Aarhus 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Discovering Aarhus’ Old Town

Places to Go:

  • Aarhus Domkirke (Aarhus Cathedral): A beautiful Gothic-style cathedral built in the 19th century.
  • Vestre Fjordpark (Western Harbour Park): A scenic park with a harbor view and playgrounds for kids.
  • Brabrand Lake: A lovely lake area perfect for walking or biking.

Activities:

  • Explore the Old Town. Stroll along its cobblestone streets lined with historic buildings, shops, cafes, and restaurants.
  • Visit the ARoS Aarhus Art Museum, a contemporary art museum known for its large yellow elevator that serves as an exterior ’eye’ of the building, offering panoramic views.

Where to Eat:

  • Havana: For Cuban cuisine in the heart of Aarhus Old Town.
  • Schubert’s: Try some Danish seafood dishes and enjoy waterfront dining.

Where to Stay:

  • Aarhus City Centre Apartments (for a homey feel) or Clarion Hotel & Congress Aarhus (for luxury).

Day 2: Nature, Culture, and Shopping

Places to Go:

  • Botanical Garden: Explore one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe.
  • Den Gamle By (Old Town Museum): Step into a living museum showcasing Danish urban history.
  • Tivoli Friheden: A fun amusement park with rides, shows, and restaurants.

Activities:

  • Take a stroll through the Botanical Garden. It’s perfect for a peaceful morning.
  • Visit Den Gamle By, where you can see historic houses and buildings from 1800s Denmark, all preserved and some even inhabited by people living as they would have in those times.
  • Spend your evening at Tivoli Friheden, enjoying rides, performances, and dining options.

Where to Eat:

  • Restaurant Sub for a delicious Italian meal.
  • Torvehallerne: For local food and specialty products, including artisanal cheeses and baked goods.

Where to Stay:

  • Consider the same options as Day 1 or opt for Hotel Aarhus (for its central location).

Day 3: Adventure in the Outskirts

Places to Go:

  • Moesgaard Museum: Explore one of Europe’s best archaeological museums.
  • Arosaen (Aros’ Beach): Enjoy a scenic beach on the outskirts of Aarhus.

Activities:

  • Spend your morning at Moesgaard Museum, which tells the story of human history through artifacts and interactive exhibits.
  • Visit Arosaen. It’s a great place to relax, have a picnic, or enjoy a walk along the shore.

Where to Eat:

  • Restaurant Dansk Madder: For local Danish cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
  • Smag og Smaegter: Offers dining experiences that are visually and tastefully memorable.

Transportation:

  • Aarhus is easily accessible by car, bus, or train. If you prefer not to drive, the city’s compact nature and public transportation system make it easy to get around without a vehicle.
  • Consider purchasing an Aarhus Card, which gives you free access to public transportation, museums, and some attractions.

Tips:

  • Aarhus is known for its high standard of living and cleanliness. Keep in mind that this includes strict recycling rules and regulations on littering.
  • The city celebrates many festivals throughout the year, including the Aarhus Festival and the Aros (Aarhus 2007 European Capital of Culture). If you’re visiting during festival season, be prepared for a lively atmosphere.

Other Things to Know:

  • Weather: Aarhus has a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters. The city experiences its heaviest rainfall in autumn.
  • Language: While Danish is the primary language spoken, many locals, particularly those in service industries like tourism and hospitality, speak English fluently.
  • Safety: Aarhus is considered one of Denmark’s safest cities, with low crime rates compared to other European capitals. However, as with any city, it’s always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

This itinerary should give you a comprehensive overview of what Aarhus has to offer and help plan an enjoyable trip. Whether exploring the old town, enjoying nature, or experiencing culture, there’s something for every interest in this beautiful Danish city.