Ribe, Denmark
 

My family and I are going to be visiting Ribe, Denmark. What attractions, etc. are there for tourists? Also, we do not speak the native language....will this be a major problem? I'd appreciate any help! Thank you.

I was recently in Denmark and although I didn't visit Ribe, it was a possibility so I researched attractions there. There is an open air museum (a staple in that region in the world), and some other museums; among them: a toy museum, a viking museum and a town hall museum. I spoke to someone at the Danish Ministry on Tourism in NY and was told that there is a night watchman tour most nights that leaves from a certain hotel (I forgot which one).

I was a bit overwhelmed when I was there. I do think that the Danes in the main center part of town (which is moderately focused on tourism) are pretty accommodating to English speakers. If you speak any German, try learning a little Danish; you can pick up a fair amount quite easily.

Best wishes,

Rex

Sunburns3: English is spoken everywhere. Not to worry.
The open air museum is a reproduction of a Viking Village a short drive from Ribe. We found it very interesting. Of course, we read all the placards and listen to/watch the demonstrations. There are many craftsman and artisans and they really cater to the kids. There is cooking and you can taste the food.
The Night Watchman's tour at Ribe is very worth-while. Lots of information and fun as well.
The cobblestoned lanes of the village are delightful to wander; many old buildings and a romanesque church. It is the oldest village in Denmark and some would say the "lovliest".
Legoland is near by and, depending on the age of your children, a remarkable place to visit. There is a museum and I believe this is the "toy museum" beth23 mentioned.
Den Gamle By (old town) is in fact an open air museum and is a worthwhile attraction for all ages. It is at Arhus, not too far from Ribe. You can spend the better part of a day here. There are restaurants and cafes on the site.
There is a prehistory museum at Mosegard (again, not far from Ribe) which houses the mumified remains of a two thousand year old man in quite good condition. The museum is interesting.
We thoroughly enjoyed this area. There is plenty to see and do. Have a great trip.

Whoa - - serious typo - - I meant to say UNDERwhelmed. Sorry.