This is a wooden sculpture located in Bangsbo Forest in Frederikshavn. Several wooden sculptures can be found in the area. They have been very popular in recent years.

Thor is the son of Odin and a member of the Aesir, the collective group of Norse gods. He is the god of thunder and the chief enemy of the giants, as well as the strongest of all the gods in Asgard.

Thor is often described as having flaming red hair and a beard. He is the main defender against the giants of Jotunheim. When he threw his hammer, Mjollnir, at an enemy’s skull, the resulting crash and flash of light became the very symbol of thunder and storms. To wield this mighty weapon, Thor wore iron gloves and a belt of strength. After being thrown, Mjollnir would always return to his hand. Thor represents protection, defense, safety at sea, agriculture, fertility, law, order, and justice. Like the other major gods of Norse mythology, he was fated to die at Ragnarok.

Thor traveled across Middle-earth in his chariot pulled by two goats. His home is Thruthheim—meaning “Land of Strength”—and his hall is called Bilskinir. His wife is Sif.

Known for his quick and fiery temper, Thor often unleashed his anger on the giants, the gods’ main foes.

He was the most popular god among common people, who called on him to ensure fertility. Hammer-shaped amulets—symbols of Thor’s power—were worn around the neck even during the Christianization of Scandinavia. Some artifacts from that time show both crosses and hammers side by side. Thor’s name appears in many place names, and his statue stood at the center of the great temple in Uppsala. Our Thursday is named after him. Among the early Germans, an earlier form of Thor was called Donar, while the Anglo-Saxons worshiped a thunder god named Thunor.

From old Norse mythology:

Loke lived among the Aesir, the old Danish gods, but he came from the world of giants, who were enemies of the gods. The gods tried to compete with Loke, but they never tried to kill him. They understood that evil is always a part of the world.

Loke had many offspring, most of them with giant women. Except for Odin’s eight-legged horse, Sleipnir, all of his children were monsters.

The best known of Loke’s offspring is the Midgard Serpent (see below), a snake larger than a sea serpent. At first, it was just a small worm, but the gods threw it into the ocean, where it grew and grew until it was so huge it surrounded the entire world of gods and men. It lies coiled around the world, biting its own tail, locking in gods and men alike.

According to old Danish stories, the Midgard Serpent still exists and will remain until Ragnarok, the Danish name for Armageddon.

But the worst of Loke’s offspring was the Fenris Wolf. At first, of course, it was a lovely little wolf cub, and the gods played games with it, especially the god Tyr. Tyr was a horned god whose name means “Bull.” Many villages in Denmark still bear his name, and Tuesday is named after him (called Tirsdag in Danish and Tisdag in Swedish).

But the wolf cub grew and grew until it was large enough to swallow the world of gods and men.

Naturally, the gods were very frightened, so they did what anyone would do: they made a chain to hold the wolf. The gods approached Fenris and asked, “Do you want to play a game?”
“Oh yes,” the wolf replied. “What’s the idea?”
“We’ll put this chain around your neck, and you try to break it.”
“Okay,” said the wolf, and the gods placed the chain around its neck.
Of course, it broke immediately.

The gods trembled with fear. Although they didn’t know the word “measurable” — a term connected to our modern scientific world — they traveled the world to gather all measurable materials and melted them down to create a new chain.

Everything that could be measured and weighed was included in that chain.

Science divides the world into two parts: the first, called “That which is,” includes everything visible to the eye or under a microscope. The second, “That which is not,” describes everything science cannot see — such as gods.

But the Danish gods knew nothing of science.
“There must be a life before science,” they thought, and so they acted without investigation. They made the biggest chain ever seen from everything belonging to the measurable world of “That which is.”

With this second chain, they approached the Fenris Wolf again. It took days to drag the heavy chain, and far off, the gods could hear Fenris laughing and shouting, “If you reach me, it will be an honor to break this chain!”

After several days, the gods succeeded in placing the chain around the wolf’s neck — but again, it broke immediately.

Now cold sweat of fear ran down the gods’ backs, and they went to a strange place, strange even for gods: the dwarfs’ halls in the hills. Dwarfs were known then as skilled plumbers and blacksmiths.

The gods asked the dwarfs to make a third chain, and the dwarfs created the strangest chain you’ve ever heard of. It was invisible and called Gleipnir.

It was soft and flabby and made from strange materials: women’s beard, bird’s spittle, the breath of fish, and the sound of a cat’s paws.

With this odd chain, the gods went once more to Fenris.

But this time, the wolf was not willing to play.
“I think there is magic in this chain,” Fenris said.
“On one condition you can put it around my neck: one of you must place an arm in my mouth at the same time.”
In truth, Fenris didn’t have a mouth, but a gap as wide as the opening from a firth to the North Sea.

