Take a guided tour through Aarhus to learn about the second-largest city in Denmark at your own pace. Find out below what you'll cover along the way.
If you're looking for a guide to the highlights of Aarhus, you can find inspiration about what to do in Aarhus here.
1. The Latin Quarter
Begin in the heart of Aarhus's oldest district, the Latin Quarter. Stroll through charming cobblestone streets lined with historic buildings. Discover "Hipster Hill," where locals gather on sunny days, and uncover the secret Cold War-era bunker hidden beneath the grass.
2. Aarhus Harbor
Gaze out over Aarhus Harbor, the historic hub of the city's shipping industry. Spot the iconic DOK8000 Crane and the towering Lighthouse, Denmark's tallest building. Relive the dramatic WWII explosion that nearly leveled the harbor and hear stories of heroism and survival.
3. The Old Town Hall
Visit KØN, the museum dedicated to the cultural history of gender, housed in the historic old town hall. Explore exhibitions tracing the evolution of gender roles and discover the building's dark past as a Gestapo headquarters during WWII.
4. Aarhus Cathedral
Enter Aarhus Cathedral, Denmark’s longest church, with its Gothic architecture. Delve into the history of St. Clemens, the patron saint of sailors, and the mysterious tale of Christian Drakenberg, the man who claimed to be 146 years old.
5. Strøget – Main Shopping Street
Walk down Strøget, Aarhus’s main shopping street, lined with over 130 specialty shops. Visit the renowned Salling department (that offers a quite spectacular view to the initiated) and learn about the street’s turbulent wartime history, including the arrest of "the mass murderer of Aarhus."
6. ARoS
Explore ARoS, one of Denmark's most famous museums, known for its striking architecture and diverse art collections. Inside, journey through ten floors of art, from classical masterpieces to contemporary installations. Don’t miss "The 9 Spaces" in the basement, offering unique sensory experiences. The highlight is "Your Rainbow Panorama," a circular walkway of rainbow-colored glass created by Olafur Eliasson, providing a breathtaking view of Aarhus. Discover how ARoS connects the city’s Viking past to its vibrant present, symbolized by its original name, "Aros."
7. Godsbanen
Experience the dynamic and creative environment around Godsbanen, a former freight yard turned cultural hotspot. Visit the Institute for X, a unique community-driven space with cafes, workshops, and innovative projects.
8. Den Gamle By
Step back in time at Den Gamle By (The Old Town) an open-air museum showcasing Danish urban history. Wander through over 50 historical buildings, meet actors in period costumes, and taste beer brewed from old recipes.
9. Botanical Garden
Discover the lush ecosystems inside the Greenhouses at the Botanical Garden. Wander through tropical rainforests, subtropical areas, Mediterranean zones, and deserts, each teeming with unique plants and butterflies. Enjoy the sight of banana palms bearing fruit and explore the interactive exhibits. Outside, the historic Botanical Garden, established in 1875, offers 21 hectares of peace and beauty with its diverse plant collections, small lakes, and shady paths.
10. The University Park
Conclude the tour in the serene University Park, surrounded by Aarhus University’s yellow-brick buildings. Enjoy the park’s lakes, bridges, and open grassy areas, and visit the Steno Museum.
No matter whether you're a first time visitor or a local resident, you'll learn a lot for sure!
