Aarhus trip planning and logistics
Understanding some practical details before you arrive in Aarhus can help you enjoy your visit.
Aarhus vs. Copenhagen
Copenhagen is Denmark's capital, with nearly 700,000 residents. Aarhus has over 300,000 residents. Copenhagen feels like a metropolis, while Aarhus is more of a cozy small town. You will find Aarhus to be more relaxed. It has fewer tourists. Everything is easily accessible on foot, allowing you to move through the city with ease. The city has many small shops, streets, and eateries.
How many days for Aarhus
If you are efficient, you can see many sights in two full days. To truly experience the city and its surroundings, a three to four-day stay is ideal. This allows for a more relaxed pace and time for day trips. Aarhus also works well as a day trip from nearby cities like Billund, or as a stop on a road trip across Denmark.
Best time to visit Aarhus
You can visit Denmark all year round. The best time to travel depends on your personal preferences. Summers, from June to August, offer pleasant weather. High temperatures are typically in the low 70s Fahrenheit, sometimes reaching the 80s or dipping to the 60s. However, rainy, cloudy days can occur at any time. If you enjoy the cold and a festive atmosphere, early December is a good choice. The city lights up with Scandinavian Christmas decorations. There are small Christmas markets and special holiday activities during this period.
Getting to Aarhus
Aarhus is well-connected by various transport options.
By Train: Aarhus is easily reachable by train from almost anywhere in Denmark. I arrived from Aalborg in the north and Vejle in the south. After Aarhus, I continued to Ribe. From Copenhagen Central Station (København H) or Copenhagen Airport (Lufthavn) to Aarhus Central Station (Aarhus H), the journey takes between 2.5 and 3 hours. Buy your train tickets ahead of time from dsb.dk for cheaper fares. Use the DSB App (Android and Apple) to check routes and buy tickets. Choose non-stop routes to simplify travel.
By Plane: KLM offers direct flights between Amsterdam and Aarhus. Check Google Flights for options from your location. Billund Airport is another nearby option, about one hour away by car, with services worldwide. Copenhagen Airport is the largest in Denmark and about three hours from Aarhus.
By Car: Driving from Copenhagen takes about 3 hours. This route allows you to make stops at places like Roskilde and the Roskilde Viking Ship Museum, Egeskov Castle, or The LEGO House. There is a ferry option from Sjaellands Odde, which involves a 1-hour, 20-minute drive to the ferry and a 1-hour, 30-minute ferry ride. Check with your rental car company if taking a ferry is allowed.
By Bus: FlixBus offers routes from Copenhagen to Aarhus, taking about 3 hours and 40 minutes. For local trips outside the city, like to Mols Bjerge National Park or Ebeltoft, take bus 123 from the Rutebilstation in Aarhus. You can buy bus tickets with the app Rejsebillet.
Where to stay in Aarhus
Staying in the city center or the Latin Quarter is convenient for exploring Aarhus on foot. There are many nice hotels in Aarhus available. For example, Hotel Oasia Aarhus is a central hotel with free breakfast. Scandic The Mayor is another central hotel with breakfast as an option, which is slightly less expensive. I myself stayed in an AirBnB room in the middle of the center, a few minutes' walk from the central station. There are also AirBnBs on the harbor with water views. If you prefer to stay outside the city, train and bus connections are excellent. You can find parking spaces for campers or caravans outside the city.
Aarhus travel costs
Aarhus, like the rest of Denmark, is expensive. Your overall costs depend on your choices. Hotel prices vary, with cheaper hostels or AirBnB rooms as alternatives. Eating out is expensive; a simple sandwich and tea for lunch can cost around 12 euros. Dinner will be more. Cooking your own meals can save hundreds of euros. Museum entrance fees are high, around 20 euros per person. Den Gamle By costs almost 30 euros per person.
Museums: Around 20 euros per person. Den Gamle By: Almost 30 euros per person.
Lunch (sandwich, tea): Quickly 12 euros.
AirBnB room: I paid 74 euros per night, including a shared kitchen and bathroom.
Major Aarhus attractions
Aarhus has many sights and activities to keep you busy. Here are some of the top recommendations.
If you have limited time and want to see the main sights, a guided walking tour can be a good option. There are historical walking tours, street art and rooftops tours, or customized private tours available.
Den Gamle By open-air museum
Den Gamle By, meaning 'the old city,' is an open-air museum. You walk through 400 years of Danish history. The museum features streets from different eras: from 2000-2014 with shops and a shopping center, to 1974, to the 1920s with typical cars, street lamps, and advertising, and back to the years 1600-1900, showing an old market town with craftsmen and historic houses. Many buildings are open, revealing living rooms or complete museums. A baker sells Danish goodies made from historical recipes. If you visit during the Christmas period, the museum is extra festive with specific Christmas museums, shops, food, and lights. This museum is large, so plan enough time. I spent over six hours there to see everything.
