Holstebro

Holstebro

Skyline
Holstebro
Coordinates: 56°21′26″N 08°36′55″E / 56.35722°N 8.61528°E
Country Denmark
Region Central Denmark (Midtjylland)
Municipality Holstebro
Government
  Mayor H.C Østerby (A)
Area
  City 800.19 km2 (308.96 sq mi)
Elevation 14 m (46 ft)
Population (2014)
  City 34,873
  Density 44/km2 (110/sq mi)
  Metro 57,338
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
  Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code 7500
Area code(s) (+45) 96
Website holstebro.dk

Holstebro is the main town in Holstebro Municipality, Denmark. The town, bisected by the Storåen ("The Large Creek"), has a population of 34,873 (1 January 2014).[1]

History

The town arose at a ford by the creek, and later a bridge was erected. The name probably derives from holdested ved broen (lit, "a resting place by the bridge").

Holstebro was first mentioned in a letter from Bishop Thyge of Ribe in 1274. A large fire in 1552 destroyed many of the town's old buildings.

Today

The town is a trading, industrial and cultural center in western Jutland. It has a large network of pedestrian walkways (gågader) in the inner town that support a varied shopping environment beautifully enhanced by outdoor sculptures and picturesque buildings. The first sculpture purchased by Holstebro Municipality, and the cornerstone in their efforts to further cultural development in the town, is Alberto Giacometti's sculpture "Woman on the Cart" purchased in 1966.

Holstebro has a rich and varied cultural life; it hosted (1997–2009) the internationally recognized ballet company Peter Schaufuss Ballet; and still hosts the performance art theatre Odin Teatret. Several museums, including the Holstebro Art Museum with its collection of Danish and international contemporary art and the Holstebro Museum, can be found in the town.

The Holstebro Hall, rebuilt in 1966, houses a music theatre, the Holstebro Convention and Culture Center (1991) and provides space for theatre presentations, concerts, exhibitions and conventions. More than 100 cultural events occur here every year, and the hall is visited by more than 100,000 people annually. Holstebro Hall was recently renovated.

The town holds an annual culture festival, the Holstebro Festive Week, in late summer.

The town also has diversified industries, including the manufacture of processed food, iron and machinery, wood and furniture, textiles and chemicals.

The Jutland Dragoon Regiment (Jydske Dragonregiment), which can trace its history back to 1679 in the times of King Christian V, has made Holstebro its home since 1953. The regiment is Holstebro's largest place of work with more than 1,800 employees.

Canoeing and kayaking on the nearly 100 km (62 miles) long Storåen is popular during the summer and early autumn; it is allowed between 15 June and 31 October.

Jamboree Denmark 2012

A Scouting Jamboree took place near Holstebro in July 2012. 35,000 Scouts and Guides were expected to attend.[2]

International relations

Twin towns - Sister cities

Holstebro is a founding member of the Douzelage, a unique town twinning association of 24 towns across the European Union. This active town twinning began in 1991 and there are regular events, such as a produce market from each of the other countries and festivals.[3][4] Discussions regarding membership are also in hand with three further towns (Agros in Cyprus, Škofja Loka in Slovenia, and Tryavna in Bulgaria).

Spain Altea, Spain - 1991
Germany Bad Kötzting, Germany - 1991
Italy Bellagio, Italy - 1991
Republic of Ireland Bundoran, Ireland - 1991
France Granville, France - 1991
Denmark Holstebro, Denmark - 1991
Belgium Houffalize, Belgium - 1991
Netherlands Meerssen, the Netherlands - 1991
Luxembourg Niederanven, Luxembourg - 1991
Greece Preveza, Greece - 1991
Portugal Sesimbra, Portugal - 1991
United Kingdom Sherborne, United Kingdom - 1991
Finland Karkkila, Finland - 1997
Sweden Oxelösund, Sweden - 1998
Austria Judenburg, Austria - 1999
Poland Chojna, Poland - 2004
Hungary Kőszeg, Hungary - 2004
Latvia Sigulda, Latvia - 2004
Czech Republic Sušice, Czech Republic - 2004
Estonia Türi, Estonia - 2004
Slovakia Zvolen, Slovakia - 2007
Lithuania Prienai, Lithuania - 2008
Malta Marsaskala, Malta - 2009
Romania Siret, Romania - 2010

References

Notes