What do you think of when someone mentions Denmark? Lego? Pork? Vikings? Mads Mikkelsen? One thing is for sure – you probably won’t have ever heard of Viborg.
Most people visit Denmark to explore the sights of Copenhagen, but they will probably never come Viborg. West Ham United travel to the Northern hemisphere this Thursday to face Viborg FF, and fans can add this destination to a list of obscure places visited. Although it seems off the grid, Viborg has more to offer than what meets the eye.
QUICK FACTS – DENMARK
Population 5,910,000
Language Danish
Name in Official Language Danmark
Dialling Code +45
Currency Danish Krone (£1=8.83kr)
WHERE IS VIBORG?
Viborg is a city located in the North of Denmark. It is 326 kilometres from Copenhagen and 65 kilometres from Aarhus. A main administrative city in the Jutland peninsula, Viborg has a population of around 41,000 people.
WHAT CAN I DO THERE?
Viborg Cathedral
Construction on Viborg Cathedral started in around 1130 and took 50 years to complete. The structure of the building has been destroyed in fires several times, causing restoration work to be done. The newest parts of the cathedral were installed during the late 1800s.
The cathedral contains many Joakim Skovgaard paintings. Skovgaard, an artist who studied in Paris and Copenhagen, created many paintings to depict biblical stories. These paintings are found inside the cathedral and have been a key part of the interior design for over 100 years.
Skovgaard Museum
The Skovgaard Museum is within walking distance of the cathedral displays the artwork of the Skovgaard family, who were four generations of Danish painters. The museum shows temporary exhibitions three or four times a year to display the work of old and present Danish artwork.
Søndersø Lake
Søndersø Lake is Viborg’s main water source. A tranquil area, families gather around the lake in the summer for water activities and gatherings. You can talk a walk around the lake and relax by the water.
WHAT IS THE STADIUM LIKE?
Energi Viborg Arena
Viborg Stadium can accommodate over 9,500 fans. It was built in 1931 and was renovated three times in the 2000s. Redevelopment work saw the addition of two replay screens and extra standing areas throughout the stadium.
Viborg FF signed a sponsorship deal with Energi Viborg – a local energy company – in 2011. This changed the naming rights of the stadium
How To Get There
The stadium is a four-minute drive from the train station if you wish to take a taxi. Alternatively, there are at least four bus routes to the stadium.
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW BEFORE I GO?
Avoid Paying By Credit Card
Some restaurants, retail shops and businesses will add a surcharge if you pay with a foreign credit card. It is advised that you withdraw some money before you leave and change it when you arrive in Denmark. Most major banks will change British pounds.
Watch For Bicycles
Bicycle ownership is high in Denmark, and many Danes cycle to and from local places. If you are crossing the street or getting off a bus, look carefully for bikes before you walk. This would prevent an accident from happening!
Don’t Make Too Much Noise
Danes don’t tend to talk much in public, preferring to have conversations at home. You may notice that public transportation users are particularly quiet. Don’t be offended if locals are not making conversation with you, as they are not doing it to be rude.