Holstebro – und das ist ganz bestimmt kein Märchen. Wir müssen zusammenstehen, um Holstebros Position als das Kraftzentrum von Nordwestjütland weiterzuentwickeln. Wir müssen auch zusammenstehen, um die vielen Dinge und Möglichkeiten, die wir in unserer Gemeinde zu bieten haben, weiter zu profilieren. Dieses Buch ist ein Beispiel für eine solche Zusammenarbeit: Gemeinsam zu erklären, worum es schön ist, in der Gemeinde Holstebro zu wohnen, zu arbeiten und zu leben. Vielen Dank an alle, die dazu beigetragen haben, einen Teil der ganzen Vielfalt unserer Gemeinde aufzuzeigen. l By Mayor H. C. Østerby ”There once was a time where Holstebro wasn’t even called Holstebro. It was just a town on a small river. Over the river, there was a bridge. Under the bridge, a terrible, Lindworm had made its home. Now this Lindworm was not something to take lightly. It was normally twice the size of a human, with a long tail and four short legs. When it could hear the lovely
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footsteps of a maiden on the bridge above it, it stuck its slimy head out and snapped at her. No man would - or could - vanquish the Lindworm. Until one day, a knight rode into town. His name was Holst; Holst the Knight. He would, and he could. Fearlessly, he rode out to the bridge, bringing the most attractive lass he could find. She was just what the Lindworm was on the lookout for. It licked its chops in anticipation, and poked its head out. It was the last mistake it ever made, as Holst the Knight rammed his lance into the monster with all his might. Everyone was relieved, and the citizens of the town decided to call the bridge over the river after Holst the Knight. It was thus named “Holst’s Bridge”, in Danish “Holstes Bro”. Later on, the entire town was named after the bridge, and it all became known as Holstebro. Some people may think that this is a myth that we’re telling here. Any doubters can just look at Holstebro’s Coat of Arms. The brave knight is immortalised putting an end to the horrible creature. Today,
this is interpreted as “St. George and the Dragon.” Myth or not, it is a good story, in the same way that Holstebro’s development for over 800 years is. Through these centuries, Holstebro, which started as a bridge over a river and central point for traffic, has been a centre of activity in Northwest Jutland. position which the city and Municipality has held onto geographically, industrially, commercially, and culturally, expanding with the incorporation of Vinderup and Ulfborg-Vemb a few years ago. Beautiful and varied natural resources abound, forming some of the cornerstones of Denmark’s foodstuffs. A wealth of cultural institutions and experiences make it possible for Holstebro to set a cultural agenda on a national and international level. A wide variety of advanced educational institutions. A well-trained workforce and a good mix of small, medium and large companies. And Holstebro has been named as the country’s best and most attractive shopping city. That’s what the modern Municipality of Holstebro is all about. And that’s no myth.