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Where is Aarhus located?
- Aarhus is the second-largest city in Denmark, situated along the eastern coast of the Jutland Peninsula on the shores of Aarhus Bay.
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How significant is Aarhus in the European Union?
- Aarhus is one of the 100 largest cities in the European Union, known for its cultural and economic influence.
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What is Aarhus known for?
- The city is recognized worldwide for its culture, thriving economy, and its rich history in jazz and rock music.
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1. Aarhus Botanical Gardens
Stroll lush gardens and explore greenhouses on a relaxing spring trip.
Aarhus Botanical Gardens is a 53-acre public botanical garden facility operated by Aarhus Municipality, located adjacent to the Old Town open-air historic museum. The garden was originally created as a botanical research facility for Aarhus University and was converted into a public open-air museum facility in 2012, overseen with the help of the Friends of the Botanical Gardens organization. As one of Aarhus' largest public parks, the gardens offer a variety of visitor attractions, including a greenhouse center constructed in 1970, a tropical hothouse, an open-air amphitheater, and a children's playground facility. Three lakes and streams run throughout the garden, which showcases thousands of plant species labeled in both Dutch and Latin.
Peter Holms Vej, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark, Phone: +45-87-15-54-15
2. Kunsthal Aarhus
See contemporary art and discover bold exhibits on an unusual cultural outing.
Kunsthal Aarhus is one of Denmark's oldest and most prominent contemporary arts centers, established in 1917 following the implementation of an 1847 Aarhus Art Association initiative to raise the city's public arts profile. The center strives to inspire the Northern European public through the promotion of the fine arts, located within a space constructed by architect Axel Høeg-Hansen that has been expanded and renovated throughout the past several decades to encompass more than 1,000 square meters of exhibition space. Solo, group, and thematic arts exhibitions are showcased periodically across a variety of genres, including painting, sculpture, photography, and multimedia works. The center is known for its cutting-edge exhibitions, providing a diverse, inclusive platform for artists and prioritizing diversity and cultural appreciation.
J. M. Mørks Gade 13, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark, Phone: +45-86-20-60-50
3. AQUA Aquarium and Wildlife Park
Look at native animals and enjoy interactive displays on a fun kids adventure.
AQUA Aquarium and Wildlife Park is a family-friendly nature center located in nearby Silkeborg that is home to the largest freshwater aquarium in the country of Denmark. Underwater experiences and informational exhibits abound, taking visitors through recreated natural habitats showcasing species such as pike, otters, and giant catfish. Outside, the facility's outdoor nature park is home to a variety of native Denmark wetland species, including beavers, raccoons, and storks. A wilderness trail is also offered for visitors, along with a giant water play area for young children featuring water cannons, a paddling pool, and a sandbox area. Next to the playground, families can enjoy food from the facility's cafe or bring their own picnic lunches to prepare at the facility's barbecue grills.
Vejlsøvej 55, 8600 Silkeborg, Denmark, Phone: +45-89-21-21-89
4. City Bike Adventures
Ride through Aarhus and explore local sights on an exciting summer tour.
City Bike Adventures is the Aarhus branch of the top European biking tour company, which also offers tours in top cities such as Copenhagen, Munich, and Berlin. The company offers two daily group biking tours during the morning and afternoon hours, embarking near the DOKK1 library and civic building and the city's Poseidon statue. Morning tours last approximately three and a half hours, while shorter afternoon tours last 90 minutes. Tours explore the city's top sights, including its Marselisborg Palace royal summer home complex and a number of historic buildings and canals, providing an eco-friendly alternative to bus and motor vehicle tours. Private tours may also be arranged for groups of up to 25 people, with customizable itineraries available.
Hack Kampmanns Pl, Aarhus 8000, Denmark, Phone: +45-71-99-91-50
5. The Danish Poster Museum
Admire vintage posters and learn graphic history on a quick arts trip.
The Danish Poster Museum is an art museum dedicated to the history of poster art throughout Denmark and the world, located adjacent to the Old Town open-air historic museum. The museum was founded on the collections accumulated by Danish artist Peder Stougaard beginning in 1972, which featured notable poster art by Danish artists alongside seminal posters from around the world. In 1993, Stougaard's collections was transferred to the newly-founded Poster Museum, which was incorporated into the Old Town complex in 2006. Today, the modern two-story museum showcases more than 400,000 Danish and international posters, including influential commercial advertisements, wall art, and protest posters. A permanent collection of 19th and 20th-century classical Danish posters is showcased, alongside six to eight changing yearly exhibitions on poster art topics, with a focus on the use of posters in 20th century international art, advertising, and protest.
Viborgvej 2, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark, Phone: +45-86-15-33-45
6. ARoS Aarhus Kunstmuseum
Walk the rainbow panorama and explore modern exhibits on a romantic weekend escape.
