A quick trip to Aarhus

What can you do in Aarhus? A long weekend in Aarhus is a great chance to try out different experiences. The phrase ‘body and soul’ takes on a whole new meaning here, with attractions that are great for your body and soul – or both!

Cultural experiences in Aarhus

When you’re in Aarhus, you’ve got to check out either ARoS or Moesgaard Museum. ARoS is one of the top art museums in the Nordic region, with over a million visitors every year! The art museum showcases both national and international artists, with exhibitions ranging from traditional oil paintings to cutting-edge interactive installations.

Moesgaard Museum is a museum of archaeology and ethnography. The museum has a particular focus on how humans have evolved over time. Most of the archaeological collections are Danish, but there are also changing special exhibitions from around the world. The museum has a number of permanent exhibitions, showcasing artefacts and stories from the Stone Age, Bronze Age, Viking Age and Middle Ages.

Take a trip to Aarhus’ Old Town, a well-preserved time capsule right in the heart of a vibrant city. Take a trip back in time and get a feel for what it was like to live in Aarhus during different periods. What was Aarhus like before the 1900s? What happened when the city became modern in the 1920s? And what characterised ‘welfare Denmark’ in the 1970s? You can see how Denmark has developed over the last 200-300 years in the living rooms, kitchens, shops, technology and streets.

If you’d rather sit back and let the art unfold in front of you, then the Aarhus Theatre is the perfect experience for you. Aarhus Theatre was built in the late 1890s by architect Hack Kampmann, who was responsible for several of the most significant public buildings in Aarhus at the time. Hack Kampmann also designed Marselisborg Castle, Toldboden, the Business Archives and Aarhus Cathedral School, to name just a few. Aarhus Theatre has something for everyone, from theatre concerts and revived plays to the latest in performing arts.

Beautiful nature in Aarhus

Aarhus is a big city, but it’s surrounded by beautiful nature. No matter which direction you choose to walk in — north towards Riis Skov or south along Tangkrogen towards Marselisborg — you’re guaranteed to experience a lot of beautiful nature, and it’s completely free.

Riis Skov is in the north-east of Aarhus, facing the water. As you walk among the beech trees and smell the wild garlic, you can enjoy the view of Aarhus Bay and the new buildings on Aarhus Ø. At the foot of Riis Skov is Den Permanente, which is both a bathing centre and one of the city’s best and most popular beaches.

Tangkrogen is in the south of Aarhus. You’ll also get to enjoy the combination of nature, sand and water here. As you walk along Tangkrogen, you’ll also find yourself at Marselisborg Forest and Marselisborg Castle. You can walk among the deer, go for a run, or sit down with a cup of coffee on a bench and enjoy the view.

You might also want to check out the Infinite Bridge in this area. The circular wooden bridge extends from the shoreline into Aarhus Bay.

If you’re not into forests or beaches, the greenhouses in the Botanical Gardens are a great alternative for a ‘green’ experience. The Botanical Garden is right in the heart of the city, right next to the Old Town. You can take a stroll through the beautiful and well-maintained park, or you can explore inside the greenhouses.

You’ll get to experience the four different climate zones of the earth here. In the large dome, also known as the Tropical House, you’ll walk among tropical plants and see beautiful butterflies flying around freely.

Spa og wellness in Aarhus

After a full day of new experiences, you need to relax in a float studio. If you’re looking to unwind and relax in a cool, new way, PAUSE recovery studio is worth checking out.

So, you can easily round off your walk or bike ride out towards Tangkrogen and back with a wellness experience. PAUSE recovery studio has quickly become one of Denmark’s top spa and wellness centres. The float centre offers a range of treatments, including floating therapy, infrared sauna, cryotherapy, red light therapy and recovery boots.

It’s great for couples, friends or even if you’re visiting Aarhus on your own – the ‘break package’ is definitely worth trying. You’ll get to try out a range of different treatments in a two-hour wellness package. At PAUSE Recovery Studio, you can recharge your batteries and get your mind and body back in balance.

You’ll find PAUSE recovery studio at Frederiks Plads 28, at the end of Jægergårdsgade.

What to see in Aarhus

If you’re walking down Strøget and feeling a bit tired, pop into Salling and experience the Salling Rooftop. When Salling opened the large roof terrace in 2017, it gave people a whole new way to experience Aarhus. You can see the whole city from here. Depending on the weather, you can sit inside or outside. People come here for drinks, a tasty lunch or a good cup of coffee. If you’re feeling brave, you can take the Salling SKYWALK – a glass platform 27 metres above Strøget.

Just below Strøget and past the cathedral, you’ll find the Latin Quarter. For a moment, you’ll feel like you’re somewhere else. This neighbourhood has a unique atmosphere. You walk through small, cobbled streets with old, crooked facades that are full of life – either in the form of people or art. The Latin Quarter is the oldest neighbourhood in Aarhus that’s still intact today. It was first settled in the late 1400s. You can even enjoy a cup of coffee and a French-inspired meal here. You can find everything from great second-hand items to stylish and trendy designer clothes.

Where to sleep in Aarhus

Aarhus has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from basic hostels to luxurious 5-star hotels. Just outside Aarhus, you’ll also find the city’s two campsites. Aarhus Camping is north of the city, while Blommenhaven campsite is in the Marselisborg forests, close to the beach south of Aarhus and in a pretty setting. If you’re looking for a bit more peace and quiet, you can rent a holiday home close to Aarhus.