Liverpool bed
For generations, Vendsyssel has had an almost magical attraction for artists, thinkers and colourful personalities - from the world-famous painters of the Golden Age to sculptors, poets and today's many poets in the form of both established and debuting singer-songwriters, who often portray or lovingly caricature their Vendsyssel. For example, Allan Olsen, who in his song 'Bette Liverpool' from 1990 stated that we may have a lot, but not a 'Speakers Corner' in his tiny Liverpool
Allan Olsen's song is about Frederikshavn. One of the 3 largest cities in Vendsyssel, located on the east coast, and in an area that can best be described as our local triangle area in a slightly crookedly drawn triangle between Frederikshavn and the 2 second largest cities in Vendsyssel; Hjørring and Brønderslev with Hjørring closer to the west coast and Brønderslev in the southwest.
Vendsyssel has an almost inexhaustible number of small and large towns, each with its own unique charm and obvious attraction value, that are made to be tourist centres. From the very small villages, where great stories unfold, to the larger well-known towns such as Skagen, Løkken, Hirtshals, Strandby and Aalbæk.
There are also large cities that do not at first glance resemble classic tourist cities, but which surprise on closer inspection.
Frederikshavn is a good example of this. Perhaps that's why it has the honour of being the birthplace of several great artists. For example, one of the pioneering singer-songwriters of our time, Allan Olsen.
The singer and songwriter is clearly inspired by the Vendsyssel region and his birthplace, Frederikshavn.
This is evident in his song "Bette Liverpool", where he sings, among other things:
We have no speakers corner
in my favourite liverpool
We take our bearings
like the sunflower pendulum
Every hot dog has a transmitter
Every lamppost is hollow
but we don't have a speakers corner
in my favourite liverpool
Allan Olsen's "Bette Liverpool" is clearly Frederikshavn. Frederikshavn is a harbour town known for its maritime industry and history, which can be compared to Liverpool in England.
Despite the irony of the master's lyrics, you can easily see more similarities if you take a closer look at the cityscape. In addition to the industrial and alluringly raw look of the harbour and the large industrial areas with both proud and harsh history, there are plenty of historical and architectural wonders in Frederikshavn that can easily remind you of spectacular buildings in Liverpool or even Rome or Pisa.
If you are in the neighbourhood, you can visit Frederikshavn Church or the Powder Tower in Frederikshavn.
The Powder Tower is the last remnant of Fladstrand Fortress, which was built in 1686-1690 to protect the anchorage off the fishing village where Frederikshavn is located. Today, the Powder Tower is home to a military history museum and is also Frederikshavn's landmark.
Frederikshavn Church was inaugurated on 23 October 1892. It was built on the site of the Fladstrand Citadel after it became redundant after the Second Schleswig War in 1864. The building is one of those that you can experience again and again, and which captivates at all times of the day, as new details and nuances emerge in different light.
