Homes on cobbled streets in Ribe.

©Frank Bach/Shutterstock

Historic Ribe

Southern Jutland


For a leisurely stroll that takes in some of Ribe’s handsome half-timbered homes and idyllic cobbled lanes, head along any of the streets radiating out from Torvet (note that the night-watchman walks cover much of this ground).

To help you appreciate the surrounds, drop by the tourist office and pick up a copy of the free Town Walk in Old Ribe brochure; it’s available in Danish, English, German, Dutch, Italian, Spanish and French.

On Puggårdsgade is a 16th-century manor house, the charmingly skew-whiff Taarnborg, where no corner is 90°. Next door at No 5 is a half-timbered house from 1550.

From Grønnegade, narrow alleys lead down and across pretty Fiskergade to Skibbroen and the picturesque riverfront.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Southern Jutland attractions

1. Ribe Domkirke

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Dominating Ribe’s skyline is the impressive Ribe Cathedral, which dates back to at least 948 (the earliest record of the existence of a bishop in Ribe) –…

2. Kannikegården

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This award-winning building on the main square houses the church office. Through windows you can see the results of excavations in the area; these found…

3. Den Gamle Rådhus

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This is the oldest town hall (1496) in Denmark and was used as a courthouse until 2006 – these days it’s a popular spot for civil weddings. As well as…

4. Johanne Dan

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Johanne Dan is an old sailing ship designed with a flat bottom, which allowed it to navigate through the shallow waters of the Ribe Å; an onboard visit is…

5. Taarnborg

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This 16th-century manor house was once home to the town bishop. It's charmingly skew-whiff: no corner is 90 degrees. Next door at No 5 is a half-timbered…

6. Stormflodssøjlen

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Along the riverfront is Stormflodssøjlen, a wooden flood column commemorating the numerous floods that have swept over Ribe. The ring at the top indicates…

7. Sankt Catharinæ Kirke

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Founded by Spanish Blackfriars in 1228, St Catharine’s Church was originally built on reclaimed marshland, but it eventually collapsed. The present…

8. Ribe Kunstmuseum

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An undeniable benefit of being the oldest town in the land is the opportunity to amass an impressive art collection. Ribe’s beautifully restored art…