Why Aalborg?

Let's introduce you to our competitive advantages and the Aalborg way of living

Facts & Figures

As the capital of North Denmark, Aalborg offers vast business opportunities and bursts with energy and innovation.

Aalborg and North Denmark offer a wealth of talent, experience and upcoming future stars within tech, sustainability and manufacturing. The educational institutions, the start-up community and the well-established companies form an ecosystem with endless possibilities.

Dig into this 'Facts & Figures' report and discover why Aalborg is considered a top destination for companies looking to expand og relocate.  

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  • +220,000 inhabitants

    Aalborg is the 3rd largest municipality in Denmark. It has a young and well-educated population with a global mindset and the ambition to make a difference. Aalborg is the capital of North Denmark with a total population of 590,000 within commuting distance from Aalborg.

  • 9,500 busy businesses

    Aalborg is home to about 9,500 companies and bursts with energy and innovation. Each year, we welcome around new 1,000 companies - both startups and well-established companies that move to Aalborg. The city enjoys a thriving startup community with extensive possibilities for office spaces, knowledge and network.

  • Strong industries

    Through the years, Aalborg has developed strongs points within TECH and digitalisation, energy and sustainability, transport and logistics, life science, manufacturing, etc. You find a multitude of SMEs in addition to a wealth of subcontractors, niche  companies, born globals and large exporting companies.

  • World-class university

    More than 23,000 students have been enrolled at Aalborg University (AAU) which is highly recognised worldwide for its research within IT, energy, intelligent logistics, etc. The university is particularly famous for its close ties with the business community and its problem-based learning methods. AAU ranks as Europe's best university within engineering.

  • Highly skilled workforce

    It’s the people and their skills that make the difference. North Danes are characterised by their dedication, flexibility and high qualifications within a wide range of fields – both academic and skilled. As such, 22% of the population aged between 25 and 34 hold a Master’s degree.

  • Global mindset

    26% of all employees in the private sector in Aalborg are employed in companies with international owners. As a result, international business behaviour and excellent language skills are part of our DNA. At present, there are around 11,000 international employees and 4,500 international students who live in Aalborg. These numbers are increasing every year.

  • Made in Aalborg

    To mention but a few of our “Made in Aalborg” flagships: Siemens Gamesa wind turbine blades, Samsung bluetooth solutions, Aalborg Portland cement, VELA chairs, ASETEK cooling systems, DESMI pumps, BLIP tracking systems and Aalborg Chocolate. Take a look at our Focus Areas to get to know more of our flagship companies.

  • Tiny metropolis

    From the city centre of Aalborg, it’ll take you 20 minutes at maximum to go to our international airport to the North, the Port of Aalborg to the East and Aalborg University and the new Aalborg University Hospital to the South East. That’s why we say Aalborg is a 20-minute town. Welcome to our tiny metropolis.

  • Superb infrastructure

    In Aalborg, the world is at your feet. Our busy international airport with heaps of direct daily flights ensure fast connection to the rest of the world, including many daily direct flights to e.g. Copenhagen and Amsterdam. The Port of Aalborg handles 67,500 TEUs a year and is connected to the rest of the world via the weekly feeder route to and from Hamburg and Bremerhaven. Aalborg is connected to the European E45 motorway.

Living in Aalborg

  • Language

    Danish is our native language. Yet, most people also speak English and to some degree German. Moreover, most Danes understand Swedish and Norwegian. Lessons in Danish are available at the Language Center Aalborg.

  • Happiest people in Europe

    The people of Aalborg has several times been ranked among the happiest people in Europe. In addition, the Aalborg citizens are also among those who feel the safest in their city in Europe, and they believe that most people in the city can be trusted.

  • Work-life balance

    The average working week in Aalborg is 37 hours which makes a healthy work-life balance possible. Most families include 2 full-time jobs and they often enjoy a high degree of flexibility at work. There are plenty of day care options for children.

  • Cost of living

    The cost of living in Aalborg is considerably lower than in the large capitals of Europe. We believe in value for money, and on average the cost of living is 35% lower in Aalborg than in Copenhagen. Quality of life is, however, not on sale here.

  • Home, sweet home

    In Aalborg, you find a vast range of housing options. From the brand new city apartments at the waterfront to townhouses, single-family houses, public housing and student flats. Housing is available in many different residential areas and at all price levels.

  • The Waterfront

    Aalborg’s waterfront has undergone a thorough transformation. It was once Aalborg’s industrial heart but now you can experience world-class architecture, exciting cuisine and cozy and cosmopolitan atmosphere – only a 2-minute walk from the city centre.

  • The Fjordland

    Aalborg not only offers an attractive city life but also plenty of recreational activities and places. Take the Fjordland for example – beautiful shores of the Limfjord and only half an hour to the beach or to the largest forrest in Denmark.

  • Sports and leisure

    In Aalborg, football equals AaB, one of the teams playing in the Danish super league. Yet, there are plenty of other sport options available including handball, badminton, tennis, basket and fitness. There are also a wide range of  associations from cooking to scouting and from hunting to chess.

  • From fine art to street art

    Home to Musikkens Hus, named one of the best sound halls in North Europe, Kunsten, which is a living art venue, museums as wells as amazing street art - there are plenty of wonderful experiences in store for you in Aalborg.

  • Shopping

    Aalborg ranks as the most beautiful shopping city in Denmark and offers a multitude of shopping and gastronomic experiences. From department stores and malls to retail chains and specialty shops, there are restaurants and cafés for every taste and plenty of pedestrian areas.