The 10 things to do in Aarhus

Visit Aarhus: What are the best things to do and see in this Danish Joviale, designated as the happiest city in Denmark?

Less known than the capital Copenhagen Aarhus, the second largest city in the country by the number of inhabitants, is the other pearl of this northern country. Its strategic position on the eastern coast of the Danish peninsula has made it an important industrial and port site. Founded by the Vikings, the city of Aarhus is today the financial, academic and cultural heart of the Jutland region. She was elected European Capital of Culture in 2017.

To you who go to Denmark, you ask that to do in Aarhus during your stay? Here is the answer with our 10 must-sees in this city combining juvenile energy and a living history.

1. The ARoS Aarhus Kunstmuseum Museum

Aarhus Museum of Art, named ARos , became the icon of the city since its construction in 2004.

Overcoming a circular walk in colored glass (the rainbow panorama, Olafur Eliasson ), visitors observe the city as through the prism of a rainbow. The museum itself is the largest art gallery in Northern Europe and the most visited in all Scandinavia. It is built on the theme of the Divine Comedy of Dante: from the entrance you can either go down to hell and discover the very dark works of art of the lower floors, or « go up to paradise », until its impressive observation terrace.

The visit to this art museum is an experience in itself.

2. Rue Møllestien

street Møllestien is one of the must-see attractions in Aarhus and it is worth a visit if you are looking for what to do in Aarhus.

It is famous for its small colorful houses and flowers of growing roses. Houses that were built in the 18th century on the same model: two windows, a façade door, a single floor and an interior all in length with at the bottom, a garden. If none is open, you can always go to Number 53 , and visit the workshop of the Ceramist Lissa Ladefoged. The alley itself dates from the Middle Ages. This paved alley is the prettiest of Aarhus and surely the most photographed.

3. Open-air museum Den Gamle By

Den Gamle By is a national open-air museum that reconstitutes the habitat and life of Danish people in different historical epochs.

Since 1914, more than seventy-five homes from all over the country have been moved from their home and installed to create this unique artificial village. You can walk through the paved streets and freely enter all the houses. If you wish to experience the life of a Danish student in the 19th century or enter the reconstituted house of the famous storyteller Hans Christian Andersen , this museum is the ideal place.

4. The Latin Quarter

Dating from the 14th century, the Latin Quarter (Latinerkvarteret) is the beating heart of Aarhus and is one of the first areas to explore if you come to visit Aarhus. You can stroll through the pretty paved streets and stop in the many fashion shops, jewels, cafés, bars and restaurants.

Graven , which crosses the Latin neighborhood from east to west, is the main street, but all the small side streets are also worth exploring. place Pustervig Torv is the beating heart of the neighborhood and is an ideal rest and relaxation place. Don’t hesitate to stop at coffee La Cabra there is the best coffee in the city.

5. The Botanical Garden

If you're still looking for what to do in Aarhus and if you're lovers of plants of all kinds, you'll be able to take a walk Aarhus botanical garden . This garden, which depends on the University, overlooks the old city and houses 5000 plant species. You can stroll through the greenhouses where many plant collections are presented in four different climate zones. You can even have coffee in the old tropical greenhouse.

6. The Marselisborg Palace

This is palace , built in 1902 as a wedding gift to Prince Christian (Christian X) and Princess Alexandrine from the Danish people, is from the summer residence of the Danish royalty. You will be able to attend the shift of custody every day at noon but only when the Queen and her family are in residence. The palace itself is not open to the public, but the surrounding gardens and parks are. The strengths of this park of more than thirty-two acres are its vast lawns with their numerous sculptures, as well as their flowering gardens of roses and aromatic herbs.

7. Tivoli Friheden

What to do in Aarhus to entertain the whole family? A few kilometers from the city centre of Aarhus, you can enjoy the theme park Tivoli Friheden . This park was created in the aftermath of World War I. Some attractions that date from the construction of the park are mixed with more modern Russian self-tampons and mountains. If the park is mainly dedicated to families, Danes do not hesitate to go to enjoy the atmosphere and to drink a hot wine.

8. The Museum of Moesgård

Located on the southern outskirts of Aarhus, this museum reopens in 2015, is fascinating both inside and outside. The Danish company Henning Larsen Architects has designed Moesgår , this unique museum in the form of a corner with a vegetal roof that rises from the sloped landscape to give the impression that the building rises from earth. It is an ideal place for children who will love to run and deflect this slope. In the summer, it turns into a picnic place and in winter instead of sliding, including a sledge track.

Dedicated as the MoMu, this museum is one of the best places in Denmark to discover Danish prehistory and especially Viking culture. You can admire the remains of the Viking era and meet the star of the place, the man of Grauballe, a mummy of the 3rd century BC perfectly preserved in the peat until its discovery in 1952.

9. Dokk1

When you discover Aarhus, it is impossible to miss this gigantic and beautiful building which dominates the port docks.

Inaugurated in 2015, the building, dressed in large glass panels, houses the municipal library and the media library of the city of Aarhus. You can also go there to glean some info from the tourist office of the city and find out what to do in Aarhus.

10. L’Isbjerget, l’iceberg d’Aarhus

If you have a little time left and you only know how to do in Aarhus, we suggest you go to see the Isbjerget , alias “the iceberg” in Danish, which is located in the port area of Aarhus. The latter is currently undergoing extensive redevelopment.

Many new apartment buildings and fascinating futuristic structures appear in this neighborhood. The most emblematic building in this region is Isbjerget. It is a set of towers of apartments with a surprising appearance: white dots rise to the sky and intersect like small mountain peaks and give the illusion of a floating iceberg.

How to get to Aarhus?

If you want to visit Aarhus, you will then have to fly to the airport of Aarhus, which is located in the small town of Tirstup, forty-five kilometers north of the city centre of Aarhus. To prepare your trip, think of anticipation of your departure, especially by booking your flight ahead of flight comparisons such as Ulysses . You will find the best rates based on your travel dates.

Upon arrival at the airport, you will have the choice between several agencies car rental .

You can also borrow one taxi to go to the city center or use the airport bus service, the bus 925X . It offers the possibility to travel from and to the city of Aarhus in just fifty minutes. This shuttle leaves in front of the airport to reach the Aarhus Central Station. Hours vary depending on incoming and outgoing flights.

Finally, once in the city centre of Aarhus, don’t hesitate to rent bicycles to move. It is the most popular means of transport in the city of Aarhus and it is even considered one of the best cities in the world to cycle.

Where to stay in Aarhus?

If you want to visit Aarhus and stay there, there are different types of establishments, from the Airbnb to the hotel, to the hostels. Whatever your selection criteria, this Compare hotels you will not without difficulty find your happiness at the best price.

But in which area to sleep to visit Aarhus? You can stay in the city centre, a neuralgic point that connects the different interests of Aarhus. The Latin Quarter is also a popular place for tourists by its proximity to shops and nightlife. If you want to swim in a hipster and ecolole atmosphere, the port district, where DOKK1, is the perfect place to stay. You can also visit the Airbnb to find atypical and authentic accommodation.

Find all our recommendations in our article “ In which quarter house in Aarhus? “to prepare for your stay at best.