With the loss of the abbey's archives around the time of the Reformation in Denmark the exact date of its foundation is unknown. One source suggests that the nuns were already in Aalborg in 1116. Another source says that the community was established by Eskil, Bishop of Børglum, in 1125. Aalborg was the area's largest town and the abbey was built on property donated by the diocese. Nor is it clear whether the early nuns were in fact Benedictines. The church and abbey buildings underwent a significant expansion in the late 15th century and were reconstructed in late Brick Gothic style.