Holstebro

Holstebro is the main town in Holstebro Municipality, Denmark. The town, bisected by the Storåen ("The Large Creek"), has a population of 34,241 (1 January 2011). 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. 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...