Ejsberg

Founded in 1868 Ejsberg was primarly a replacement for the harbour in Altona, which had previously been Denmark’s most important North Sea harbour.

The city has been voted “City of the Year” twice: in 1997 where and in 2006.  The city holds an annual music festival spanning two weekends (nine days) during mid-August and is focused around the central Torvet Square which hosts the main stage.

The city centre was established at a time when new industrial towns were being laid out on so called gridplans – straight streets at right angles to each other. That has resulted in plenty of light, air and open street space.
The original landmark, the Water Tower, was built in 1896-97, modelled on a medieval German building and almost having the appearance of a fortification.

Most of the churches in Esbjerg are modern and designed by excellent Danish architects. Though you can also find the traditionel old churches here.

Besides the fishing industry Esbjerg is also the main city for Denmark’s oil and offshore activities. Companies like Mærsk Oil & Gas, Ramboll Oil & Gas, ABB A/S,Schlumberger, COWI and Atkins Denmark all have offshore related activities in the city.

Esbjerg is one of the central towns of the University of Southern Denmark, and also houses a branch of Aalborg University and IT Academy West.