Denmark installs its 110th carillon as popularity grows

Viborg Cathedral will soon chime with a new 24-bell carillon, marking Denmark’s 110th such installation, according to the Ministry of Ecclesiastical Affairs’ bell consultant.

A crane hoisted the carillon into the cathedral’s Margrethe Spire on Tuesday, adding to a national count that now places Denmark third globally in carillons per capita, behind only the Netherlands and Belgium, consultant Per Rasmus Møller said.

Private donations have driven much of the growth, with funding often coming from individuals, foundations, or local businesses. The Viborg carillon, costing around 3 million kroner, was funded by Poul Due Jensen’s Foundation, Grundfos Foundation, Nykredit’s Foundation, and private donors as a gift for the cathedral’s 150th anniversary.

Mid-Jutland has seen a particularly high concentration of carillons, a trend Møller attributes to stronger local ties to the church. By contrast, North Jutland, South Zealand, and Falster have few or none.

Denmark’s first carillon was installed at Frederiksborg Castle in 1621. Today, most are found in rural churches, with only three cathedrals—Odense, Aalborg, and now Viborg—featuring them.