There's a lot to experience on a holiday in Mariager, especially if you're a history buff. The cobblestone streets and crooked, windblown houses attest to a storied past, while the dates on the homes (like 1789 and 1838) serve as a constant reminder that Mariager is a town with a long history. The enchanting Mariager Abbey Church towers supreme over the town centre, while the antique Veterantog Train departs from the harbour during the summer months on a gorgeous 20-mile trip to the neighbouring village of Handest and back.
Until 1410, Mariager was just a tiny fishing village, but around the year 1450 the Bridgettine Order established an abbey in the village, which spurred significant growth that led to the town being recognised as a merchant centre by King Christian IV in 1592. The numerous log cabins are remnants of a bygone era, but while the homes may be medieval, the town itself offers plenty of modern conveniences, such as lively, charming cafés and quaint little shops.
If the whole family is in tow, then take a ride on the antique Veterantoget Train or hop on board The Swan - a paddle wheel steamer that's always a favourite with the kiddies. Mariager Fjord is often called the most beautiful fjord in Denmark, and you'll be able to see it from the best vantage point possible – the sea – during a trip on the Swan. You'll sail by picturesque scenery, such as the idyllic fishing village of Stinesminde and the Bramslev Hills, which is home to a 300-hectare protected reserve full of gorgeous walking trails and jaw-dropping landscapes created over a million-years-ago, then reshaped by glaciers during the Ice Age.
Salt has been extracted from the marshes in Mariager and the surrounding area since the Middle Ages. Watch the Master Saltsmith make the wildly popular, most expensive salt in the world using time-tested production methods dating from the Middle Ages. Then swim in a pool that's as briny as the Dead Sea, or enjoy a fascinating virtual salt mine tour at the Mariager Salt Centre right by the harbour in Mariager.
You can get to Mariager by flying into either Aalborg or Arhus and hiring a rental car for the hour-long drive to Mariager. Or if you prefer the scenic route, you can take the train to Hobro, followed by a bus to Mariager.
Mariager offers lots of activities for the entire family – you’ll be sure to return home with plenty of great experiences to cherish!
