Ribe was founded by the Vikings around the year 700. In the second half of the 12th century, Ribe Cathedral was built and at the beginning of the 13th century, Ribe gained market town status. Riberhus Castle, located on Slotsbanken, was the kings recidens. In the 16th century, Ribe was one of Denmark's largest cities and the export of bulls in particular made the town wealthy. Today, Ribe's medieval town center has more than 100 listed buildings.
Ribe has been named one of Europe's most beautiful cities and is known for its many sights and events all year round.
Shops and restaurants
The cozy pedestrian street has a large number of shops. The street itself runs across Ribe stream, on a dam built in 1250 by King Christopher the First. He wanted to raise the stream to provide water power to run mills. The dam divides the stream into 3 narrow, gushing streams, which precisely provide the opportunity for 3 water mills. See the mills along the pedestrian street, they are still spinning.
The Ribe Frieze
In Ribe Byferie Resort you can see The Ribe Frieze, which was a gift from the holiday center to the town when Ribe celet´brated it's 1300th anniversary in 2010.
The Ribe Frieze is 6 art works showing the entire history of the city in drawings and texts. There are many whimsical details in the Ribe Tapestry with references to other works of art as well as small stories that connect past and present. It was designed by local artist Bernd Hobohm.
Year 700-1110 Viking Age. The Vikings founded Ribe
Year 1110-1310 Middle Ages: Trade and seafaring. The cathedral is being built.
Year 1310-1610 Late Middle Ages and Reformation: Greatness and wealth.
Year 1610-1810 Decay and stagnation: Fires, plague and storm surges.
Year 1810-1910 Industrialization: Ribe experiences a flourishing
Year 1910-2010 The last 100 years: Transformation into a new era.
Ribe also offers a wonderful culinary journey. In the city's numerous restaurants and cafes, you can enjoy everything from local specialties to the modern Nordic cuisine. All served with the special hospitality that Ribe is known for.
If you are into local delicacies, then visit the local brewery Ribe Bryghus og the wine yard Vester Vedsted Vingård
Music lives in Ribe. Especially at Spillestedet Termansens owned by the internationally internationally known jazz musician Martin Schack. If you are into classical music, see the Rued Langgaard Festival.
From May - October and during Easter, Ribe's watchmen walk every evening through the town's beautiful old streets. Join the tour and hear about Ribe's dramatic and exciting history. The guided tour starts at Restaurant Weis Stue in the pedestrian street by the cathedral. The tour is free
See the Event calenderen
