Aarhus Travel Guide
Aarhus is a university town located in Jutland, Denmark’s oft-overlooked western province. The city was founded in the 8th century and is one of the oldest in the country, evolving into an important maritime trading hub during the Viking Age.
Today, it’s a small town and there’s not a lot to “do” here that would keep you here for days and days like in Copenhagen.
However, I found that to be the strength of the town.
It’s quiet, there are a lot of parks to wander through (the one near the university is especially peaceful), and there’s a lively music scene and a lot of cheap food thanks to a thriving community of poor university students that make up most of the population. In short, Aarhus is a calming contrast to busy Copenhagen and it’s worth spending a couple days soaking it all in.
This travel guide to Aarhus will help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit!
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Top 5 Things to See and Do in Aarhus
1. Visit the Aarhus Art Museum
Founded in 1859, the 10-story ARoS museum is home to Denmark’s largest art collection outside of Copenhagen, featuring both classical paintings from the 18th century Danish Golden Age, as well as modern art and sculptures. Highlights include works by N.A. Abildgaard and Christen Dalsgaard. The collection spans 300 years of Danish art and includes everything from landscape paintings to Social Realism. There are also international pieces and installations from artists like Miwa Yanagi and James Turrell. Explore four unique galleries and don’t miss the panoramic walkway on the museum’s top floor. It’s a 150-meter-long walkway with the glass panels moving through all the colors of the rainbow giving a unique perspective on the landscape outside. Keep in mind that the museum is closed on Monday. Admission is 180 DKK.
2. Wander the Deer Park
A short stroll from downtown, this 22-acre park is a wooded area bordering the Marselisborg Forests that offers a peaceful afternoon amongst flora, fauna, and wildlife (including plenty of deer). The park is home to both sitka and fallow deer, along with wild boar that have a separate enclosure. There zoo provides appropriate food for the animals and you can even feed them on your own. There are benches and tables to relax with a book or picnic, and in the winter, there is skiing and tobogganing. Admission is free.
3. See Den Gamle By
Den Gamle By refers to the “old town” — an aggregation of 75 historic buildings from the 16th to 20th centuries that serve as an open-air museum. This is a living history museum, so the educators at the museum are dressed in period clothing. You can watch re-enactments of common tasks and daily chores, or view traditional craftsmanship in the workshops. Special exhibits include a Toy Museum, the Gallery of Decorative Arts, and the Danish Poster Museum. Admission is 190 DKK if you visit during tourist season.
4. Visit Legoland
Aarhus is where Lego originated (it was started in 1932 by Ole Kirk Christiansen, originally out of wood). Today, their park uses over 20 million Lego blocks to build Miniland, a display of various scenes from around the world, including a Lego Mount Rushmore, the Thai Grand Palace in Bangkok, and the Gota Canal in Sweden (they used to have Star Wars displays too but those were removed when Disney purchased Star Wars). There are also rides for all ages. One-day tickets are 329 DKK if you purchase in advance and 499 at the entrance.
5. Take in the Aarhus Cathedral
This cathedral dates back to the year 1200. Originally built in the Romanesque Basilica style, the only surviving remnants of this style are the outer walls, as well as the chapels along the eastern wall. The cathedral’s interior was remodeled in the Gothic style from 1449-1500. Aarhus Cathedral is the longest and tallest church in Denmark. Admission is free but dress respectfully as it is a place of worship. You can climb the bell tower and get an incredible view of the city for 20 DKK.
Other Things to See and Do in Aarhus
1. See Clausholm Castle
Built in the 1690s, this castle (it’s more of a large country mansion) is one of the oldest Baroque estates in Denmark. Many of the rooms remain in their original condition. The estate is built on a man-made island and shaped like an H. It’s surrounded by a moat and immaculate gardens and parkland. I highly recommend taking a tour of this place. The surrounding grounds are home to 1,000 linden trees and the perfect place for a picnic on a warm sunny day after exploring the castle. Admission to the park and the castle is 170 DKK.
2. Visit Helsingor Teater
Dating back to 1817, Denmark’s oldest theater features regular performances during the summer. The acoustics on stage are so precise, the performers still don’t even need microphones. Tickets start around 175 DKK and increase in price the closer you get to the stage. Performances include everything from drama to comedy. There are discounts for students and anyone under 25. The theater also hosts the Passage International Street Theater Festival in the summer where you can enjoy theater in public spaces around the city. Check their website to see what is playing during your visit.
3. Take a glassblowing class
Bülow Duus Glassblowers offers glassblowing workshops. This place is a splendid sightseeing destination as well as a wonderful place to purchase glasswork. Craftsmen are set up blowing glass on huge kilns and are more than happy to make conversation and answer questions. They turn everyday household items like glasses, salt and pepper shakers, and candlesticks into works of art. One-on-one glassblowing lessons are 2000 DKK per person or 2200 DKK for a couple.