The gods were uneasy. They looked at each other, clearly unwilling to volunteer.

Then Tyr, who had played with Fenris as a cub, stepped forward and promised to put his arm in the wolf’s mouth.

As the gods placed the chain—made from women’s beard, bird’s spittle, the sinews of a bear, the roots of a mountain, the breath of fish, and the sound of a cat’s paws—around Fenris’s neck, Tyr put his arm in the wolf’s mouth.

The old Danish mythology tells it beautifully: the chain did not break, much to the gods’ delight — but not to Tyr. He lost his arm.

The old Danish story reflects a life experience, opposite to modern science. The old Danish people knew that real strength in life does not come from the measurable world of “That which is,” but from “That which is not” — what cannot be measured or weighed. True strength comes from things you’ll never find under a microscope, like love, attitude, belief, feeling, and hope.

Science has never made this discovery, but the old Norse people did. They didn’t use the words “That which is not,” but found other words to explain their thinking. Women’s beard, bird’s spittle, sinews of a bear, roots of a mountain, the breath of fish, and the sound of a cat’s paws are all poetic expressions of this idea — so powerful that the old Danish people told unforgettable stories to share this truth of life.

You’ve just heard one of them.

It is said that during the mythical battle of Ragnarok, Fenrir will break free from the chain and devour everything, including Odin, king of the gods. However, Fenrir will die after killing Odin, when his son Vidar stabs him.

The Midgard Serpent, also known as Jormungandr, was a monster of Norse mythology. Jormungandr was the second of three children of Loki and the giantess Angrboda. The first was Fenrir, the third was Hel. The Midgard Serpent (sometimes called Midgardsorm) was said to circle the Norse world, biting its own tail — a symbol of eternity. This serpent was an antagonistic figure in the myths. On several occasions, Thor tried to kill the serpent and helped sailors and fishermen when they were in trouble because of it.

Thor’s enmity with the beast is important in the Norse myth of Ragnarok, the twilight of the gods — the end of the world. In this gigantic battle, the Midgard Serpent rises from the ocean to join the fight. The serpent and Thor battle fiercely; the beast is ultimately killed, but its venom kills Thor as well.

This house is approximately 150 years old and shows the traditional way of building houses in Denmark. It has a straw roof, with small windows and a small door. Behind the gate to the right, there used to be a few animals for the household, usually one or two cows.

A large grindstone used for sharpening tools.

In the back, there is a pole that was used to tie horses to when farmers visited town. When in use, it had an iron fitting at the top.

On the ground, you can see millstones and other stone parts used by a windmill.

These stones were used in wedding ceremonies to hold holy water.
They can also be found in “Boolsens Stone Garden.”

The stones again.

Notice the traditional way of building houses in Denmark 250 years ago. The walls contain large timber beams, typical of half-timbered houses.

.......to operate the grindstone.

Behind these 250-year-old walls of Bangsbo Museum, you will find “The Maritime Department,” featuring the exceptional Nordic ship from 1163, discovered in the river Elling Aa. The department also houses a unique collection of figureheads and ship models.

There is also “The World War II Department,” with extensive collections of weapons, uniforms, and civilian items that depict everyday life in Denmark during the war.

Additionally, you will find “The Vehicle Collection,” which showcases a large assortment of horse-drawn urban vehicles, such as mail coaches, landaus, phaetons, hearses, and sledges from the past 400 years.

In the museum’s main building, “The Town History Collection” includes pictures, models, furniture, a complete office from 1880, a whole room, and various everyday articles, tools, and toys.

Even though the museum offers many sights, it is usually not very crowded.

If you’re not a fan of museums, you can take a walk in the forest next to the museum, where there are good chances of seeing deer. Several marked trails are available to follow.

A look at the main building of Bangsbo Museum, which houses the comprehensive Town History Collection. Step inside to discover the region's past through exhibits featuring historic furniture, models, and everyday artifacts.

Explore the historic, half-timbered architecture of Bangsbo Museum, built in a traditional style from 250 years ago. Learn about the building's deep roots, with one wing originally dating back to 1360 and having changed ownership 49 times throughout its long history.

This picture is from “The Forest Garden” in Rold Skov.
In the Forest Garden, you can find trees from all over the world. The oldest are some pine trees planted in 1896, and the tallest (measured in 1992) is 42 meters high with a diameter of 1.43 meters. There are more than 150 different tree species. It’s definitely worth a visit, and best of all—it’s free of charge.

Aalborg Zoo is the second largest zoo in the North. Here, you will find more than 1,000 animals. A lot of effort is put into providing the animals with the most optimal living conditions.

The polar bears at Aalborg Zoo got new facilities in 2000. The surroundings were designed to look as natural as possible. The bears must like their new home, because in 2001 a cub was born. A camera was installed in the cave so visitors could follow the growth of the young bear.

