Things to do in  Aarhus

Set along the refurbished Aarhus waterfront, Dokk1 is one of the city’s premier cultural hubs, extending from a library to a concert and theater venue, children’s play areas, and a lounge area for the teens, plus a coffee shop. Here you can fill hours with interactive media and games, storytelling, indoor and outdoor playgrounds, and a wide range of cultural events and performances for all ages.

Experience centuries of Danish history at this unique open-air museum that recreates a town in Denmark over four separate eras: pre-19th century, the industrial boom of the 1920s, the social revolution of the 1970s, and contemporary life in 2014. Stroll the streets and pop inside replica houses, shops, and workshops, while interacting with costumed “residents” and sampling historic treats.

Step beneath the Nordea Bank and travel back 1,200 years at the tiny but excellent Viking Museum (Vikingemuseet) in Aarhus, part of the larger Moesgaard Museum. Aarhus sits on the remains of Aros, the ancient Viking-founded town hidden beneath the modern streets. This one-room multimedia exhibition delves into the evolution of the Viking settlement over the past millennium with a collection of excavated artifacts and a model city.

Stretching through the heart of Aarhus, postcard-perfect Mollestien is a cobblestone street lined with pastel-tinted homes from the 18th century, climbing rose and hollyhock plants, and Denmark’s ubiquitous bicycles propped up near many of the front doors. Take a stroll down this atmospheric street to soak in its yesteryear charm.

Part of the oldest religious complex in Aarhus, Vor Frue Kirke (or the Church of Our Lady) offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s architectural evolution. With an 11th-century crypt and an adjacent Dominican monastery established at the beginning of the 1200s, this complex is a must-see for history buffs. The Gothic Revival-style church itself dates from the late 19th century and is among the city’s most striking landmarks.

One of the most striking buildings in central Aarhus, the Aarhus Theatre (Aarhus Teater) is also an important cultural hub. This late 19th-century gem houses four stages for theatrical and musical performances in Danish, some with English subtitles. The magnificence of the Art Nouveau facade is matched by the ornate interiors, with gilded details and massive chandeliers, making it a must-see for architecture buffs.

Experience the bustling dining and imbibing scene in Aarhus—Denmark’s second-largest city—on the riverfront social hub of Vadestedet. Join locals and visitors for dinner and drinks at one of the many eateries along the water, then dance the night away at the area’s clubs that keep the party going long past midnight. Whether you’re dining or dancing, Vadestedet is the trendiest spot in Aarhus.

In the bustling heart of Aarhus, Store Torv is the city’s largest and most picturesque public square. The triangle-shaped pedestrian plaza is anchored by a soaring 12th-century cathedral—one of the tallest in Denmark—and lined by chocolate-box townhouses, the city pharmacy dating from 1710, and the Neoclassical Hotel Royal. One of the top sights in Aarhus, Store Torv is a hub for dining, shopping, and cultural events.

The handsome 12th-century Aarhus Cathedral (Aarhus Domkirke) is a showstopper, towering above the town with its soaring spires that pierce the sky. Architecture buffs will appreciate this landmark church’s mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles, and the 15th-century altarpiece, baptismal font, and frescoes never fail to impress. Visit as part of a city tour or catch one of the frequently scheduled concerts here.