Welcome to Aarhus, the vibrant and captivating city located in the ‘heart’ of Denmark. The moment you arrive in Aarhus, you’ll instantly know why it’s famously called the city of smiles — locals from here are the friendliest in the country!
Aarhus offers something for everyone, but it especially specializes in groundbreaking modern architecture, rich culture in the form of jaw-dropping museums, and innovative cuisine. After all, Aarhus is also home to four Michelin-starred restaurants.
Like the rest of Denmark, nature is abound in Aarhus. The city is located on the east coast of the Jutland peninsula and is surrounded by beautiful beaches, forests, and lakes, making it the perfect destination for nature lovers. If the weather allows, be sure to take a dip in the lake or hike in the famous emerald-green forests of the region.
If you’re ready to discover the ‘City of Smiles’ for yourself, this Aarhus travel guide will help you do just that!
Aarhus | The Basics
How many days in Aarhus? The amount of time you should spend in Aarhus depends on your interests and itinerary. We recommend at least 2 to 3 days to get a good sense of the city and see many of its main attractions.
Use the first tow days to visit the most famous tourist attractions, such as the Aarhus Cathedral, The Old Town (Den Gamle By), the Moesgaard Museum, The ARoS Aarhus Art Museum and take a stroll along the main pedestrian street in Aarhus (Strøget).
Day trips from Aarhus: Of course, if you want to explore more of the region you could take a day trip to nearby cities like Randers, Silkeborg, or Skanderborg, which are all located within a 45-minute drive from Aarhus.
Airport transfer: Flying into (or departing from) Aarhus Airport? Be sure to book your private transfer here.
Top Aarhus city tour: Short on time but still want to see the top tourist attractions in Aarhus? This Customized Private Tour lets you choose what you want to see with a local guide!
How to Get to Aarhus
Thanks to the city’s size and location, there are several convenient ways of getting to Aarhus. Here are some of the most common options:
By plane | No surprise here: Aarhus Airport (AAR) is the main airport serving the city. AAR Airport serves about 500,000 passengers per year and has regularly scheduled flights between 25 destinations, including Greece (Chania, Paphos, Corfu, Zakynthos), Sweden (Stockholm, Gothenburg), Norway (Oslo), and other cities in Denmark (Copenhagen, Bornholm).
While the airport is a bit far out – it’s located about 42 kilometers (26 miles) from the city center – there are plenty of direct ways of traveling between Aarhus Airport and the center, including a direct bus (the 925X) or a taxi.
By train | Like the rest of Denmark, Aarhus has an efficient train system that connects the city to other parts of the country, as well as to neighboring countries like Sweden and Germany. In fact, the train journey from Copenhagen to Aarhus is only a three hour ride (complete with stunning views!)
You’ll most likely be arriving at the main station (Aarhus Central Station), a beautiful Neoclassical building with plenty of comfortable amenities.
By bus | If you prefer the comforts (and adventure!) of traveling via public transportation, you’re in for a pleasant surprise: it’s possible to travel to Aarhus by bus! Indeed, Aarhus is very well-connected with the rest of Denmark, including routes from Copenhagen to Aarhus, as well as Kolding, Odense, and Aalborg. You can also travel from Germany (Hamburg, Berlin) and Poland (Wroclaw, Krakow) to Aarhus as well.
By boat | There is one ferry route that goes between Zealand (also known as Sjælland, the island where Copenhagen is located) and Jutland (the peninsula where Aarhus is). The trip takes about 80 minutes and travels from Odden to Aarhus on Molslinjen.
If you’re worried about how to get to Aarhus, don’t be! As you can see, there are plenty of options for every budget and travel style. 🙂
Transportation in Aarhus
Compared to the capital, Aarhus is a relatively small city (Copenhagen is almost five times larger by area size!), which makes it the perfect destination to walk or bike. If you’re short of time there’s also an excellent public transportation system, including buses, light rail, and trains.
By bike | No doubt, Aarhus is a very bike-friendly city: it has more than 300 kilometers of bike lanes and paths, along with bike lanes that connect Aarhus to nearby towns.
There are a ton of bike rental companies in the city that allow you to rent a bike for a few hours or a few days. However, the most popular is Donkey Republic (you’ll see their bright orange bikes all around the city!), which also has a convenient app. You can expect to pay around 100 DKK to rent a bike for 1 day.
By public transportation | Aarhus has an extensive public transportation system, including light rail (also known as Letbanen), buses (Midttrafik), and regional trains. Be sure to download the Rejseplanen application to help plan your trip on public transport!
