Aarhus is the second-largest city in Denmark and one of the oldest. It is northwest of Copenhagen and is situated on the Kattegat Sea and Aarhus River on the Western side of Denmark. Many attractions in Aarhus are unique to the city, making it a great place to visit in addition to Copenhagen. Aarhus is ideal for all travelers, including solo travelers or families. 1 day in Aarhus is likely sufficient if you are traveling through Denmark on a larger road trip, though you could easily spend a few days here depending on your interests.
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Travel Itinerary for 1 Day in Aarhus
Morning
Start your one day in Aarhus by visiting the Marselisborg Forests. You can hike or bike the trails. Within the forest, you will find Deer Park. You can walk through the enclosure and see many, many deer along with wild boars. The wild boars are in an enclosure, while the deer freely roam around. The deer are small and may approach you. You should not feed the animals, nor approach them. Let them come to you. If you are traveling with children or animal lovers, then Deer Park is a must-visit spot!
The Deer Park is a short walk to the Infinite Bridge. The Infinite Bridge is a wooden bridge that extends into the water in the form of a circle. The bridge is up from April until October and taken down during the winter. You can take a short stroll around the bridge while taking in the views of Aarhus. You can spend as much time as you want at Deer Park and the Infinite Bridge or visit both in less than an hour.
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Another place to visit nearby is the garden at Marselisborg Castle, which is open to the public when the royal family is not staying there. The garden is closed four weekdays before the royal family visits and two days after their stay. If you visit Aarhus while the royal family is at the castle, you can see the changing of the guard every day at 12:00 pm.
Lunch
For lunch, you can go to Aarhus Street Food, which has something for everyone. The indoor venue is perfect for cold or rainy days and has gluten-free, vegan, and lactose-free options. You can get Mexican, Korean, Afro-Caribbean, and other international cuisines or basics like a burger or pizza. You will also find vendors specializing in desserts, beer, wine, and coffee. Another option is to go to the center of Aarhus, where you will find a pedestrian-friendly street with plenty of restaurants and shops near the river.
While in the city center, plan to visit Aarhus Cathedral, which was first built during the 12th century. It is the longest church in Denmark! You can visit or take a guided tour during the day, but there are services on Sundays and Wednesdays. The church is closed during services. You can also visit other historic churches in Aarhus.
Afternoon
After lunch, be sure to check out a view of the Aarhus skyline. There are a couple of options for travelers who want to see a view of Aarhus from on high.
One popular choice for a view is the ARoS Aarhus Art Museum. The top of the building has a permanent work of art that includes a circular walkway with rainbow glass walls for a colorful view of Aarhus. Be sure to visit the other exhibits at the museum. If you are short on time, however, be sure to also check out The Boy sculpture while at the museum. The museum is closed on Mondays.
Another viewpoint is the top of the Aarhus Øje. You can go to the top, which is 143 meters above sea level to get the best views of Aarhus. There is also a restaurant at the top. You need a ticket to go to the top, which is separate from visiting the restaurant. The Aarhus Øje has an exhibit about the bay and the history of Aarhus. Plan to spend about 30 minutes here if you only visit the top and an hour and a half if you also visit the exhibit.
Depending on your travel plans, you could visit the ARoS Aarhus Art Museum for a view during the day and visit the Aarhus Øje for a sunset view. However, watch your time because the Aarhus Øje closes at 6 pm most days and is only open until 8 pm on Fridays.
More Things to Do in Aarhus
If you have had your fill of historic churches, skylines, and outdoor hikes, there are other options for spending your 1 day in Aarhus.
Amusement Park
While in Denmark, you should visit an amusement park. Denmark is home to some of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Tivoli Gardens, a must-see spot on every Copenhagen bucket list, inspired Walt Disney to develop the Disney parks.
If you have not made it to a Danish amusement park then plan to spend a couple of hours at Tivoli Friheden. However, it is not open year-round. There are rides suitable for all ages along with concerts and dining. For thrill-seekers, take the cable car to the Sky Tower (additional fee). You can go up just for the views, but you can also plunge 30 meters without a line from the tower!
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Den Gamle By – The Old Town Museum
The Old Town Museum is one of the best things to do in Aarhus. It’s a live museum that takes you through Danish history. The museum shows how people lived from 2014-2000, 1974-1950, 1927-1900, and 1900-1600. You will find homes, shops, and exhibits focusing on these eras of Danish history. Admission is free for children under 18. Plan to eat lunch at Restaurant Gæstgivergården, which serves historic traditional Danish food, such as Danish open sandwiches. The restaurant was built in 1750!
Moesgaard Museum
Moesgaard Museum focuses on prehistory (archeological and anthropological exhibits). Be sure to visit the Stairway of Evolution, where you can see seven reconstructed human species as you climb. You should also see the Grauballe Man, who is a well-preserved man from the Iron Age. He was discovered in a peat bog in Denmark. He was found in such good condition, that you can even see his hair and fingernails! Admission is free for children under 18.
Science Museums at Aarhus University
You could likely spend your whole day in Aarhus at the Science Museums of Aarhus University. There is a Botanical Garden, the Steno Museum, and the Ole Rømer Observatory. The Botanical Garden showcases four climates in greenhouses. Therefore, you can visit the Botanical Garden all year no matter the weather. Admission is free for everyone.
The Steno Museum is a science museum focusing on the solar system, the body, and more. Admission is free for children under 18. There is a planetarium with shows on the weekend, but they are only in Danish.
You can find Denmark’s largest functioning telescope at the Ole Rømer Observatory. From September to April, you can go stargazing at the observatory. Presentations are ticketed, last one and a half hours, and do sell out. Book two months in advance. If you need an English presentation, purchase a group tour. If you need a Danish presentation, you can purchase a ticket.
The Beach
There are several beaches at Aarhus. If the weather is particularly warm, spending some time at the beach during your 1 day in Aarhus might be fun. You can always plan to spend a little time at the beach if you visit the Infinite Bridge.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How to Get to Aarhus From Copenhagen
You can get to Aarhus from Copenhagen by driving, taking a bus or train, or flying. Driving takes about three hours. A bus, plane, or train takes about 3.5 hours. Each route takes a similar amount of time, so your choice depends on your preferences and budget. A flight will be the most expensive while driving, a bus, or a train is comparable in price.
How to Get to Aarhus from Oslo or Gothenburg
You can fly or take a ferry and then either drive, take the bus, or a train to get to Aarhus from Oslo. The quickest journey would be flying. You can take a ferry, then a bus or train (or drive) from Gothenburg to Aarhus. Driving and a car ferry is the quickest option.
Do You Need a Car for 1 Day in Aarhus?
Like most Danish cities, you do not need a car to get around. You can walk to many places, use public transportation, or rent a bike.
Is 1 Day in Aarhus Enough?
Yes! Though Aarhus is the second largest city in Denmark, it is easy to navigate and attractions are not far from each other. You won’t be able to do everything in Aarhus in one day, but you will be able to experience the best things to do in Aarhus without feeling rushed.
1 Day in Aarhus: Conclusion
Spending 1 day in Aarhus is a great addition to your Denmark itinerary. You can see attractions that are unique to the city, such as the panoramic rainbow exhibit at ARoS, the Infinite Bridge, and Grauballe Man at the Moesgaard Museum. Be sure to add a few things to do in Aarhus to your Denmark travel plans!
And don’t forget to save this 1-Day Aarhus Itinerary!
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