Aabenraa (Denmark)

Aabenraa is a port city in Denmark, located at the head of Aabenraa Fjord, approx 61 km (38 mi) north of Schleswig (Germany's Schleswig-Holstein state), with population around 16,000. As cruise port, Aabenraa (port locode DKAAB) features a deepwater natural harbor allowing access to ships with max drought 7,5 m (25 ft).

Regular passenger ferries link Aabenraa with Kristiansand (Norway) and Goteborg (Sweden).

Aabenraa was first mentioned in the 12th century when the town was attacked by the Wends (slavic people). The settlement started growing around the bishop's castle Opnor Hus and received its merchant status in 1240. During the Middle Ages (13th-15th centuries), the town developed a fishing industry and hops production (flowers aka seed cones or strobiles).

Town's glory days were in the period 1750s-1864 when the shipping traffic steadily grew, serving the trade routes linking Denmark with the Mediterranean, South America, China, Australia. Aabenraa had a good harbor providing safe navigation and shelter for large-sized sailships. The port had Denmark's 3rd-largest trade fleet - following only Copenhagen and Flensborg (Flensburg). The town also had several renowned shipbuilding yards.

Among the town's most popular tourist attractions are Sanct Nicolai Kirke (13th-century church) and Brundlund Slot (15th-century castle, currently housing an Art Museum). Aabenraa is also a popular bathing resort vacation destination.