4. Attend the Aarhus Festival
Taking place at the end of August, this festival is one of the largest cultural events in all of Scandinavia. The event began in 1965 as a way to show Aarhus to the wider world and bring attention to the culture of the city. It was a huge success and immediately became an annual event. It showcases both local, national, and international artists. Music, food, and visual art can be found spread over an array of bars, galleries, and shops all over the city. Every year has its own theme to tie everything together as well. With 1,000 events at 100 venues, the festival hosts half a million people each year. Be sure to book your accommodation early as the city fills up!
5. Have fun at Tivoli Friheden
Designed to mimic the world-renowned Tivoli in Copenhagen, this popular amusement park features various art shows and concerts, clowns, rides, restaurants, and an open-air theater. There are rides like rollercoasters, carousels, and haunted houses. This is the perfect place to visit if you’re traveling with children. There’s always something going on here so check the website before you arrive. Entrance to the park is 175 DKK. If you want to ride the rides as well, tickets cost 295 DKK.
7. Take a historical walk
The Prehistory Trail offers a glimpse of how Denmark looked in the prehistoric period. You’ll pass through a swamp forest, then a birch and pine forest, and, then further on down the trail, an old watermill. There are also reconstructed prehistoric houses. The walk ends at the reconstructed Viking age stave church. The trail is just 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) and is an easy stroll. It’s located just south of the city at the Moesgaard Museum, a regional museum dedicated to archaeology and ethnography. Admission to the museum is 180 DKK, though the trail is free.
8. Explore Aarhus by bike
Self-guided bicycle tours are available as a way to explore the city, or you can make your own. You can rent a bike through the local bike share, Donkey Republic, using their app. There are a ton of bike paths around the city and cycling is the preferred transportation method for many Danes. There’s a bike path along the Ringgaden road that will take you past the Botanical Gardens and the Old Town. You can also enjoy the lovely bike path through the woods of Marselisborg and take a break at the Deer Park or Ballehage beach. If you want to do longer cycling trips, there are paths that connect Aarhus to other towns in the area.
9. See the Bispetorvet (Bishop’s Square) Dinosaur Footprint
Located in the Bishop’s Square is an object and one you wouldn’t think to find in the middle of a modern city: a dinosaur footprint! Found in a sandstone quarry in Germany in 1921, the citizens of Aarhus decided that it was just what their city needed when replacing the sandstone slabs in the walls of the square in 2005. The fossilized footprint was installed in 2006 and is thought to be of an Allosaurus. You’ll see the fossil on the inside of the square on the western wall opposite the theater. The square itself is a lovely pedestrian area that’s bordered by historic buildings and museums like the Aarhus Cathedral and the Gender Museum.
10. Walk the Infinite Bridge
On the outskirts of the city is the Infinite Bridge. Designed by Danish architects Niels Povlsgaard and Johan Gjøde, it was constructed in 2015 and was intended to be a piece of interactive art. The wooden bridge is a massive circle that extends out over the sea. It spans 200 feet (60m) in diameter and offers a wonderful view of the water. Though you don’t often hear about Denmark for its beaches, the water is a gorgeous turquoise and it’s a unique experience that’s worth a visit to see it from this perspective.
How to Stay Safe in Aarhus
Aarhus is a safe place to backpack and travel — even if you’re traveling solo. Denmark is the 5th safest country in the world so violent incidents are rare. Your only real concern is petty theft but even that is rare. Keep your valuables secure and you’ll be fine.
If you plan on cycling through the city, be sure to wear a helmet and always lock your bike with the back wheel lock so it does not get stolen when parked outside.
Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here. However, be sure to follow standard safety precautions (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). For specific information about a place, check out one of the many incredible solo female travel blogs on the web. They’ll give you tips and advice that I can’t.
Scams here are rare but if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here
If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.
The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase quality travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:
Where to Stay in Aarhus
Aarhus only has two hostels but both are affordable and have self-catering facilities. And, though hotels aren’t super cheap, there are plenty of options. Here are some of my recommended places to stay:
Aarhus Travel Costs
Accommodation
- Hostel Dorms – 200 DKK per night
- Hostel private rooms – 1,000 DKK per night
- Budget hotels – 900 DKK per night
- Airbnb private rooms – 300–450 DKK per night
- Airbnb apartments – 500–1,000 DKK per night
- Campsite – 140 DKK per night
Food
- Street food – 55–85 DKK
- Sit-down restaurants – 200 DKK
- Casual take-out places – 90–150 DKK
- Fast food (think McDonald’s) – 100 DKK
- Beer – 50 DKK
- Cappuccino/latte- 45 DKK
- Bottled water – 20 DKK
- Groceries for a week – 400–500 DKK
Aarhus Suggested Budgets
Backpacker – 500 DKK Per Day
On a backpacker budget, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all of your meals, and use public transportation to get around. To save money, avoid drinking and do free activities like hiking and walking tours. If you want to eat out or drink, you’ll need to add at least another 100–200 DKK per day.
Midrange – 1,100 DKK Per Day
On a mid-range budget, you’ll be able to stay in a private Airbnb, eat out for some meals, enjoy a couple of drinks here and there, and take the occasional taxi. You can also enjoy some paid activities like visiting museums and galleries.
