How We Spent a Day in Aarhus, Denmark
During our time in Jutland, Aarhus was the biggest city we visited, and it truly felt like it.
Aarhus was our first taste of a big city in Denmark. Here's a rundown of everything we got to experience while we were there.
We spent the morning in Aalborg before finally driving south in the afternoon to explore Aarhus, Denmark's second-biggest city. We enjoyed our time in Aalborg, but with Aarhus being larger, we definitely expected more to see and do there.
Since we hadn't planned any stops along the way, the entire drive took no more than 90 minutes, and because the E45 is a major motorway, everything went exceptionally smoothly.
We were eager to dive into Aarhus, drawn by its modern architecture, seaside charm, lively neighborhoods, and impressive museums. It seemed like the perfect mix. But, as always, the story of how we got there comes first.
Although the coastal scenery, with its sweeping dunes and endless beaches, was truly breathtaking, we have to admit we missed having a proper city experience. And that's what made us so excited about visiting Aarhus.
So, in the spirit of making a short story long, our day began in Skagen, where we had planned yet another beach walk, this time to Grenen. But the weather quickly took a turn for the worse, so we decided to speed up our plans and leave Skagen soon afterward. Since we had some extra time, we made a quick stop in Aalborg, but our real destination for the day was Aarhus, known as the City of Smiles.
Since Aarhus is said to be home to Denmark's happiest and friendliest people, we were really curious to see whether the city would put a smile on our faces too. So, let's find out.
We loved that Aarhus had preserved its old neighborhoods.
Where We Stayed in Aarhus
On our way to Aarhus, we still needed to figure out where to stay for the night. As usual, we looked for a hotel with a central location and, since we were traveling by car, convenient parking. Lucie found several good four-star hotels in the city center, such as Comwell Aarhus Dolce by Wyndham and Hotel Atlantic, but we eventually chose Hotel Ritz Aarhus City since it was a three-star hotel and simply cheaper than the four-star options.
Though our room wasn't the biggest, it was cozy and had everything we needed.
The only small issue was that the parking description was a bit vague, and even after reading a few reviews on the topic, we were no clearer. So, while still on the highway, Lucie called about twenty minutes before we arrived and reserved a parking spot.
That's usually not very common, but the lady on the phone said she could do it for us since we were practically just around the corner. It was quite convenient, as we wouldn't have to worry about finding a parking garage nearby if their parking was full, giving us a stress-free check-in. Plus, the on-site parking was much cheaper. Interestingly, their parking was just a few spots behind the hotel, so we got lucky this time.
The bathroom felt a little tight, but we managed just fine.
Hotel Oasia Aarhus City is a fantastic three-star option, situated just 150 meters from the Ritz. Its location is ideal for travelers using public transport, as the train station is just steps away.
If you're searching for a budget-friendly hotel in Aarhus, the Cabinn Hotel Aarhus or nearby Danhostel Aarhus City (though technically a hostel) are always solid choices. For a touch of luxury, Hotel Royal is a beautiful boutique hotel also located in the city center.
We also passed by the Boutique Hotel Royal since it's located right next to the cathedral.
Exploring Aarhus - What to See and Do
After a smooth check-in, we settled into our room with a view of the busy Banegårdspladsen, and honestly, we took a few moments to recharge. It had already been a pretty busy day, and we knew there was still plenty to see and do in Aarhus, but that would have to wait for a few moments. So, we had a cup of tea, ate our snack (bananas), and planned our next move in the meantime.
Our goal for the day in Aarhus was to visit ARoS. But since it was a weekday and the museum didn't close until 9 PM, we had plenty of time to spare in the meantime.
Aarhus was super fun to explore, the mix of old and new really worked!
Aarhus has plenty more to offer beyond what we'll cover here. Tivoli Friheden is a must-visit for families, while Marselisborg Castle, the Danish royal family's summer residence, lets you wander its scenic gardens. A botanical garden is also worth checking out. For a nature retreat, head to Ballehage Beach in the south or Bellevue Beach in the north.
These destinations are outside the city center, so plan on using public transport or a car to get there. However, in this section, we'll only cover places we personally visited or that are located in the central area. What we loved was how pedestrian-friendly the central area was, some streets had no cars at all, allowing us to walk everywhere. For those staying farther out, there's a light rail option as well.
Dokk1's Impressive Architecture
Since the waterfront was only 700 meters from our hotel, we headed straight there. The first must-see attraction we visited in Aarhus was the remarkable Dokk1 building. Dokk1 is a modern space with plenty of activities happening year-round, but at its core, it's a library. While we didn't come to borrow a book, we enjoyed the unique architecture and the many perspectives it offers, along with great views of the harbor.
Admission to Dokk1 is free, so if you'd like to go inside, all you need to do is come during opening hours: 8 AM to 10 PM on weekdays and 10 AM to 5 PM on weekends.
Dokk1's modern design makes the library feel worlds apart from the one we had in our hometown.
Walking Along the Waterfront
We've already talked about Dokk1, but that was just a glimpse of everything we explored along the waterfront. Since Aarhus has Denmark's largest harbor, there was plenty to take in. We obviously skipped the industrial port and focused on the non-commercial area.
