8 tips for a trip in the Aarhus region

1. Experience the culture of Aarhus

In Aarhus, it's easy to alternate between history and modern architecture. Begin your journey at the ARoS Aarhus Art Museum, where you can admire contemporary art and enjoy panoramic views of the city from Your Rainbow Panorama. Since June 2026, you can also explore James Turrell’s ‘As Seen Below – The Dome’, an installation focusing on light, space and the sky. Next, take a stroll to Den Gamle By and step back in time amongst old houses, shops and cobbled streets. After passing the colourful façades of Møllestien, continue on to Aarhus Ø, where you will find Tivoli Friheden, a green oasis surrounded by woodland and green spaces.

Addresses:
ARoS: Aros Allé 2, 8000 Aarhus
Den Gamle By: Viborgvej 2, 8000 Aarhus C
Tivoli Friheden: Skovbrynet 5, 8000 Aarhus C

_{©Mathilde Hobolt Mortensen, Aarhus Kommune, 2026}

2. Look beyond the city

Aarhus is more than just a city break destination. There is also plenty to discover in and around the city. Take a stroll through Aarhus Ø, for example, the modern waterfront district boasting striking architecture, promenades, a harbour bath and stunning vistas of Aarhus Bay. Then head out into the countryside for a walk through the woods or along the coast, or visit one of the region’s charming towns, such as Ebeltoft. This way, you can easily alternate between museums, city life, modern architecture, nature, and the Danish coast.

_{©Adam Mørk}

3. Discover the countryside and coastline surrounding Aarhus

The coast, woodlands and cultural sites around Aarhus follow one another in rapid succession. Why not start at the Moesgaard Museum, where you can see the Grauballe Man and find out more about Denmark’s history? From there, walk through the woods towards the coast. Would rather stay a bit closer to the city? Then head to Bellevue Beach, which is about four kilometres north of the city centre, or cycle through the Marselisborg woods. If you are looking for heathland landscapes, rolling hills and sweeping views, head further towards Silkeborg. Here, you can hike to the summits of Sindbjerg and Stoubjerg, located about five kilometres southeast of the town.

Addresses:
Moesgaard Museum: Moesgård Allé 15, 8270 Højbjerg
Bellevue Strand: Bellevue Strand, 8240 Risskov

_{©Foto/Medieafdelingen - Moesgaard Museum}

4. Explore the countryside of Djursland

In Djursland, you will find expansive beaches and rolling countryside, as well as evidence of centuries of history. Take a stroll through the heathland and woods of Mols Bjerge National Park or enjoy a long walk along Grenaa Beach. At Gammel Estrup, you can explore the changes that have occurred in life on a Danish country estate over the centuries. The manor house has stood for over 600 years and contains rooms furnished in various historical styles.

Address: Gammel Estrup: Randersvej 2, 8963 Auning

_{©Hans Henrik Tholstrup}

5. Journey from the tropics to the Iron Age

Randers has a charming town centre, but its most famous attraction is located beneath large glass domes. At the Randers Rainforest, visitors can stroll through a tropical rainforest and observe animals in their natural habitat. The temperature ranges from 22 to 30 degrees Celsius, and the humidity is almost 100 per cent.

Next, head to Favrskov, a hidden gem located between Randers and Aarhus, to visit Høj Stene. This ship-shaped burial monument is located on the banks of the Gudenå. Originally measuring 88 metres in length, traces of gold and bronze suggest that the remains of a powerful individual were cremated here around the year 600. From Kongensbro, follow the old towpath alongside the river to reach the reconstructed monument.

Addresses:
Randers Regnskov: Tørvebryggen 11, 8900 Randers
Høj Stene: Vejerslev Skov, 8881 Thorsø

_{©Jakob Vingtoft}

6. Delve into the history of Viborg

Viborg is one of Denmark’s oldest towns, having been an important centre of power for centuries. The two towers of Viborg Cathedral dominate the townscape. Inside, you can see colourful frescoes by the artist Joakim Skovgaard that together form an illustrated Bible story.

Just outside the city lies De Fem Hald, a walking area around Hald Sø featuring castle ruins and a country estate. As you walk, you can learn about 800 years of stories involving bishops, kings and nobles. At Mønsted Kalkgruber, you can explore an underground network of around 60 kilometres of mine tunnels. Thanks to the constant temperature of around 8 degrees and the high humidity, more than 10,000 bats hibernate here.

Addresses:
Dom of Viborg: Sct. Mogens Gade 4, 8800 Viborg
De fem Halder: Ravnsbjergvej 71, 8800 Viborg
Mønsted Kalkgruber: Kalkværksvej 8-10, 7850 Stoholm

_{©Roar Paaske}

7. Find peace and quiet around Silkeborg

The landscape surrounding Silkeborg is characterised by forests, lakes and hills. Explore the area on foot, by bike or by canoe on the River Gudenå. In summer, you can take a trip on the Hjejlen, the world’s oldest original coal-fired paddle steamer still in service. The boat trip from Silkeborg to Himmelbjerget takes around 75 minutes.

If you want to take a refreshing dip, take a towel with you to Vestre Søbad on the crystal-clear Almindsø. Here you will find two circular jetties, changing rooms, toilets and a sauna. Even in winter, the lakes attract hardy swimmers who enjoy the contrast between the cold water and the warmth of the sauna.

Addresses:
Hjejlen: Sejsvej 2, 8600 Silkeborg
Vestre Søbad: Søndre Ringvej, 8600 Silkeborg

_{©Roar Paaske}

8. Taste the flavours of the region

The region also offers a wide variety of cuisine. In Aarhus, you will find cafés and local restaurants in the Latin Quarter, on Mejlgade and around Jægergårdsgade. Just outside the city, the menu at Restaurant Moment features produce from its own garden and farm, as well as from local suppliers. At Brasserie 1864, you can enjoy your meal while taking in the view of the bay and the historic ship Fregatten Jylland. Fru Larsen puts a modern twist on seasonal produce and traditional Danish flavours. You can take a seat in a historic inn on the banks of the Gudenå at Svostrup Kro.

Addresses:
Restaurant Moment: Ravnen 1, 8410 Rønde
Brasserie 1864: S.A. Jensens Vej 2-4, 8400 Ebeltoft
Fru Larsen: Østergade 1, 8870 Laurbjerg
Svostrup Kro: Svostrupvej 58, 8600 Silkeborg

_{©Frame & Work}