Aalborg: This Charming Scandinavian City Is A Direct Flight From Newark

Denmark’s capital city Copenhagen is a common destination or transit hub for frequent flyers to Northern Europe. But when Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) recently announced a new direct route to Denmark from Newark Airport, many people reached for a map.

That’s because SAS has taken the intriguing step of announcing direct flights from Newark to Aalborg, Denmark’s fourth biggest city with a population of just 120,000.

From April 2023, the new direct flight from Newark to Aalborg will operate three times weekly on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays during the summer season.

SAS will operate the route using one of its new Airbus A321 LR single-aisle aircraft, with seats for just 157 passengers, including 22 business and 12 premium economy seats.

An introduction to Aalborg, Denmark

With a history dating back to the Viking Age, the Aalborg region is popular for history tourism and as a gateway to the wider region of North Jutland.

Vikings used the Limfjord—the waterway that cuts through Jutland—to access fishing, trade and the wider world. Today that waterfront has been revitalized and offers a modern touch to this historic city.

The pocket-sized city offers a thriving cultural center, modern architecture and street art alongside historical sites such as a 16th-century castle, medieval old town and a Viking burial site. Its restaurant, bar and nightlife scene is also livelier than you might expect for a city of its size.

Things to do in Aalborg

Aalborg Zoo is one of the best known family-friendly attractions in the region. It’s on the small side but still home to some 1,500 animals, including more than 100 exotic species.

Start exploring the mix of old and new in Aalborg itself on the charming cobbled streets of the old town. Enjoy the large murals, cozy cafes and architecture dating back hundreds of years. End your stroll at Aalborghus Castle, a 16th-century half-timbered riverside fortress.

You don’t have to go far to see the modern side of Aalborg. Across the highway from the castle, the Utzon Cultural Center was the last building to be designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, the man responsible for designing Sydney Opera House. It’s become a destination for fans of Scandinavian architecture and design, as has the nearby House of Music.

Why has SAS chosen Aalborg?

With a populaton of just 120,000, Aalborg may seem a strange choice for a direct long-haul flight, but SAS isn’t betting on Aalborg’s popularity with U.S. travelers.

Instead, the carrier is hoping for regional demand across Scandinavia for direct flights to Newark. From Newark, SAS customers can connect onto Star Alliance partner airlines including United and Air Canada to many destiantions across North America.

Even so, why Aalborg, given its small size? Although Aalborg is just Denmark’s fourth largest city, it is a regional capital of the North Jutland area and farther away from SAS hub Copenhagen than the country’s other bigger cities Aarhus and Odense.