Along our walk we saw boats of all shapes and sizes, including a massive ocean liner. The contrast between historic buildings like Toldboden (old customs house) and the ultra-modern waterfront district was stunning, as were the gigantic murals we saw around the port.
This was hands down the coolest mural we spotted around Aarhus's harbor.
That's also where we found the Lighthouse (more on that later). Along the way, we also spotted some cool features, like the Endless Connection fountain, saunas, a sea swimming pool, and the artsy corner near Domen Aarhus.
Domen Aarhus was another unexpected gem we found in the harbor area.
The whole walk around the waterfront was probably our favorite (free) thing we did in Aarhus. Obviously, we were close to the sea, which is something we always like, but despite the gray skies and windy weather, there were quite a few people here.
On a chilly day, the waterfront fountain didn't have the same appeal as it would in the summer months in Aarhus.
The best bit was that lots of them were active. Whether we saw runners, swimmers, or kayakers, and even a guy practicing on a wakeboard, it really felt like this is the place to be if you don't want to be still.
Kayaking in Aarhus looked like a cool way to enjoy the city from a different perspective.
Lighthouse Viewpoint
The 142-meter Lighthouse was one of the most striking buildings we saw while walking along the waterfront. Its remarkable height immediately made it clear that it wasn't a traditional lighthouse like Bovbjerg Fyr or Rubjerg Knude Fyr, but rather a residential structure.
'Simple' isn't quite accurate, as the Lighthouse towered over the harbor, visible from nearly every angle. Being Denmark's tallest building, it was impossible to overlook.
It's easy to see why the lighthouse offers some of the most stunning views of Aarhus.
We strolled through the modern residential area, enjoying the seaside atmosphere. When we reached the Lighthouse, we discovered that we could take an elevator to the 44th floor of Aarhus Øje (Aarhus Eye) for breathtaking views of the port and city.
When we saw the 149 DKK entry fee, we decided to pass. Since we were eventually heading to ARoS, which also offers a city view, the price felt too steep.
To be fair, the admission fee also grants access to a basement exhibition titled The City and the Bay, which explores Aarhus' maritime history. While this may be of some interest, the main attraction of the Lighthouse is undoubtedly the panoramic view.
Exploring the Latin Quarter
Later, we'll talk about how Den Gamle By didn't fit into our itinerary, and while missing out on Aarhus's history was disappointing, we also knew it wasn't a true Old Town.
If any area in Aarhus could be considered its historical center, it's the Latin Quarter, so that's where we headed. People often call the Latin Quarter one of Aarhus's top attractions, but really, it's just a local neighborhood, though it stands out for being one of the oldest and having a great vibe.
Aarhus has Viking-themed traffic lights - how cool is that?
It was already mid-afternoon when we arrived, and despite the rather cool weather, the whole neighborhood was coming to life. While the Latin Quarter was not as lively as it might have been on a warmer day, we chose not to worry about it and instead appreciated the area without the usual crowds. Strolling through this charming neighborhood, which has a unique atmosphere, small cafés, restaurants, and traditional architecture, was definitely worth it.
Still, it was a bit of a shame since this seemed like one of those places where the busier it is, the more fun it becomes to explore. Anyway, we totally understood why the locals and tourists stayed inside, given that the weather wasn't that great.
I tried to position Lucie within the frame of Aarhus Domkirke, but the result wasn't as successful as I envisioned.
We eventually ended up at lovely Bishop's Square (Bispetorvet), where we found the towering Aarhus Cathedral (Aarhus Domkirke). It's actually the longest church in Denmark (longer than Roskilde Cathedral!), and while the outside was super impressive, the interior was pretty plain with just white walls and not much to see.
Sitting in the southeast corner was Aarhus Theater, easily the most stunning historic building we came across in the old town. We also noticed the Viking Museum tucked into the corner of Bishop's Square, but since it's small and we were already planning visits to bigger Viking sites like Jelling Kongernes and Trelleborg Fortress, we decided to pass. West of the cathedral is Store Torv, a separate square that connects right next to it.
The front of Aarhus Theater is absolutely beautiful.
ARoS Aarhus Art Museum
It was getting pretty late by the time we made it to ARoS, but with the museum open till 9 PM, we had loads of time to check everything out. The long opening hours are definitely a big advantage for ARoS. Just remember that the museum is closed on Mondays except for June, July, August, and a few other days.
If it weren't for the skywalk, the museum building would look quite modest.
We showed up in Aarhus on a Monday in September, and lucky for us, it happened to be one of the days the museum was open outside the summer. Unlike other times, we actually knew about it, so no surprises this time!
No doubt, the best part of ARoS was the panoramic skywalk, Your Rainbow Panorama. With the day being all cloudy and the sunset looking unlikely, we went there right away, so it was off our minds and we could focus on the exhibitions. This 150-meter-long viewing platform gets its name from the tinted windows that give it a rainbow vibe. We've gotta admit, it was pretty awesome and one of the best photo spots in Aarhus, not for the city views, but for the skywalk itself.