Prices are between 20 and 29 euros, depending on the month you go. You can check their Prices and opening hours online.
Allocate at least 6 hours if you wish to see everything. It can be shorter if you don't go inside every building.
For more information, visit the Den Gamle By website. You can also find information about Restaurants within the museum.
ARoS Art Museum
ARoS is the main art museum in Aarhus, featuring the largest art collection outside Copenhagen. It showcases Danish art from the 18th century to the present. Key exhibits include the 4.5-meter high sculpture 'Boy' by Ron Mueck, weighing half a ton. On the museum's roof is the Rainbow Panorama. This is a round glass walkway, 150 meters long and 3 meters wide, made of all spectrum colors. It floats 3.5 meters above the roof. As you walk, the view of the city and bay changes through different colors. There is also a rooftop terrace where you can relax.
The ARoS website has details on current exhibitions, opening hours, and prices.
Museum entrance is around 20 euros.
Moesgaard Museum
Located about half an hour south of the Aarhus center by bus, the Moesgaard Museum is surrounded by nature with views and hiking trails. The building itself is notable, designed to run upwards from the ground. You can walk on the roof for panoramic views. Inside, it is an archaeological and anthropological museum. It shows human history through the Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Viking Age, and Middle Ages. The museum is informative and engaging. It contains one of the world's best-preserved Viking ships, found in Norway, and a small reconstructed stave church. The Grauballe Man, a well-preserved bog body, is also on display. There is a nice restaurant at the museum.
Plan for about 4 hours to see the Moesgaard Museum properly.
Take bus 18 from Park Allé in the city center. The ride is about 30 minutes.
More details, including opening hours and more practical information, and Prices for tickets, are available on the Moesgaard Museum website.
Aarhus Ø district
Aarhus Ø is the city's modern port district. It features notable architecture and pleasant quaysides for walking. You will find places to eat and drink. The Iceberg (Isbjerget) is a landmark apartment complex on the quay. It is known for its triangular shapes and blue balconies. The Lighthouse is Denmark's tallest building at 142 meters. It was recognized as the world's best tall building in October 2023. At the top, Aarhus Øje offers a viewpoint, a restaurant, and a small museum. The Havnebadet (Basin 7) is a floating harbor bath. It includes a 50-meter pool, a diving area, children's pools, and saunas. Winter bathing is popular here. Dokk1 is a cultural center and the main library. It has multiple outdoor play areas for children and great harbor views. The 'Endless Connection' fountain on the waterfront is a splash pad, popular with kids in warm weather.
Accessing the Aarhus Øje viewpoint costs about 20 euros. Check the Website Aarhus Øje for Prices and opening hours.
The harbor bath has various opening hours that change throughout the year. It is most open in July or August.
Salling Skywalk
The Salling Skywalk is a free attraction located on top of the Salling shopping center. It is on Sondergade, a main shopping street. From this rooftop area, you get views over Aarhus and the surrounding shopping streets. You can relax, have a drink at the restaurant, or simply sit with a book. A glass walkway juts out over the street below. This spot is decorated with Christmas trees, lights, and music during December, creating a festive atmosphere. There is an elevator for direct access to the rooftop.
Aarhus charming streets and areas
Aarhus features historic districts and picturesque streets worth exploring on foot.
Latin Quarter
The Latin Quarter, or Latinerkvarteret, is the oldest and coziest part of Aarhus. It is a maze of narrow streets filled with small design shops, coffee shops, and restaurants. This district developed after the 14th century. The Aarhus Cathedral, a Gothic church dating back to the 12th century, is located here. It is the longest and tallest church in Denmark. Inside, you can see many restored frescoes. Pustervig Torv is a small square in the Latin Quarter, ideal for relaxing. Wander through streets like Klostergade, Graven, Mejlgade, Badstuegade, Studsgade, Volden, Borggade, and Rosensgade.
You can check out the Aarhus Cathedral website for tour information.
Møllestien colored street
Møllestien is a short, paved alley often called the most fairytale-like street in Aarhus. It is only 240 meters long. The street features small houses with hollyhocks and climbing roses against their facades. Møllestien dates to the early Middle Ages. Many houses were largely rebuilt between 1870 and 1885, likely over older buildings from the 1600s and 1700s. It offers a glimpse into history and is a quiet place for a stroll.
