Compared to most of Denmark’s other cities, Esbjerg is a bit of an upstart- it was founded in 1868, as a trading post to compensate for the loss of Schleswig (which formerly handled export for Jutland) to Germany. Although a `young’ city, Esbjerg is an important one- situated in the south-western part of Jutland, it lies opposite Fanø Island and is the country’s largest fishing port, but no longer as important, commercially, as it once was.

But only 40 minutes’ train ride from Esbjerg, Ribe is Denmark’s oldest town. Estimated to be 13 centuries old, the town’s cobbled streets and half-timbered houses date back to the 16th century. 

Places worth visiting in Ribe are the Viking Center, a reconstruction of life during the time of the famed warriors and Ribe Cathedral. Another highlight of the town is the excellent museum of Ribes Vikinger.

Among Esjberg's fairly limited tourist attractions are a host of museums, including the Fisheries and Maritime Museum, the main highlight of which is a World War II German bunker, along with the `Sealarium’, a great place to see the marine creatures up close. Other major museums in Esbjerg are the Museum of Printing, the Museum of Art, and the Esbjerg Museum, a suitable place to get a feel of this town’s history. The Watertower is another place you might like to visit, if you’re interested in art: it has a good collection.

Esbjerg has a small airport, but flights to this- from other major Danish cities- are few. Instead, it’s a good idea to get to the city by train or bus- there are a number of connections from across the country, and to other destinations in Europe as well. Once in the city, head for the tourist office at Skolegade 33- it’s the best place to get information, go on a tour of the city and book accommodation.