Upscale – 2,300 DKK Per Day
On this budget, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, rent a car or take more taxis, drink more, and do as many activities as you’d like. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky’s the limit!
Aarhus Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips
Aarhus is an expensive city in an expensive country. You can spend a lot here if you aren’t careful. However, if you find cheap accommodation, limit your drinking, and cook your meals, you’ll be able to cut your costs a lot. Here are some quick ways to save money in Aarhus:
- Take a free walking tour – One of my favorite ways to start a trip is with a free walking tour. You get to see all the main sites while chatting with an expert local guide. Aarhus Free Walking Tours offers a comprehensive free tour that serves as an excellent intro to the city. Just be sure to tip your guide!
- Get a transit pass – Buying day tickets for the transportation system is one of the best ways to save money. A one-day pass is 49 DKK and gives you unlimited travel between zones 1-3. If you If you want to go further outside the city, a one-day unlimited pass for the Central Denmark Region is 99 DKK.
- Refill your water bottle – The water in Aarhus is safe to drink and is held to very high standards. Skip buying bottled water here and refill your bottle instead. LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle with a built-in filter so you can always be sure your water is clean and safe.
- Redeem hotel points – You can sign up for hotel credit cards and use those points when you travel. Most cards come with at least 1-2 nights free when you join, which can help you save a lot. Here’s an article to help you get started with the basics. If you start earning points now, you’ll have plenty for your trip.
- Eat on the street – Street stalls offering hot dogs and sausages are cheap and plentiful. Fill up on them.
- Stay with a local – Accommodation in Aarhus is pricey. If you plan ahead, you can usually find really friendly Couchsurfing hosts. This way, you not only have a place to stay but you’ll have a local host that can share their insider tips and advice.
- Cook your food – Eating out in Aarhus is not cheap, and since Danish food isn’t going to win any impressive culinary awards, you won’t miss much by cooking your own food. If you must eat out, do so during lunch when specials and buffet deals make restaurants reasonably priced.
- Book in advance – When leaving the city, book your train and bus tickets a month in advance to save you up to 50%.
How to Get Around in Aarhus
Public transportation – The city’s bus and rail system operates on a zone system. Tickets start at 24 DKK to travel from zone 1 to 2, with a 10 DKK increase for each additional zone traveled to. A 24-hour bus and light rail pass is 49 DKK.
A single-journey ticket to the Aarhus Airport is 126 DKK. The journey is just under an hour. A ticket to the Billund Airport is 164 DKK and the journey lasts around 90 minutes.
Taxi – Taxis are expensive and should be avoided. Rates start at 40 DKK and go up 12 DKK per kilometer. There are no rideshares here so taxis are your only option in a pinch. I suggest avoiding them as much as possible since they are pricey.
Bicycle – Renting a bike is the easiest way to explore the city. Bikes can be rented all around the city with Donkey Republic. Simply slip use the app to release the bike from the rack, and you can ride all day! Prices vary by how long you ride, but a full day is 129 DKK.
Car rental – Aarhus isn’t a huge city so you won’t need a car here unless you plan on leaving the city to explore the region. Rentals can be found for as little as 150 DDK per day for a multi-day rental. Renters need to be at least 19 and have had their license for at least one year.
For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars.
When to Go to Aarhus
Since Aarhus is a coastal town, its temperature is heavily influenced by the sea. Winters hover around 1°-2°C (34°-36°F), so dress warmly with lots of layers. Crowds will be virtually non-existent and prices will be lower, but the weather will be grey and cold. There’s a lot of rain this time of year, with each month getting six to nine days of rain. You may also experience occasional snow.
In contrast, summers in Aarhus are quite pleasant, with highs in July and August around 20°C (69°F). July and August are the most popular months to visit so expect some crowds here and there (though far fewer people visit here compared to Copenhagen). There’s plenty of rain in the summer so be sure to pack for it.
Spring and fall offer cooler temps of about 11-17°C (52-62°F). There are fewer tourists and prices will be cheaper. It’s the best time to visit if you’re on a budget as prices will be lower and there will be more availability. Spring is the driest time of year, though there are still six or more days of rain each month. Fall is the wettest with nine or more days of rain. You’ll definitely want to pack layers and rain gear if you visit during the shoulder season.
Aarhus Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources
These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.
- Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
- Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
- Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
- HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
- Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
- The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
- Trainline – When you’re ready to book your train tickets, use this site. It streamlines the process of booking trains around Europe.
- Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
- FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
- SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
- LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
- Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
- Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
GO DEEPER: Nomadic Matt’s In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!
There’s a lot of free information online but do you want to spend days searching for information? Prob not! That’s why guidebooks exist.
While I have a lot of free tips on Europe, I also wrote an entire book that goes into great detail on everything you need to plan a trip here on a budget! You’ll get suggested itineraries, budgets, even more ways to save money, my favorite restaurants, prices, practical information (i.e. phone numbers, websites, prices, safety advice, etc etc), and cultural tips.
I’ll give the insider view of Europe that I got from years of traveling and living here! The downloadable guide can be used on your Kindle, iPad, phone, or computer so you can have it with you when you go.
Click here to learn more about my book on Europe!
