Starlings say good night - Black Sun

Gudrun Rishede

Ribe is the oldest town in Denmark. It was founded around year 700. At that time the Vikings founded a market place here and the town had guests from many places in the world, who came here for trading. You can meet the Vikings at the 2 places in Ribe: The Museum Ribes Vikinger  http://www.ribesvikinger.dk  – Museum of the Viking era and the Middle Ages and at Ribe Viking Centre. http://www.ribevikingecenter.dk   

Ribe is also   the best-preserved town of the Danish Middle Ages - therefore a walk through Ribe is like a walk through Ribe's and Denmark's history. In the summer months you may accompany the night watchman on his evening route through the old streets, while he is singing to alert citizens about bedtime approaching. Along the way he will tell you tales about witches, floods and fires.

You could also choose to follow this Town Walk http://www.danhostel-ribe.dk/inspiration/town-walk.html written by a Ribe citizen.

Ribe Cathedral   http://www.danhostel-ribe.dk/stories-from-the-past/ribe-cathedral-the-church-of-our-lady.html is the only 5-aisled church in Denmark. with mosaics and  fresco paintings by the famous Cobra artist Carl Henning Pedersen. Climb the Commoner’s Tower with a view of marshland and the Wadden Sea. It is 52 meters (170 feet) high with 248 steps.  In clear weather one can enjoy a scenic view with the spacious landscape expanding in a radius of about 30 to 35km (19 to 22 miles).

Ribe Artmuseum http://www.ribe-kunstmuseum.dk has a unique collection of paintings from Denmark’s Golden Age and the famous Skagen painters.

The Wadden Sea Centre, http://www.vadehavscentret.dk Vester Vedsted, Ribe (10km). Start exploring the Wadden Sea with a visit here. Introduction to the Wadden Sea's dynamic nature, all-embracing ecosystem and particular culture, all influenced by the constant danger of violent storm floods. The Wadden Sea Centre also offers public tours and group excursions with guides.

Starlings - "Black Sun". In Spring and Autumn huge numbers of starlings land in the marshes around Ribe every evening . They circle around and create fascinating formations in the air before they land at dusk in an area covered with reeds.