Esbjerg is nestled in the Jutland peninsula in south-western Denmark and is home to approximately 114,000 inhabitants. It was labelled Denmark’s gateway to the West and is still an important Danish port.

Esbjerg has a temperate climate with high levels of humidity and unpredictable weather changes. The summer months May to August are the best time to visit with temperatures ranging around 25°C, but at times, it can get uncomfortably hot with temperatures reaching 35°C.

A thriving fishing industry made the city’s harbour the hub of major economic activity. With the discovery of oil and natural gas in the North Sea, Esbjerg has also become Denmark’s prime player in offshore oil drilling activities.

History

After the Treaty of Vienna of 1864, under the terms of which Denmark had to cede the Duchies of Schleswig-Holstein and Lauenburg to Germany, the ports on the west coast of Schleswig were available to the Danes only on payment of customs duties. Therefore it was decided in 1868 to build a port on the site where Esbjerg now stands, especially with a view to trading with Britain. The port was completed in 1878 but later modernised and extended on several occasions. Esbjerg received its town charter in 1898.

Economy

Exports and imports and the processing of fish form the major branches of the town's economy. The principal exports are the products of agriculture and fishing. There are fur farms outside the town. Passenger traffic is also of significance; there are ferry services from Esbjerg to Great Britain (Newcastle and Harwich) and to the Faroes (Tórshavn).

Sights

Within the town there are wooded areas and parks with lakes and sports facilities, including Strandskoven, Vognsbol Park and Norreskoven.


For more information about Esbjerg please go to www.visitesbjerg.com



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