Aarhus street art
As you walk around Aarhus, remember to look up. You will find murals in various locations across the city. There is even one in Møllestien street. Searching for 'murals Aarhus' or 'Street Art Aarhus' on Google Maps can help you find them.
Aarhus Botanical Garden and Greenhouses
The Botanical Garden (Botanisk Have) is a quiet green space near the city center, located next to Den Gamle By. It is one of Aarhus's largest parks. You can take a walk or picnic on the grass during spring and summer. The main attraction is the Væksthusene, also known as 'Tropical Houses.' This large greenhouse features four climate zones with plant collections from around the world. I visited in winter and found the greenhouses beautiful and a nice place to warm up. In spring and summer, the outdoor gardens are vibrant with blooming flowers. The park also has a restaurant. There is also a large playground near the greenhouses, good for children. Entrance to the Botanical Garden is free.
Entrance is free.
More information about the Botanical Garden, including Opening hours, is available online.
Aarhus dining options
Aarhus offers a variety of food experiences, from casual street food to bakeries.
The city is known for its food halls and Danish bakeries. There are also Michelin-star restaurants, though this guide focuses on more casual options.
Aarhus Street Food
Aarhus Street Food is a large indoor hall with over 24 food stalls. You can find cuisines from Italian to Arabic to Danish. It is a place for tasty, affordable, fast, and easy food. The atmosphere is cozy, with picnic tables and couches. Highchairs are available for families. There is also affordable parking nearby. The market is located next to the Rutebilstation (bus station). On nice days, you can eat outside at wooden tables lit with twinkle lights. Stalls offer options for meat-eaters, vegans, and gluten-free diets. Save room for desserts from Popsicle and Cake or The French Corner.
Open every day from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM, except for Christmas and New Year's Eve. You can find the current opening hours online.
Markedshallen Nicolinehus
Markedshallen Nicolinehus is a new food hall in the Aarhus Ø district, located right on the harbor. It offers food options from all over the world, along with desserts and drinks. If you enjoy seafood, consider The Fish Project stall for fresh fish.
Toast It restaurant
Toast It is a favorite spot for many. It is known for good, affordable food and a cozy atmosphere. They offer flavorful paninis served on sourdough bread. Options are available for vegan and gluten-free diets. Sides include fries, smoothies, fried cauliflower, and local juices. The restaurant has cushions and furs by the window, which are nice for relaxing.
You can check out Toast It online.
For Emma Bakery
For Emma Bakery caters to those looking for gluten-free and dairy-free options. Everything sold here is gluten-free, and most items are also dairy-free or vegan. They offer crusty loaves of bread, cookies, cakes, pizza crusts, buns, and bagged mixes. The gluten-free bread is highly regarded.
Lagkagehuset bakery
Lagkagehuset is a Danish bakery chain found throughout the country. It is a reliable place for delicious Danish baked goods and breads. Some popular items include wiener kringle, kanel snegls, and flødeboller. If you like marzipan, you will find many options here.
Børnenes Kontor (Hot dog Carts)
Danish hot dog carts are a popular and affordable street food option. A 'ristet pølse' is a classic hot dog with fried onions, pickled cucumber, mayonnaise, spicy mustard, remoulade, and ketchup. A 'Fransk pølse' is a hot dog pushed into a bun with your choice of sauce; remoulade is the traditional Danish sauce to try.
Aarhus outdoor activities and entertainment
Beyond museums and dining, Aarhus offers opportunities for outdoor enjoyment and entertainment.
Aarhus Watersports Complex
Next to the Aarhus harbor bath, the Aarhus Watersports Complex allows for wakeboarding, waterskiing, or kneeboarding. You are pulled by a line strung between two cable towers. Experienced participants can try tricks off jumps in the water.
Visit the Aarhus Watersports Complex website for more information.
Workshops in Aarhus
For creative activities, you can participate in workshops. At Create Aarhus, you can make your own candles or paint ceramics. The Smykbar offers jewelry making, where you can create a bracelet, earrings, or a necklace. You can sit comfortably, have a drink, and eat a pastry while crafting your jewelry.
Explore options at Create Aarhus or Smykbar.
Infinity Bridge (Den Uendelige Bro)
The Infinity Bridge, also known as Den Uendelige Bro, is a popular attraction. It is a round, wooden pier where you walk in a circle, offering a 360-degree view of Aarhus Bay, the beach, and the forest. The bridge is located on the coast at Varna and Ballehage Strand, south of the city center. This bridge is only present from April to October and is closed during the winter months. Check Google Maps for its current status before your visit.
