Ringkøbing facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ringkøbing
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Town
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The town square, Ringkøbing
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 Ringkøbing
Location in Denmark
Ringkøbing
Location in Denmark Central Denmark Region
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| Country | Denmark | |
| Region | Region Midtjylland | |
| Municipality | Ringkøbing-Skjern | |
| Area | ||
| • Urban | 7.1 km2 (2.7 sq mi) | |
| Population
(2024)
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| • Urban | 9,932 | |
| • Urban density | 1,399/km2 (3,623/sq mi) | |
| • Gender | 4,743 males and 5,189 females | |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | |
| Postal code |
DK-6950 Ringkøbing
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Ringkøbing (older spelling Ringkjøbing) is a charming town in Ringkøbing-Skjern Municipality. It is located in the Region Midtjylland on the west coast of the Jutland peninsula in Denmark. As of January 2024, about 9,932 people live here.
Contents
History of Ringkøbing
How Ringkøbing Started
Archaeologists believe that Ringkøbing was founded in the 13th century. Back then, it was the only real harbour town along Denmark's west coast. It was safe from the rough North Sea because of the natural wall of Holmsland Dunes.
Changes to the Harbour
In the 1600s, the narrow passage connecting Ringkøbing Fjord to the North Sea started to shift south. This was due to the wind and ocean tides. Soon, ships could no longer sail through it. Ringkøbing was cut off from the sea for many years.
However, things changed in the early 1900s. A new channel was built at the town of Hvide Sande. This new channel reconnected Ringkøbing Fjord to the sea.
What Ringkøbing's Name Means
The name Ringkøbing means "The market town near Rindum." Rindum was a small village where a church was built by the 11th century. This village is likely even older, with signs of settlements from as far back as the 6th century.
Royal Privileges for the Town
On January 27, 1443, Ringkøbing officially became a "købstad" (which means market town in Danish). This special privilege was confirmed by the Danish king, Christopher of Bavaria. It's believed that the town's market rights were even older. They likely came from the time of King Valdemar IV Atterdag.
Ringkøbing During World War II
After World War II, Ringkøbing played a small part in British military tests. In October 1945, British soldiers were stationed there. They included radar experts from the British Artillery Regiment. Their job was to check how accurate German V-weapons were. These weapons were being fired from a base in Cuxhaven, Germany.
Main Sights in Ringkøbing
Today, the center of Ringkøbing has many charming old streets. Most of these streets lead down to the water of the fjord.
Ringkøbing Church
Ringkøbing Church was built in the early 15th century. Its unique tower, which is wider at the top than at the bottom, was added around 1550.
The church has two organs. The older one, in the west pulpit, was built in 1861. It has a beautiful baroque front from 1633. The other organ was built in 1974.
After a renovation in 1995–1996, the church gained some modern features. These include an altarpiece (a piece of art behind the altar) by Arne Haugen Sørensen. It also has a glass baptismal font, which is a basin used for baptisms.
Economy
Ringkjøbing Landbobank, a bank, has its main office in Ringkøbing.
Transportation
Ringkøbing Railway Station
Ringkøbing has its own railway station. It is located on the Esbjerg-Struer railway line. From here, you can catch regional trains to nearby towns like Skjern and Holstebro. These connections can take you to other parts of Denmark.
Notable People from Ringkøbing
Many interesting people have connections to Ringkøbing. Here are a few:
- Niels Trolle (1599 in Ringkøbing – 1667): A nobleman who served as a vice admiral and a leader in Norway.
- Stephen Hansen (1701 in Skodsbøl – 1770): An important businessman and industrialist.
- Wilhelm Sponneck (1815 in Ringkøbing – 1888): A nobleman and a former Minister of Finance for Denmark.
- Janus la Cour (1837 near Ringkøbing – 1909): A painter known for his classical style.
- Ludvig Mylius-Erichsen (1872 in Ringkøbing – 1907): An author and explorer who traveled in Greenland.
- Vibeke Hastrup (1958 in Vedersø): An actress who has worked in theatre, television, and films.
- Mette Lykke (born 1981 in Ringkøbing): A Danish businesswoman and investor.
Sports Figures
- Claus Møller Jakobsen (born 1976 in Ringkøbing): A former professional handball player and sports commentator.
- Hans Henrik Andreasen (born 1979 in Ringkøbing): A retired Danish footballer who played in over 500 club games.
- Niels Lodberg (born 1980 in Ringkøbing): A former Danish footballer with over 350 club games.
- Jonas Borring (born 1985 in Ringkøbing): A retired Danish footballer who also played in over 350 club games.
Images for kids
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Avenue with linden trees in the cemetery by Ringkøbing
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Typical street in Ringkøbing
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A dockworker in the harbour of Ringkøbing
See also
In Spanish: Ringkøbing para niños
