Ribe Overview

Denmark’s oldest settlement, Ribe (REEB-eh) is a well-preserved medieval viking town near Jutland’s west coast. The tower of the 12th-century Domkirke (Cathedral), with its 248 steps, offers an impressive, sweeping view of the town’s red-shingled roofs. (☎75 42 06 19. Open July-mid Aug. M-Sa 10am- 5:30pm, Su noon-5:30pm; May-June and mid-Aug. to Sept. M-Sa 10am-5pm, Su noon-5pm; low season reduced hours. 10kr.) Near the Torvet (Main Square), the Old Town Hall, Von Støckens Pl., houses a former debtors’ prison where artifacts of Ribe’s medieval “justice” system are displayed. (☎76 88 11 22. Open June-Aug. daily 1-3pm; May and Sept. M-F 1-3pm. 15kr.) Since 1932, it has been tradition for a singing  night watchman to lead entertaining walking tours, despite the fact that the townspeople have to go to sleep. (40min. June-Aug. 8 and 10pm, May and Sept. 10pm. Free. Beginning in Torvet.)

The Ribe Vandrerhjem (HI) , Sct. Pedersg. 16, is old but very spacious and well-kept. The hostel provides guests with a free Ribe Pass, which grants discounts around the city. From the station, cross the parking lot, bear right, walk to the end of Sct. Nicolajg., then turn right on Saltg. and immediately left. (☎75 42 06 20; www.danhostel-ribe.dk. Open Feb.-Nov. Breakfast 55kr. Linens 47kr, with towel 60kr. Laundry 45kr. Internet 20kr. per 30min. Bike rentals 65kr per day. Reception 8am-noon and 4-6pm. Check-in 4-6pm. Dorms 135-185kr; singles 335-355kr; doubles 365-555kr. 35kr HI discount. AmEx/MC/V.) Overdammen, which begins at the Torvet, has inexpensive cafes and pizzerias; supermarkets are on Seminarievej. Although nightlife in Ribe is nearly nonexistent, a handful of locals and tourists loll in the town’s few bars. At the Strygejernet Pub Café, Dagmarsg. 1, locals watch sports and enjoy a pint of beer for 25kr, 32kr at night. (☎75 41 13 51. Open Tu-Th 3pm-midnight, F-Sa 1pm-5am. Cash only.)

Trains go to Århus via Fredricia. The tourist office is at Torvet 3. From the train station, walk down Dagmarsg, making a right on Østenbogade; the office is in the main square and offers free Internet. (☎75 42 15 00; www.visitribe.dk. Open June and Sept. M-F 9am-5pm, Sa 10am-1pm. July-Aug. M-F 9am-6pm, Sa 10am-5pm, Oct.-May M-F 10am-4:30pm, Sa 10am-1pm.)