Aarhus, Denmark
ABOUT
Aarhus was originally a Viking settlement that was called Aros. There are several archaeological finds that date the town all the way back to 700 AD. Because of its location, Aarhus has always been an important trade centre both in the Denmark of the Vikings and the Middle Ages.
Trade continued to thrive, although it was not until 1441 that Aarhus was granted market town privileges.
Aarhus began to grow significantly as trade prospered in the mid-18th century, but not until the mid-19th century did the Industrial Revolution bring real growth in population. The first railway line in Jutland was built here in 1862. In 1928, the first university in Jutland was founded in Aarhus and today it is a university city and the largest centre for trade, services, industry, and tourism in Jutland.
Now regarded as Denmark’s second largest city it has a diverse economy covering trade through the port and its rail connection, technical innovation, green energy and tourism.
Population of the city in 2024 was just under 300,000.
Currency is the Danish Krone.
THINGS TO DO
For a small town, there is quite a lot to keep you occupied during your visit.
Den Gamle By is the old town open-air museum, with centuries-old timbered houses. Nearby are the greenhouses of the Aarhus Botanical Garden.
In the center, the multi-story ARoS art museum shows global contemporary works. The underground Viking Museum explores early local history. Nearby, Aarhus Cathedral has restored 14th to 16th Century frescoes.
Located in Beder, a suburb of Aarhus, the Moesgaard Museum enables you come close to the people of the past and the present through set designed and dramatised stories.
There are bars, cafes and restaurants to enjoy including Jazz Clubs and Rock Bars together with a dizzying array of music festivals in the summer months.
OUR FAVOURITE THINGS TO DO
Our first stop in the port of Aarhus was somewhat marred by the torrential rain that greeted us. It was such a shame as we had high hopes for visiting interesting places. When the rain eased, rather than stop, we did venture out. It is quite a walk to the town from the ship, flat but somewhat uneven – so for those with mobility issues, do take care. However we were greeted warmly and there was a tourist information kiosk with helpful staff.
We were also greeted by a number of statues on the quayside. There are many sculptures and statues in Aarhus many of which depict historic characters and others pay tribute to the workers and their trades. There is a guide book available and we suggest you ask at the Tourist Information Kiosk for more details.
As we mentioned, the weather was not good on the day of our visit and the wet a little too much for Lindsey. Such a shame as we had intended to go to Den Gamle By on the recommendation of a friend. This living museum enables you to witness, touch, and immerse yourself in the rich history of Danish market towns across four distinct time periods: 2014, 1974, 1927, and 1864. It is certainly on our `to do’ list for a future visit to the area.
We did however get the chance to walk through one of the most picturesque streets and stop for a coffee and one of those pastries that the Danish are so famous for.
After a coffee stop and with the rain easing a little we strolled through the streets.
We eventually found the underground Viking Museum. This is a window into history taking you back 1200 years to when Aarhus was founded on that spot. The museum promised more than it delivered but at least it was out of the rain.
Be aware that you can only pay the entry fee by card payment.
Across the square from the Museum is the Aarhus Cathedral which we took time to visit. It may appear unassuming, but it is actually quite stunning.
It dates back to the latter half of the 12th Century and wasn’t completed until about 1350.
The outer walls of this Cathedral and the beautiful chapels along the eastern wall of the transept are the only surviving Romanesque elements today. The remainder underwent a radical rebuild in the Gothic style in the late 1400’s.
With a length of 93 metres Aarhus Cathedral is the longest church in Denmark, and it seats approx. 1200 people. From the beginning it was dedicated to St Clement, the patron saint of sailors.
We were unable to photograph much inside the Cathedral as the day we visited there was a concert rehearsal with a full orchestra and a large choir of children. This did mean though that we were treated to some lovely music and beautiful singing from the musicians and young voices.
This was the last of the statues that we photographed during our day visit to Aarhus.
The Soldier on Horseback depicts King Christian X who reigned from 1912-1947. It is situated at one end of Bishop’s Square (adjacent to the Cathedral).
Overall we found Aarhus a great place to spend a day and hope to go back in the not to distant future.
Our primary goal next time will be to head to Den Gamle By and the Botanical Gardens. Then perhaps heading back into the town for a proper look at the Cathedral.
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