Holstebro, city, western Jutland, Denmark, on the Storå (Big River), southwest of Viborg. It stands on the site of a prehistoric settlement that commanded a crossing of the Storå. First mentioned in 1274, most of old Holstebro was destroyed by fires in the 17th and 18th centuries. Now a garrison town, it is also the centre of the western Jutland livestock trade and is noted for its horse and cattle fairs. Industries include meat processing, furniture, and textiles. Pop. (2008) city, 33,939; mun., 57,020.