Lucie posing in the ARoS skywalk - that violet tint was so cool!
We made a few loops, snapped some photos, and with only a few people around, it was a really nice experience. Since we also wanted to see the city as it really was, not with rainbow colors, we left the skywalk and headed up to ARoS's rooftop.
Up here, we embraced the grayness that had been hanging over Aarhus (and all of Jutland) since the morning, but the 360-degree views of the city were still pretty awesome. ARoS is known for its sunsets, but since the weather wasn't cooperating, we didn't stick around. That said, we couldn't resist checking back around sunset time, just to be sure. Eventually, we did return, and there was actually a pretty dramatic sunset that evening!
The sunset from ARoS's rooftop was pretty dramatic.
With that out of the way, we could dive into the museum at last. ARoS has a bunch of exhibitions, but since Ron Mueck's Art and Life was the main event, we went straight for it. And yes, Boy and Girl, those larger-than-life hyperrealistic sculptures, were easily some of the most unforgettable pieces we've ever come across.
Ron Mueck's Boy was pretty unsettling to see up close.
We had only read about Mueck's ability to spark intense reactions, and after seeing his work for the first time, we totally got it. Some modern art exhibits are a gamble, but this one will definitely stick.
We then kept exploring the museum. It's pretty big, so we had to skip a few things, but with the time we had for ARoS, we saw a lot. The building itself is pretty cool. In fact, we found the inside of the museum way more interesting than the exterior, which, surprisingly, doesn't have much going on other than the rainbow skywalk.
The interior of the modern art museum was, fittingly, very modern.
We paid 180 DKK for our ARoS tickets, which was pretty expensive and made it one of the priciest museums we visited in Denmark. They do offer discounts for younger visitors and students, but the best part is that ARoS is free for kids under 18, which is awesome if you're bringing your family.
Den Gamle By (Old Town)
Had we arrived in the morning and not gone to the ARoS Museum, we would have probably visited Den Gamle By. This large area is essentially an open-air museum that takes you through 300 years of Aarhus's history.
However, the problem was that the entire area closed at 5 PM, which would have left us with only a couple of hours to explore the site. Our main concern was that when we checked the official site for ticket options, we noticed they recommend spending 4–5 hours at Den Gamle By. That was a problem for us, since we had just around two hours.
Although we could have seen quite a bit in that time, the steep ticket price didn't seem worth it. So, we ended up going to ARoS instead, since it was open until 9 PM and gave us enough time to enjoy both the museum and Aarhus.
Den Gamle By is called the Old Town, but more technically, it's a living museum that gives you that step-back-in-time vibe. There's loads of history, and you can enter buildings set up to match different eras (like the 1920s, 1970s, and even 2014). There are shops too, where you can pick up souvenirs, but at the end of the day, it's still more of an attraction than a real historic center like the one we loved in Ribe.
We also saw half-timbered houses in the city center, totally free of charge.
If you're torn between Den Gamle By and ARoS Museum, here are our two cents. The modern art at ARoS was excellent, though we mainly chose it because it fit better into our schedule. Den Gamle By, on the other hand, is a fantastic option for anyone interested in history and old architecture.
We'd also factor in the weather when choosing between the two. ARoS is a great place to visit on a cold or rainy day, and that was exactly the kind of day we had. After spending a few hours walking around Aarhus on a chilly day, we were feeling cold and grateful to spend the rest of the day in the warmth of the museum. Naturally, Den Gamle By has a clear advantage over ARoS on warm, sunny days, as much of the experience takes place outdoors.
This beautiful spot we found in the Latin Quarter was free, too.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Parking
Since we left our car at the hotel parking, we advise you to do the same and choose a hotel with on-site parking for your overnight stay in Aarhus. If you're only in Aarhus for a day trip, parking in the city center is a good choice. Salling Parkeringshus and Dokk1 Parkering are reliable options, along with numerous Q-Parks spread across the downtown area.
Getting to Aarhus
Aarhus lies on the eastern side of Midtjylland (Central Jutland). Since we had a car for our Denmark trip, we simply drove from Aalborg to Aarhus.
We spent around 90 minutes on the road, adding a few minutes for a fuel stop. Aarhus is then a two-hour drive from Odense and three and a half hours from Copenhagen.
Here's a link to compare rental car prices, just in case a road trip sounds like your kind of thing.
Parts of downtown Aarhus had no cars at all and were super walkable!
If public transport is your preference, Aarhus has excellent rail connections to other Danish cities. Its main train station is centrally located (for instance, we stayed just 50 meters away).
The drawback of not having a car is that amazing locations like Thy National Park beyond Aarhus are hard to access. If renting sounds good, here's a site for comparing prices in Denmark.
If your morning starts in Copenhagen and you're up for something new or a bit of adventure, the Odden-Aarhus (Færgehavn) ferry is worth considering.
The 80-minute voyage across Kattegat Sea from Jutland to Zealand spares you roughly 200 kilometers of driving. But reaching Copenhagen still takes about three and a half hours, just like the drive over the Great Belt Bridge.
We spotted a large AIDA ocean liner in the harbor, which is another way tourists arrive in Aarhus.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