By taxi | Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available in Aarhus, but they can be quite expensive.
By foot | If you love to explore cities by foot, you’re in luck: many of Aarhus’ tourist attractions are located within walking distance of each other! Besides being an excellent way to save money, walking is also a great way to get to know Aarhus’ charming streets and neighborhoods. Who knows what kind of hidden gems you’ll find?
As you can see, Aarhus’ friendliness goes beyond the locals: it’s also bike-friendly and very walkable!
By ferry | Thanks to the city’s location on the Bay of Aarhus, travelers can enjoy a day trip to the stunning Samsø island, located just an hour away by ferry.
Where to stay in Aarhus
BUDGET | Danhostel Aarhus City:
Located right in the center of Aarhus, Danhostel is an excellent base for explore the city and its attractions by foot. The hostel offers beds in dorm rooms as well as private rooms, and prices start at just 200 DKK per bunk bed. As a bonus, the hostel has a lounge area (great for meeting travel buddies!) and a shared kitchen.
BUDGET + GROUPS | BOOK1:
Set on the edge of Aarhus’ center, BOOK1 is an excellent option for those looking to save a few Krone. It’s also perfect if you’re traveling in a group or with family, as you can rent out entire rooms with 4-, 6-, or 8- bunk beds! Of course, there’s also the option to rent a single bunk bed, as well as twin, double, and standard suites. 🙂
MID-TIER | Hotel Oasia:
This four-star hotel is the epitome of Scandinavian style, with touches of wood, neutrals, and minimalistic decor throughout. The breakfast buffet offers Danish specialties (like smørrebrød!) and classic European favorites.
MID-TIER | Milling Hotel Ritz Aarhus City:
For a comfortable and cozy stay, book Milling Hotel. The rooms are well-appointed with a desk and spacious bathroom, while the hotel itself offers complimentary breakfast as well as in-house restaurant.
LUXURY | Hotel Royal:
True to its name, this luxurious hotel is located in the heart of Aarhus’ Latin Quarter and offers elegant rooms and suites. Be sure to spend time in the lobby, which is immaculately decorated in regal elements (check out those vintage oil portraits!) and plush furnishing.
COZY | Villa Provence:
This adorable guesthouse-style hotel is a great choice for travelers looking for a comfortable and peaceful atmosphere. Villa Provence is set in a beautifully-restored 19th century villa and is surrounded by a lovely garden, providing guests with a peaceful and serene environment.
The rooms are decorated in a classic yet elegant style, with high ceilings, original fireplaces, and period furnishings. The hotel’s location is also ideal, as it’s situated in a quiet residential area yet still close to the city’s many attractions.
DESIGN | Radisson RED Aarhus:
This is a great choice for travelers looking for a hotel with a unique and modern design and atmosphere. The hotel’s interior is designed with a bold style, featuring splashes of red and gray colors, geometric patterns, and contemporary art, creating a fun and energetic ambiance.
What to do in Aarhus
While it may be the second-biggest city in Denmark, the amount of things to do in Aarhus may very well compete with its big brother, Copenhagen!
From the colorful rows of houses that greet visitors to the thought-provoking museums, diverse architecture, and bustling Strøget pedestrian street, there’s plenty of things to see and do. The city has a rich cultural heritage and is home to many museums and galleries, including the ARoS Aarhus Art Museum and the Moesgaard Museum. Visitors can also explore the city’s historic old town, where they can find the Aarhus Cathedral, the oldest building in the city. In addition, Aarhus is known for its lively nightlife, with a variety of bars and clubs to choose from.
Explore Aarhus’ Old Town
Den Gamle By, also known as the Old Town, is one of the top must-see attractions in Aarhus, Denmark. Despite only having a handful of streets that make up Aarhus Old Town, each corner is a beautiful recreation of the traditional Danish way of life from the 16th to the early 20th century.
In fact, the Old Town is known as a real life open-air museum that has more than 75 buildings, including houses, artisan workshops, stores, and restaurants. You can easily spend hours exploring the streets and buildings of the Old Town and learning more about the lifestyle of the people who lived here in the past.
Learn More about Aarhus at One of the City’s Many Museums
The city has no shortage of interesting places for every visitor. Here are the top museums in Aarhus to check out:
ARoS Aarhus Art Museum (above) | ARoS takes the title of the largest art museums in Europe and features a wide range of thought-proving works by Danish and international artists. Don’t forget to make your way up to the roof, where you’ll be greeted with a very colorful view from the famous art installation called Your rainbow panorama (yes, that’s literally what it’s called). This spectacular artwork is sure to brighten your day… and your trip!
