Every design for Varde

Varde grew up beside its river in south-western Jutland, at the spot where ships could find a harbour and travellers heading north or south could wade across. For centuries that ford, later replaced by a bridge, was the reason the town existed, and the royal castle of Vardehus stood guard nearby, governing a wide district from the river. Written sources mention Varde early in the Middle Ages, and even then it had two churches, a sign that this small town mattered.

Its position has always been a quiet advantage. Far enough inland to be safe from sudden raids from the sea, yet close enough to the North Sea for an easy trip to the beaches, Varde is now the main town of one of the largest municipalities in Denmark by area, one that sums itself up as 'We in nature'. The old market-town streets remain, and the oldest town arms in Denmark, a golden leopard walking across a blue shield, still belong to Varde.

If you grew up here, the map is full of small coordinates: the green paths of Arnbjerganlægget, the tiny streets of Varde Miniby, the ruins of Sankt Nicolai Kirke, the river curving past the edge of town. Seen from above, they add up to the place where you learned your way around the world.