ARoS Aarhus Kunstmuseum is Denmark's oldest art museum located outside of the city of Copenhagen, originally opened to the public in 1859. Since its 2004 relocation into a new 10-story building designed by Danish architectural firm Schmidt Hammer Lassen, it has become one of Northern Europe's largest and most-visited art museums, attracting nearly one million annual visitors. Collections focus on works from the 17th-century Golden Age of Northern European painting through the present day, with exhibits for Danish artists and international luminaries such as Andy Warhol, Frank Gehry, and Roy Lichtenstein. A basement exhibit, The 9 Spaces, plays off the concept of Dante's nine circles of hell in the Divine Comedy, and a circular skywalk showcases an installation by Danish artist Ólafur Elíasson.
Aros Allé 2, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark, Phone: +45-87-30-66-00
7. Den Permanente
Swim in the sea and relax on the sand during a family beach day.
Den Permanente is Aarhus' most popular public beach, located less than 10 minutes by bike or car from the city's center, near the Riis Skov woodland park area. The beach consists of two public beach areas and a sea bathing club, which was incorporated under civic supervision in 1933. Prior to the construction of the permanent bath facility, a number of seasonal bath buildings were erected at the area yearly, which lent the name "the permanent" to the new facility. Lifeguards are staffed at the facility during the summer months, with restrooms, showers, and a concessions stand available. Barbecue and bonfire pits are also available for visitor day use.
Salonvejen 1, 8240 Risskov
8. Dokk1
Visit the modern library and enjoy harbor views on an easy afternoon outing.
Dokk1 is a new cultural center and public library located along the Hack Kampmanns Plads waterfront within the Urban Mediaspace Aarhus development. The building's name was determined as part of a 2012 public naming contest, referring to the city's former Dock One industrial harbor area. It was opened to the public in June of 2015, designed by architectural firm Schmidt Hammer Lassen to emphasize sustainability and public accessibility. It houses the 650,000-square-foot Aarhus Main Library, which was named as the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions' Public Library of the Year in 2016. Two concert halls are also offered, along with children's playgrounds and public art installations. When fully completed, the structure will also house a city light rail station.
Hack Kampmanns Pl. 2, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark, Phone: +45-89-40-92-00
9. Food Walk
Savor local bites and explore culinary stories on a delicious affordable tour.
Food Walk is a guided tour company providing walking restaurant tours of top restaurants in Danish cities such as Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Aalborg. The company strives to promote gastronomic tourism in Danish city centers, aiming to help put Denmark on the map as an international culinary destination. Two, three, and four-hour guided food walk packages allow participants to visit several restaurants within the city center of Aarhus and sample specially-selected dishes prepared by the establishments' executive chefs. Traditional Danish food and beverages are highlighted, along with hot new culinary trends. A minimum of two participants is required for each tour, with private and custom tours available for larger groups upon request.
Dansgade 2A, 8260 Viby, Denmark, Phone: +45-31-10-99-44
10. Marselisborg Palace
See the royal residence and stroll garden paths on a peaceful retirement trip.
Marselisborg Palace is one of the royal residences of the Danish Royal Family, constructed between 1899 and 1902 on the site of the former Marselisborg Manor. The palace was presented to the royal family as a gift from the nation in commemoration of the wedding of King Christian X and Queen Alexandrine. Since their rule, the palace has been the royal family's summer home and holiday residence, occupied since 1967 by Queen Margrethe II. It is located within the 32-acre Slotshaven Palace Park, which was constructed to mimic traditional English landscapes by designer L. Christian Diedrichsen. Its bordering Mindeparken Memorial Park also serves as a popular recreational facility for Aarhus citizens and visitors throughout the summer months.
Kongevejen 100, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark, Phone: +45-33-40-10-10
Best Time to Visit
Medium-Priced Places to Stay
Tips for Exploring
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming parks.
Hotel Oasia Aarhus – Stylish boutique hotel near the city center.
Visit the Aarhus Botanical Garden – Enjoy vibrant spring flowers and green spaces.
Summer (June-August) – Warmest weather and peak tourist season.
Comwell Aarhus – Modern hotel with panoramic city views.
Explore the ARoS Art Museum – Walk through the iconic rainbow panorama.
Fall (September-November) – Fewer tourists and colorful autumn scenery.
Scandic Aarhus City – Comfortable stay within walking distance of attractions.
Wander through the Latin Quarter – Discover charming streets, cafés, and boutiques.
Winter (December-February) – Cold but cozy, with festive holiday lights.
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel – Centrally located with spacious rooms.
Visit Tivoli Friheden’s Christmas Market – Enjoy festive lights, food, and local crafts.
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Aarhus Botanical Gardens
- 2. Kunsthal Aarhus
- 3. AQUA Aquarium and Wildlife Park
- 4. City Bike Adventures
- 5. The Danish Poster Museum
- 6. ARoS Aarhus Kunstmuseum
- 7. Den Permanente
- 8. Dokk1
- 9. Food Walk
- 10. Marselisborg Palace