The Moesgaard Museum | Jutting out of a hillside, the Moesgaard Museum offers a fascinating look into the world of archaeology and ethnography. The museum is home to a diverse collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of human history and culture over hundreds of years.
The Viking Museum | This small museum is dedicated to showcasing the culture and history of the Vikings. The museum features a variety of interactive exhibits, including a replica Viking hut, weapons and armor, and archaeological finds.
See a Different Side of Aarhus
While Aarhus might be primarily famous for its colorful traditional houses, it doesn’t stop there. In fact, Aarhus is also home to a bustling street art scene!
There are more than 30 murals and street artworks that are scattered around the city, with motifs ranging from local themes and celebrities to colorful geometric shapes, graffiti, and more.
If you want to explore Aarhus’ street art in more detail, check out the top-rated Street Art and Rooftops walking tour!
Wander around the Latin Quarter
Known locally as Latinerkvarteret, Aarhus’ Latin Quarter is a vibrant and exciting area of the city that is a must-visit for any traveler. With its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and lively atmosphere, the Latin Quarter is a great place to experience Aarhus’ vibrant culture. While you’re here, be sure to check out famous tourist attractions like the Aarhus Cathedral, Aarhus City Hall, and the quaint houses tucked away on Møllestien street.
Get Inspired by Aarhus’ Architecture
Aarhus has no shortage of eye-catching architectural delights, whether that’s a cathedral from centuries ago or a sleek cutting-edge masterpiece of the future. Here are some places to add to your itinerary:
Dokk1 | Dokk1 is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Aarhus, Denmark. This state-of-the-art public library and cultural center is located in the heart of the city, making it easy to access from any part of town. The building is a stunning example of modern design, with a sleek, minimalist exterior that is sure to impress.
In addition to the library, Dokk1 also offers a variety of cultural experiences. There are art exhibitions, concerts, and other events happening regularly, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon or evening.
Isbjerget (right) | If you’ve ventured out and strolled around Aarhus’ docks, you might have noticed this unusual yet alluring building. Translated to Iceberg, this building is actually an apartment complex that’s home to 7,000 locals The most notable feature of the building is its eccentric shape, with sharp angles and jagged lines that create an otherworldly appearance – like a real-life architectural iceberg!
Aarhus Custom House | Let’s finish with something a little more traditional: the Aarhus Toldboden (Customs House!). This unique building, with its beautiful bay windows, imposing facade, and pointed towers, was built in the late 1800s by Hack Kampmann, one of the city’s most famous architects. While it used to be a tax office for more than 100 years, nowadays it houses a restaurant (Restaurant Madklubben Århus).
Travel tip: You can actually see all three places in a short trip: start at Dokk1, walk a few steps over to the Custom House, and then take a 25-minute walk on the docks to Isbjerget.
Visit the Queen’s Summer Residence and See Cute Four-Legged Locals
Are you looking for a royal experience in Aarhus? Look no further than Marselisborg Palace! This beautiful palace is the official residence of the Danish Royal Family in the city, and it’s the perfect destination if you want to wander outside of the city center.
The palace itself was built in 1902 by King Frederick VIII and is situated in an idyllic setting overlooking the bay of Aarhus. Inside the palace, visitors can explore the grand hall, the state apartments, and the royal chapel. There is also a museum featuring the royal family’s history and artifacts, as well as a collection of fine art. The palace is open to the public during summer months, and visitors can take guided tours of the palace and gardens.
Don’t forget to check the official website for the exact opening hours and tour schedule, and be mindful that the palace may be closed if the Royal Family is visiting.
While the palace is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, there’s another attraction that’s sure to warm your heart: the Deer Park!
The Deer Park (Dyrehaven) is a large, natural park that’s home to dozens of fallow and sika deer that can be seen grazing in the park’s meadows and forests. The Deer Park is open from 8 am until sunset, and admission is free.
Photo Credits | Header image (Mollestien) by Steffen Muldbjerg (Unsplash) | Aarhus Airport by EHRENBERG Kommunikation (Wikimedia) | Aarhus Rail Station by Af Kenny Arne Lang Antonsen (Wikipedia) | Aarhus Old Town by Af Kenny Arne Lang Antonsen (Wikimedia) | ARoS Museum by Julius Yls (Unsplash) | Aarhus Street Art Festival by RhinoMind (Wikimedia) | Latin Quarter by Stephan Mahlke (Unsplash) | Aarhus architecture by Kristian Egelund | Marselisborg Palace by Marvin Radke (Unsplash) | Hotel photos courtesy of respective hotels