A landmark overlooking the city, the 105-meter-high Aalborg Tower stands on the crest of a hill right behind the Museum of Art. From the top of the tower, there is a breathtaking view of the horizon, giving you an impression of the city’s size, its surrounding fjord, and the changing landscape. The tower was built in connection with an exhibition in 1933 and was originally meant to be dismantled afterward—just like the Eiffel Tower.

From the tower, you can see Lindholm Høje, a Viking burial site dating back to around 800 A.D. The burial ground is one of Denmark’s most fascinating prehistoric finds. More than 600 graves have been uncovered here, of which about 150 are stone ship settings. Archaeologists have also found traces of houses, wells, and parts of a wooden-paved road. Adjacent to the burial site is an interesting museum where you can explore the many artifacts left behind by the Vikings.

Looking in the opposite direction, you can see the Eastern River Valley. As part of a large-scale nature restoration project, Aalborg Municipality has, since the 1990s, successfully improved green areas. Eastern River Valley is a prime example of this effort, demonstrating how targeted initiatives can benefit both wildlife and people. Today, this large area serves as a refuge for numerous bird species, and Aalborg’s residents often visit to observe the birds up close.

In downtown Aalborg, you will find Jens Bang’s Stenhus. This is one of the finest examples of Renaissance domestic architecture in Northern Europe, built in 1624 by the wealthy merchant Jens Bang. Although he was one of the richest people in Aalborg, he was never part of the city council. As a result, there is a stone carving at the end of the house depicting his face sticking out his tongue.

For over 300 years, the building has housed Aalborg’s oldest pharmacy, and during that entire time, the house has never been sold.

This picture was taken in April 2002.

Named after the English patron saint of seamen, St. Botolph’s Church was mainly built around 1400, with its oldest parts dating back to about 1100. The spire was added in 1779. The altarpiece and pulpit date from the late 17th century. The church chimes on the hour from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

This picture was taken in April 2002.

Budolfi Kirke in Aalborg again, seen from the southside.

The picture was taken April 2002.

Krudttårnet was the central point in the fortifications of Fladstrand, built around 1600. Besides storing gunpowder, it also served as a platform for cannons.

Frederikshavn, which at that time was called Fladstrand, was not yet a town but merely a small fishing village. The ocean outside Fladstrand is the best place on the east coast for large ships to seek shelter in bad weather before passing the dangerous waters near the tip of Skagen.

During the many wars between Denmark and Sweden, this location had great strategic importance. The famous sea hero Peter Wessel often used it as his base before attacking the Swedes.

This picture was taken in April 2002.

The crane to the left is a remnant of the old shipyard, Danyard. Today, ships are no longer built there, but another yard uses the facilities for repairs. The buildings now house maritime consulting companies that offer prefabricated spools and machine units in various materials, as well as design and engineering support to a wide range of manufacturers within the industrial and maritime sectors.

In the background, you can see the largest church and Krudttårnet.

This picture was taken in April 2002.

It is always fun to go on a treasure hunt at Rosenborg Castle. Here, you will find De Danske Kongers kronologiske Samlinger (the Royal Danish chronological collections), which include silver, chinaware, and paintings. The greatest attractions are the crown jewels and the crown regalia kept in the treasure vaults.

Christian IV built the castle, and today each room represents a different period, beginning with the Renaissance, followed by the Baroque period, and continuing up to Frederik VII.

The castle is located in Kongens Have (King’s Garden), which has been a popular spot since the king opened its gates in the early 1700s. Today, the garden is the most visited park in Copenhagen. People sunbathe there in the summer, and many come for picnics or birthday teas on the lawns.

Fiskerklyngen was the original Frederikshavn — the oldest part of town, dating back to the 1500s. It features the typical North Jutland style, with yellow walls and red roofs.

Frederikshavn, formerly known as Fladstrand, has on many occasions served as a starting point for naval operations throughout the Danish Navy’s 400-year history. However, it was not until modern times that naval units were permanently stationed in the town.

The natural and ideal port facilities of this small fishing town gradually became the foundation for flourishing trade and, naturally, a port capable of supporting naval operations.

The first real military installations in the area were established with the fortification of Fladstrand. Paradoxically, the original fortress was built as protection against the Danish Navy. Constructed between 1627 and 1629 by German troops—who occupied Jutland following King Christian IV’s unfortunate involvement in the Thirty Years’ War—the fortress aimed to defend against any Danish landings. The remains of these fortifications, known as "Nordre Skanse" ("The Northern Entrenchment"), including an old cannon, can still be found north of Frederikshavn.

A small harbour in Frederikshavn called “Skansehavnen.” Only a few dinghies use it, as you can see in the picture. In the background, you can see a small island with a light tower called “Hirsholmene.”