Aarhus is the second largest city in Denmark behind Copenhagen. The city was founded at the mouth of a river by the Vikings as it was a privileged place for trade. Aarhus is a very youthful and university city. If you are thinking of taking a tour of the country, you cannot leave it out of your route.
It is a city that can be visited in a couple of days at most. In this post I tell you what to see in Aarhus, how to get there, accommodation options... Let's get started!
First of all, I tell you that in the city you can save by buying the Aarhus Card. It will allow you free entry to more than 25 museums and monuments in the city. You can see more information and book the Aarhus Card from this link.
14 MUST SEE IN AARHUS, DENMARK
1. Den Gamle By
One of the most interesting places to visit in Aarhus is Den Gamle By. It is an open-air museum that will transport you back in time and where you will learn about the history and culture of Denmark from the 18th century to the 1970s.
Here you will find traditional houses, furniture and decorations of the period, you can visit the town hall, the shops, the bakery from 1885, the pharmacy...
At Christmas time it is filled with lights, decorations and a market. You can not lose this!
2. Aboulevarden
It is a pedestrian walkway located on both sides of the river bank. Here you will find a relaxed and very youthful atmosphere. With restaurants, bars, shops, cafes... It is a good option to come eat, take a bike ride...
2. St. Clement's Cathedral in Aarhus
This immense cathedral can accommodate 1,200 people, making it the largest Cathedral in Denmark. It is in the Gothic and Romanesque style, built between 1200 and 1500, mainly in red brick.
Its main tower measures 93 meters and highlights its main portal, the Bernt Notke altarpiece (one of the greatest medieval treasures in the country) and the Danish-style medieval fresco found inside.
3. Aros Kunstmuseum
The Aros is a museum, which houses the largest art collection after Copenhagen.
Among the works on display is a collection of 18th-century Danish paintings, works from the 19th-century Gilded Age and modernist works. It is a very interesting visit and for art lovers an essential stop.
4. Besaettelsesmuseet
This museum is dedicated to the daily life, restrictions and resistance of Denmark during the time it was occupied by the Nazis. This museum was used as Gestapo headquarters in 1944.
5. Kvindemuseet
This museum is dedicated to paying tribute to women. It captures the life and work of women throughout history. Inequality, social circumstances and what they had to face in the 20th century.
6. Radhus
Aarhus Town Hall stands out for its architecture, made with concrete and marble. And it is a relatively new building, it was inaugurated in 1941. It has a 60 meter high tower with a clock in it. You can climb on it and appreciate the magnificent views of the city it offers.
7. Vikingemuseet
This small museum shows you an exhibition about Viking history. You will find elements that they used and a little history. Although really, it is more of an introduction and the visit is very short. If you really want to know more about Viking history you should visit the Moesgaard museum, just outside the city.
8. Moesgaard Museum
Near Aarhus, about an hour by car or public transport, is the Moesgaard Museum. It is one of the most important Viking anthropological museums in Jutland.
You will find archaeological and anthropological exhibitions, the Grauballe man (the oldest mummy in Europe and the best preserved), domestic items from the period... It is very interesting! And if you have time to add this visit, you can't miss it.
9. Tivoli Friheden
If you feel like enjoying yourself a little like a child, you can do it at this amusement park. It is located among the trees of the Marselisborg forest, very close to the city.
Among the park's more than 40 attractions and fair stands, its four roller coasters, the Sky Tower and the 5D cinemagic stand out.
10. Latin Quarter of Aarhus
Here is one of the most beautiful corners of the city. With pedestrian streets, traditional houses, with several bars, night pubs and restaurants and garden areas.
Just a 10-minute walk from the Latin Quarter of Aarhus is Møllestien Street, one of the oldest streets in the city. Here you will find charming, colorful, single-story houses built in the 18th century.
11. Marliesborg Palace
This Mansion was built in 1902 as a wedding gift for Prince Cristian and Princess Alexandrine. Currently the Palace is used as the summer residence of the Danish royal family. Every noon the famous changing of the guard takes place in its patio. Although the palace premises cannot be visited, you can access its gardens.
12. Botanical garden
The Aarhus Botanical Garden covers an area of 16.5 hectares. A great variety of species is found there. Among them, native and medicinal plants, a rose garden, an arboretum, several greenhouses...
If you feel like disconnecting, the botanical garden is perfect for walking among nature, without rushing, and enjoying the surroundings.
13. Church of Our Lady
The Church of Our Lady of Aarhus is a Catholic temple located in the historic center “Indre By”. It is neo-Gothic in style, built of red brick and was inaugurated in 1880. Inside it is a bit austere, highlighting the beauty of the architecture.
14. Isbjerget
This peculiar residential building is located in the Docklans neighborhood of Aarhus. Despite not having any cultural or historical interest, the architecture of the building is impressive and it is worth visiting and photographing it. It is located on the Mariane Thomsens Gade promenade, so take the opportunity to enjoy the place and take a pleasant walk.
HOW TO GET TO AARHUS
If you are arriving by plane, you must fly to Billund airport and from the same airport there is a direct bus to the city center. It takes approx 80 minutes.
If you are going to get there from Copenhagen, the quickest way is to rent a car. It will take about 3 and a half hours and it is worth spending a full day doing the itinerary since in between there are beautiful and interesting places for a quick visit. That's what we did.
WHERE TO STAY IN AARHUS
We stayed at the Hotel Oasia Aarhus City, it is a small 3-star hotel, centrally located with spacious, comfortable and clean rooms. We were great and without a doubt we would repeat.
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to Aarhus and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue readingmany more related articles on the blog.
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A hug and see you soon!