Things to do in Arhus

There are so many things to do in Arhus and places to explore, that you will soon discover its historical charm. I hope you find something that tickles your fancy.

Arhus Harbor Tours: Now there is a better way to see Arhus! By Boat! In Copenhagen they have the harbor boat tour which is nice way to see Copenhagen from the water, but now in Arhus a businessman has decided to take it to another level. He is using his own private yacht to show people around Arhus.

So if you are looking for a bit of luxury, he will take up to 12 people on a 50 minute tour of Arhus. Includes a glass of champagne or something lighter if you want and a luxury tour above his yacht.

You can contact the M/S Mette Emilie on 20 22 44 44. Boat leaves once an hour and is only available on the weekends through the summer months. Last trip will be scheduled for the last Saturday in September.

Contact Henrik Rud on 20 22 44 44 for prices and other information.

ARos is one the most popular things to see in Århus. This is one of the largest modern art museums in Europe, which was opened in 2004. It has 9 floors of exhibits, including a Golden Age, Modern Art and Contemporary Art gallery, as well as a gallery especially for children. Also houses a history of arts library and restaurant. Got to see the large boy! (see pic)

P.S. You can actually see him from the outside or the mezzanine level for FREE. But it is worth the entrance fee to experience this unique building and it's works.

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The Old Town

Of all the wonderful things to do in Arhus, this is must do. It would be like visiting Copenhagen and not seeing the Mermaid or Nyhavn.

The Old City is living museum which you really have to experience to appreciate. The museum depicts the lives of the Danes living in the old days. Includes 75 historical buildings, shops, workshops, poster museum, toy museum, clock museum, tea rooms, bakery, restaurants and much more.

Make sure you do the row boat across the lake.

As you wander about, you can talk to people portraying characters who would have lived in this typical market town. Have a chat with a housewife or the local blacksmith. Try out the traditional children’s games – sorry, no Nintendo or X Box here. This is a truly awesome attraction, which everyone should see.

Also open during Christmas, so you can experience Christmas by “gas light” – wonderful! Highly recommended!

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Tivoli Friheden

Tivoli is located south of the city in Marselis Park, a few minutes by bus from the city center. (Take bus 4, 18 or 24 from City Hall.) This is a large amusement park that has lots of exciting rides and amusements. Entrance ticket does not include costs of rides. You can get a ticket pass to ride all the rides or purchase individual tickets. Also has theaters, clown shows and other amusements. Open April thru October, but only on certain days. See website for more details.

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The Women's Museum

This is a museum dedicated to exploring the lives of women through history. Open year round.

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The Botanical Gardens, Eugen Warmings Vej Tlf: 89 40 26 87 Free admission.

This is a beautiful park located just a bit north of the city center. It is divided into several different types of areas, each featuring different types of plants and flowers. The park is free to use and is a popular place to get away and relax. Popular also for picnics, runners, children playing and, of course, for garden lovers.

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The Natural History Museum

A museum filled with animals (not live) from all over the world, including many native to Denmark. Exhibits change so check the website for more details.

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The Steno Museum

This is the Danish Museum of Science and Medicine, which also includes a planetarium and medicinal herb garden.

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The Occupation Museum

This museum has a collection of photographs and artefacts describing the events of the Nazi occupation of Denmark during the war from 1940 to 1945.

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Århus City Museum

This is a museum located on the banks of the Århus river and has rotating exhibits about Århus, its people and history. Lots of events happen throughout the year, including many free events in the winter time.

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Århus Art Building

This is an art museum featuring comtemporary art and is regarded as one of the most beautiful exhibition venues in Denmark due to its spacious halls. …………………….

Marselisborg Palace and The Memorial Park

This is the summer home of the Royal Family, and it is located in the middle of Mindeparken. When the Queen is in residence, which is usually during the summer and at Christmas time, you can see the changing of the guards at noon daily. You cannot tour the Palace, but you can tour Mindeparken when the Queen is not in residence. The park is closed when the Queen is in residence.

