof.

Morning: brunch and a view

Start in the city centre with brunch. The tourist board suggests Penny Lane Café, which bakes its own bread and cakes and makes its own jam and pesto. Check Sunday opening hours before you walk over.

Salling ROOFTOP is a rooftop park above the shopping district, with views of the skyline and the Limfjord and a glass ramp more than 30 metres above the street. Take the lift if there is one, and avoid the stairs. Check opening hours and any charge.

Afternoon: Aalto and Utzon

Kunsten is the city's museum of modern art, designed by Alvar Aalto, and the tourist board calls it one of Denmark's architectural gems. The floors are indoors and level, and there is seating. Check hours, because it keeps extended opening on some weekday evenings.

The Utzon Center is the other choice, the last major building by Jørn Utzon, with exhibitions on architecture and design on the waterfront. Restaurant JØRN is at the same address and makes a good place for a seated meal. Book ahead. Walk along the waterfront between the two, which is flat and paved.

If you have the energy: Lindholm Høje

Lindholm Høje is a Viking Age burial ground in Nørresundby with 682 graves and 150 stone ships, and a museum with reconstructions and 3D animations. The ground was preserved under drifting sand around the year 1000. The site is outdoors and uneven, so keep the visit short. Café Lindholm on the hilltop has views over the Limfjord. Check opening hours and ticket prices on the museum's website, and check the bus or taxi from the centre.

Evening

Restaurant Fusion on the waterfront serves Danish and international food. Mortens Kro is the option for traditional open sandwiches. Book ahead on a Saturday night.

Back to the hotel