Aarhus between Art, Coastal Forests and Urban History

Art, Nature and Urban History in Aarhus

Aarhus can be explored through art, historic cityscapes, coastal landscapes and activities on the water.

Art and History in the Urban Landscape

ARoS is an international art museum in the centre of Aarhus. Its collection comprises more than 8,000 works, including masterpieces by Danish and international artists. Five galleries provide thematic orientation, and an entire floor is also dedicated to installation art. The five galleries and the dedicated floor for installation art each focus on different aspects of engaging with the collection. Another approach to the history of Danish market towns awaits you at Den Gamle By. There, it is presented through four time periods: 2014, 1974, 1927 and 1864. The four time periods provide different historical points of reference, while the Toy Museum offers its own way of exploring the site. The site also includes a Toy Museum with more than 5,000 toys. From April until the end of the year, visitors can meet people there who dress, work and behave as they did in earlier times.

A distinctive religious building is Aarhus Cathedral: it is 93 metres long and the longest church in Denmark. South of Aarhus, the surrounding area is home to the Moesgaard Museum, an archaeological and anthropological museum in Højbjerg. History can also be experienced through food: the Gæstgivergården restaurant in Den Gamle By serves hot and cold lunch dishes as well as smørrebrød based on historic cookbooks.

Forests, Beaches and Nature

The section of the Marselisborgskovene proposed for Aarhus’ Nature Canon extends from Oddervej in the north to Fløjstrup in the south and covers approximately 600 hectares. The Marselisborgskovene are coastal forests in hilly terrain with deep ravines and belong to the Natura 2000 area Giber Å, Enemærket and Skåde Havbakker. Riis Skov covers approximately 80 hectares, is dominated by beech trees and features a great variety of different natural habitats.

Ballehage Beach is a bathing beach in Aarhus at the Marselisborgskovene. Wildlife and nature can be experienced at Lake Brabrand.

Active Days in Aarhus

At Aarhus Havbane, it is possible to go stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing and swimming. Aarhus has cycle paths and many signposted cycling routes through and around the city. The many signposted routes offer different ways to explore Aarhus and the surrounding area by bicycle. The Greenhouses in Aarhus Botanical Garden comprise four climate zones with plants from around the world. Tivoli Friheden is an amusement park in Aarhus with numerous rides and activities for the whole family.

Public Transport in Aarhus

Public transport in Aarhus and the Aarhus region includes buses, trains and the light rail. Anyone using public transport in and around Aarhus must always purchase their ticket before starting the journey.

For further orientation within the same broader area, you can also compare Egå Egå, Skæring Skæring, Gammel Løgten Gammel Løgten, Ajstrup Ajstrup, Hasselager Hasselager, Tilst Tilst, Viby J Viby J and Holme-Højbjerg-Skåde Holme-Højbjerg-Skåde.

To the broader travel overview: Aarhus Municipality.