The Memorial Park (Mindeparken) is a popular area during the summer and is usually packed with families enjoying a day out.

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The Viking Museum

This museum includes the manor and two permanent exhibits: The Grauballe Man, which is the only completely preserved bog body from the Iron Age, and an impressive array of weapons from Illerup Ådal. There are Viking houses and special Viking reenactsments and events during the summer months.

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The Zen Garden Randersvej 395, Trige Tlf: 87 42 00 12 Adm: 80 kr

Note: The last time I went by it looks as if the Zen Gardens has closed its doors. They may be remolding, but no sign of that. Please call and check before venturing up there.

The Zen Garden or Denmark’s Japanese Garden is a museum, shop and spa. Here you can either visit their shop, which is free to enter, or you can enter the garden and experience the “Zen”. You can also try their various massages and treatments at an additional charge. They are located 20 minutes north of the city. Take Bus 117 or 118. Vadestedet, Strøget, Århus

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Århus Cathedral

This is Denmark's tallest and longest church, seating up to 1200 people. The tower rises 95 meters into the air and is a marker to one of the earliest Viking settlements in the 8th century. You can get a guided tour by contacting the church office, and it is also possible to go to the top of tower for a great city view for only 10 kroner.

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Århus Concert Hall

This is Århus’s very modern concert hall which plays host to over 1000 events each year. Something for everyone can be found here. Includes a children’s theatre.

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Århus City Hall (Rådhus), Rådhuspladsen 2, Tlf: 89 40 20 00

This is the city hall, where most people come to take care of business with the city. You can also tour this old building. Lots of interesting history. Guided tours are available. Try the old elevators!

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Other places and things you may wish to explore:

Marselisborg Skov (Marselisborg Forest) has many things other than just the Queen's summer residence. There is the Botanical Garden, The Deer Park with live deer, the Horse Race Track (see JVB for a schedule of racing events), The Cycling Race Track, a very nice beach and, of course, lots of forest trails to wander through.

Other Things to Do in Arhus: Off the Grid

First exploring the various parts of the city is quite enjoyable. Get a walking guide from the tourist office and wander the streets and learn what some the historic buildings are. There are some facinating stories behind these structures.

If you do not have a lot of time to wander about, at least head down to Møllestein, which is directly east of the public library. This is a quaint (very short street) that so encapsulates the old Denmark. Very charming with bicycles under the windows, cobbled street, very picturesque. MUST SEE!

You can also go a bit north of the city and visit Risskov (The Forest of Riis), which is a very nice forest and even has several workout stations along the paths for those who enjoy running and working out.

When you are downtown, stop by the bank and visit a Viking. No it is not one of the tellers. At Nordea bank down by the DomKirke (see above), there is a Nordea Bank. If you go into the bank you will discover that it is sitting on top of a Viking Museum. Directly below the bank building was uncovered an actual Viking settlement which is open to the public. A new entrance is being created across the square, but at present is still via the bank on Bispetorv.

Other options for things to do in Arhus are to walk a bit north of town where you can see the University complex and as odd as it sounds, try visiting the kommune headquarters in town for an elevator ride. Yeah, elevator.

At the kommune office, you will find some old fashion open carriage elevators. These are constantly moving up and down, so you just step on as it passes. Sort of like an escalator and jump off when you get to your floor. Be quick! People love it when I take them on these. I usually go to the Randers hospital and let me people try them there. Sort of a hoot, but be aware they are for legitimate use, so do not play around on them. Not recommended for children.

Bet no one ever tells you about those on any tourism websites?

You can also spend a day shopping, eating and drinking along the Strøget, the walking street, which goes from the main train station down to Domkirken.

By the way there is a large mall in the main train station, so if it is wet outside and you wish to stay dry, you can browse the shops there too.

This will hopefully give you some ideas for things to do in Århus.

If you are finished discovering things to do in Arhus, check out Randers for some other exciting attraction not far from Arhus.

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