In the tracks of kings and Vikings
Scandinavia, in Europe's far north, has often seemed a different world to the people of Lier. And yet the city has been visited by many famous Danes, Norwegians and Swedes down the centuries. Our northern visitors certainly left their mark. Take the Scandinavia tour and walk in the footsteps of kings, Vikings, bishops and writers.
It all started with the Danish Vikings, who plundered Lier in the 9th century. The horrific vengeance that God inflicted upon them is still commemorated every year.
Seven centuries later Lier played host to a royal visitor: Christian II, King of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. During his stay in the ' Hof van Denemarken' (Court of Denmark), the exiled king would dream about his lost throne. His faithful followers were housed in the Valk inn.
After Christian Lier again served as a place of exile for a famous Scandinavian: Olav Engelbrektsson spent his final days in the city. He was the last Catholic Archbishop of Norway. As a result of his fall Norway lost its independence for four centuries.
The tour ends with the writer Felix Timmermans, Lier's most famous citizen as far as Scandinavia is concerned. He had just missed winning the Nobel Prize but did not let this sour his visit to Denmark.
Scan the QR Codes at seven locations in the city centre to explore the close Lier-Scandinavian relationship over 12 centuries.
1. St Peter's Chapel
2. Hof van Denemarken
3. Deensestraat
4. Kolveniershuis
5. Inn De Valk
6. St Gummarus Church
7. Residence Felix Timmermans