Ribe Cathedral — Attraction in Esbjerg Municipality

Ribe Cathedral (Ribe Domkirke) is Denmark’s oldest cathedral and one of the most significant historical landmarks in the country. Located in the heart of Ribe, Denmark’s oldest town, the cathedral dates back to around 1150 and showcases a unique mix of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles.

The cathedral is famous for its impressive twin towers, though only one, the Commoner’s Tower (Borgertårnet), remains fully intact and accessible. Visitors can climb to the top for breathtaking views of Ribe and the surrounding marshlands. The church’s interior is equally stunning, featuring beautiful frescoes, intricate altarpieces, and a striking modern bronze relief by Carl-Henning Pedersen.

One of the cathedral’s most notable aspects is its history. Over centuries, it has withstood Viking raids, fires, and structural changes, making it a living testament to Denmark’s religious and cultural evolution. The cathedral also houses the tomb of Saint Ansgar, the missionary who brought Christianity to Scandinavia.

Today, Ribe Cathedral remains an active place of worship while serving as a must-visit attraction for tourists. Its rich history, architectural beauty, and panoramic views make it a fascinating destination for history lovers and...

Ribe Cathedral is a beautiful church. Entrance to the church itself is free (like any other church in Denmark). You can also visit the tower (Borgertårnet) for a small fee, I believe it is 25 kroner per person. The view from the tower is fantastic, even on a hazy day we could see Esbjerg in the horizon. There are many steps to climb, though, and as the tower is old, the steps are narrow. The first flights of stairs are of brick, further towards the top the steps are made of wood. On the first landing, you will find a small museum with interesting facts and artifacts of both the cathedral and Christianity in Denmark. I also learned what "Kyrie, eleison" means. I have listened to the Mr. Mister song countless times since the 1980s, but it wasn't until my visit to the museum I learned what it means. In conclusion, well worth the entrance fee, remember to bring...

An Iconic, and first Danish "Church"! Construction on this Church- Denmark's first- began in 1150! Over the many years- some quite "turbulent"- the parts of the building was destroyed while other parts were rebuilt! The style of the church is "Romanesque". The surrounding city, Ribe, is also Denmark's oldest "city". One will find very interesting statues- as well as "Modern Art" in the church, stained glass windows, a Bell Tower as well as the "dramatically varying" architecture Also, its really worthwhile mounting the stairs to the top-- which provides one with wonderful, exciting views of the surroundings. The building has been awarded "a Michelin 2 star designation" as well as TripAdvisor's "Certificate of Excellence"! The Church has also been rated (by travellers like you and I) as the number 1 attraction in Ribe!

I hope that this Review has...