Stormflodssøjlen


Along the riverfront is Stormflodssøjlen, a wooden flood column commemorating the numerous floods that have swept over Ribe. The ring at the top indicates the water’s depth during the record flood of 1634 (6m above normal!), which claimed hundreds of lives. Although these days a system of dikes affords low-lying Ribe somewhat more protection, residents are still subject to periodic flood evacuations.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Johanne Dan

0.04 MILES

Johanne Dan is an old sailing ship designed with a flat bottom, which allowed it to navigate through the shallow waters of the Ribe Å; an onboard visit is…

2. Historic Ribe

0.12 MILES

For a leisurely stroll that takes in some of Ribe’s handsome half-timbered homes and idyllic cobbled lanes, head along any of the streets radiating out…

3. Ribe Domkirke

0.14 MILES

Dominating Ribe’s skyline is the impressive Ribe Cathedral, which dates back to at least 948 (the earliest record of the existence of a bishop in Ribe) –…

4. Kannikegården

0.17 MILES

This award-winning building on the main square houses the church office. Through windows you can see the results of excavations in the area; these found…

5. Den Gamle Rådhus

0.17 MILES

This is the oldest town hall (1496) in Denmark and was used as a courthouse until 2006 – these days it’s a popular spot for civil weddings. As well as…

6. Taarnborg

0.22 MILES

This 16th-century manor house was once home to the town bishop. It's charmingly skew-whiff: no corner is 90 degrees. Next door at No 5 is a half-timbered…

7. Sankt Catharinæ Kirke

0.24 MILES

Founded by Spanish Blackfriars in 1228, St Catharine’s Church was originally built on reclaimed marshland, but it eventually collapsed. The present…

8. Ribe Kunstmuseum

0.25 MILES

An undeniable benefit of being the oldest town in the land is the opportunity to amass an impressive art collection. Ribe’s beautifully restored art…