About Aalborghus

The first documentation of Aalborghus, dating back to 1340, revealed that the castle was originally located a little to the south of its present day position. It then came to be owned by Margrethe I. In 1513, King Hans died here after having fallen from his stead, near Tarm.

Around the year 1530, Frederik I considered demolishing Aalborghus Castle and transforming the city’s Franciscan monastery into a castle. However, it was his son, Christian III, who eventually demolished the castle in 1539 and commenced the building of a more modern, fortified castle further north, close to the Liim Fjord.  The royal builder, Morten Bussert, was the architect.

Governor's Seat

This castle was meant as an administrative centre and a fortress, but it proved impractical for military purposes as it could not supply its garrison with drinking water in the event of a siege.  It did, however, become the provincial administration centre and the seat of the Royal Governor.

The three-winged castle was completed circa 1555, and a barrier wall was constructed on the fourth side facing the Liim Fjord. In 1633, Christian IV affixed a large wing onto the barrier wall. This wing still survives with its façade facing the harbour.  It once contained granaries on several floors to store corn taxes.  A similar wing was situated on the westerly ramparts, of which a long salt cellar still exists; it was used for storing pork, poultry, fish and other tithes.

The east wing is from the original 1550s castle, the North from the 1630s and the detached half-timbered building to the south was added in 1808-09. From 1954-64 the old granaries were completely renovated by the Royal Inspector of Listed Buildings, Leopold Teschl, and turned into offices and a beautiful meeting hall for the county council.