| For a long time the junction of the major roads across Jutland,
VIBORG was once one of the most important communities in the country.
From Knud in 1027 to Christian V in 1655, all Danish kings were crowned
here, and until the early nineteenth century the town was the seat of a
provincial assembly. As the national administrative axis shifted towards
Zealand, however, Viborg's importance waned, and although it still has
the high court of West Denmark, it's now primarily a market town for the
local farming community.
The twin towers of the Domkirke (April-May & Sept Mon-Sat 11am-4pm, Sun
noon-4pm; June-Aug Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun noon-5pm; Oct-March Mon-Sat
11am-3pm, Sun noon-3pm) are the most visible feature of the compact town
centre, and the most compelling reminder of Viborg's former glories. The
interior is dominated by the brilliant frescoes of Joakim Skovgaard,
whose work can also be seen in the Skovgaard Museum (daily: May-Sept
10am-12.30pm & 1.30-5pm; Oct-April 1.30-5pm; June-Aug 10kr, rest of the
year free), inside the former Rådhus across Gammel Torv. For a broader
perspective of Viborg's past, keep an hour spare for exploring the
Viborgs Stiftsmuseum (District Museum) on the northern side of
Hjultorvet between Vestergade and Skt. Mathias Gade (mid-June to Aug
daily 11am-5pm; Sept to mid-June Mon-Fri 2-5pm, Sat & Sun 11am-5pm;
20kr), which has everything from prehistoric artifacts to clothes,
furniture and household appliances.
The tourist office on Nytorv (mid-June to Aug Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat
9am-3pm; mid-May-mid-June Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-12.30pm; rest of the
year Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, Sat 9.30am-12.30pm; tel 86.61.16.66, www.viborg.dk
) can supply a handy map for exploring old Viborg and advise on
accommodation . In town, Palads Hotel , 5 Sct. Mathias Gade (tel
86.62.37.00, www.hotelpalads.dk ; £40/$64/¬72 and over), often has
reduced rates. The more affordable youth hostel (tel 86.67.17.81,
www.danhostel.dk/viborg ; £5-10/$8-16/¬9-18, closed Dec-March) and
campsite (with cabins), are both 2km across the lake from the town
centre, along Vinkelvej (bus #707).
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from $208.37
USD