Homes on cobbled streets in Ribe.

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Historic Ribe


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 attractions

1. Ribe Domkirke

0.03 MILES

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

0.08 MILES

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

0.1 MILES

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

0.11 MILES

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

0.12 MILES

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

0.18 MILES

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

0.26 MILES

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…