Christmas markets in Aarhus
From mid-November until Christmas, Aarhus hosts various Christmas markets. These markets are smaller and cozier compared to larger European ones. Ridehuset houses a small market where everything is handmade, usually open daily except Mondays until 5 PM. Den Gamle By also embraces the Christmas spirit during this time, with Christmas shops and historical exhibits. The Salling Skywalk rooftop transforms into a festive display of Christmas trees, lights, and music, offering a Danish Christmas atmosphere.
Marselisborg Palace and Deer Park
Marselisborg Palace serves as the summer and Christmas residence for the Danish royal family. When the royal family is not in residence, you can explore the palace grounds, including the Queen's rose garden. The Memorial Park, located below the palace, is beautiful, especially with cherry blossoms in May and June. If the royals are present, you can witness the Changing of the Guard daily at noon. Near the palace, Marselisborg Deer Park offers a chance to see nature and feed deer with carrots or apples. This is a popular activity, especially for children.
Aarhus Marina and hidden beach
The Aarhus Marina (Lystbådehavn) is a picturesque spot with various boats, from small fishing vessels to large yachts. It is a good place for a stroll. At The Surf Agency, located at the marina, you can rent stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) or book a hot tub and sauna. A small, hidden beach can be found at the end of the marina, though it is not marked on Google Maps. Free parking is available near the marina, a short walk from the beach.
Tivoli Friheden amusement park
Tivoli Friheden is an amusement park in the heart of Aarhus. It offers a variety of rides for all ages, from gentle attractions to thrilling experiences. The Sky Tower is a 165-foot (50-meter) free fall into a net, with no ropes or bungee cords. Another ride, 'Summerfuglen,' challenges you to spin your individual seat 360 degrees as many times as possible.
Visit Tivoli Friheden's website for more details.
Aarhus Canoe Rentals
You can rent canoes on the Aarhus River from Aarhus Canoe Rentals. This operation is located outside the Folkestedet community center. Rentals cost around $15 per hour. You can paddle west towards Brabrand lake or east towards Vester Allé, into the city. The river is suitable for beginners, making it a good activity for a sunny day.
Canoe rentals are around $15 per hour.
Find Aarhus Canoe Rentals online.
Day trips from Aarhus
If you are staying longer in Aarhus, consider taking day trips to explore the surrounding areas of Jutland.
Billund LEGO attractions
Billund is known as the birthplace of LEGO. It is home to the first Legoland in the world. The LEGO House offers an immersive experience with over 10 hands-on activities, a LEGO museum, and the world's largest LEGO sculpture. It is about an hour's drive from Aarhus. By public transport, it takes about 1.5 to 1.75 hours, involving a train to Vejle and then a bus.
Ebeltoft town
Ebeltoft is an old town about 45 minutes by car or 1.5 hours by bus from Aarhus. Its streets feature quaint, colorful timbered homes, similar to Den Gamle By but in their original locations. Ebeltoft also has the Ebeltoft Glass Blowing Museum, a playground on the harbor, and a large 19th-century wooden ship you can tour, the Fregatten Jylland. To get there by bus, take bus 123 from the Rutebilstation in Aarhus.
Bus 123 from Aarhus Rutebilstation.
Check the Ebeltoft Glass Blowing Museum and the ship you can tour for more information.
Mols Bjerge National Park
Mols Bjerge National Park offers hiking opportunities. It is reachable by bus 123 from the Rutebilstation in Aarhus.
Bus 123 from Aarhus Rutebilstation.
Søndervig Strand (Beach)
The west coast beaches of Denmark, including Søndervig Strand, are known for their rolling sand dunes, tall grass, and rosehips. It's under a two-hour drive from Aarhus. You can also find World War II bunkers and the Lynvig Fyr lighthouse. Climbing the lighthouse offers views of the sea and sand dunes.
Learn more about the Lynvig Fyr lighthouse.
Skagen town
Skagen is Denmark's northernmost town, about a 2.5-hour drive from Aarhus. At Grenen, a sandy point, you can witness the meeting of the Baltic and North Seas. Skagen also has an art museum and Højen, a village known for its sunsets. Other sights include the Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse, which was recently moved to prevent it from falling off cliffs, the vast migrating sand dune of Råbjerg Mile, and Den Tilsandede Kirke (The Sand Covered Church).
You can visit the Skagen art museum for details.
Aalborg Viking history
Aalborg is a 1.5-hour drive or just under two hours by public transit from Aarhus. It is home to Lindholm Høje, Scandinavia's best-preserved Viking cemetery. This site features a grassy hill covered in stones shaped like ships, triangles, and circles, marking grave sites.