Guide: This Summer in Aarhus

Photo: Tivoli Friheden

Aarhus offers plenty of fun experiences no matter if the sun shines from a blue sky or it's a rainy day. Watch movies under open sky, hang out at the new popular Harbor Bath at Aarhus Ø or explore the city by bike like the locals.

Here you get tips to the best experiences this summer in Aarhus.

Did you know that you with an AarhusCARD get free admission to more than 25 exciting museums and attractions, free parking at Navitas and free transport by bus and lightrail all over Aarhus and the Central Denmark Region? You can buy your AarhusCARD online here.

Need to know Aarhus

© Medvind
Photo: Medvind

First-rate things to do and see ...

In recent years the attractions in Aarhus have experienced a remarkable and most well-deserved boom. In particular, Your rainbow panorama on the roof of the ARoS Art Museum has contributed enormously to raising the profile of Aarhus, both home and abroad. Similarly the new feature of a town district of 1974 in Den Gamle By (The Old Town Museum) has certainly introduced some unprecedented dimensions for any museum visitor.

Also Moesgaard Museum has elevated the museum experience in Aarhus. Here you are sure to get an exceptional and unique museum experience.

And do not miss Tivoli Friheden. This year the park and the cosy garden will offer plenty of experiences with beauty, entertainment, activities and much more. With its wide range of opportunities and entertainment, Tivoli Friheden is the ideal choice for all kinds of excursions.

Yet all the other museums, both large and small, in Aarhus are also committed to telling you relevant stories that are bound to move you. There are many fascinating exhibitions which richly reward time spent there.

Cafés and restaurants

Cosy times at a café in central Aarhus

Cafes and restaurants in Aarhus

Photo: Photopop, VisitAarhus

During summer Aarhus never sleeps. The city is full of vibrancy, excitement, friendliness and activity, with the cafés and restaurants offering a great atmosphere. Along the Aarhus River there is a lively, happy atmosphere full of joie de vivre. Take a break to enjoy the vibrancy and excitement around you.

The gastronomic standards are high, and the city's creative chefs never compromise on quality. Aarhus has three Michelin restaurants, all of which invites you along on an exceptional gastronomic journey.

You can also retreat to the 'Latin Quarter' that has its very own charm and vibrancy which, for many, is the essence of city life in Aarhus. The hours fly by quickly in this old city quarter, and perhaps a comfy sofa in a peaceful Aarhus café may turn out to be your fondest memory from your holiday together!

Quaint shops and small charming quarters

Shopping in Aarhus

Photo: Photopop, VisitAarhus

 

One of Aarhus' strengths is the great variety in shopping and design. In the main shopping street you will find all the well-known chain shops, while the Latin Quarter and the quirky shopping streets around the nearby Vestergade, Jægergaardsgade and Bruunsgade are filled with exciting one-of-a-kind shops.

If you are in the mood for a real shopping-spree, then the department stores Salling, Magasin and the shopping mall Bruun's Galleri are open seven days a week, and are all located in the heart of the city.

 

An active city by the sea

Photo: Aarhus Watersports Complex

Aarhus' location by the sea, its long coastline, and forest areas opens up a wide range of possibilities for an active holiday.

Easy access to bike pathsrunning pathsoutdoor gyms, and all sorts of water activities makes Aarhus an ideal place for an active lifestyle.

Would you rather relax by the water? Aarhus Ø is the newest quarter in Aarhus, here you will find urban gardens, Havnebadet, the Harbour Bath, cafées and a lounge area, where you can relax and enjoy each other’s company and the unique atmosphere.

Aarhus on bike

Aarhus is a fabulous bike city, and it is safe and easy to get in and around the city centre.

If you do not have your own bikes with you, you can rent a bike

Explore Aarhus on a guided tour

Aarhus offers many different guided tours, which provides the perfect overview of the city. You could for example join a guided bicycle tour with Cycling Aarhus. The tour takes you through history, culture, nature and urban life in Aarhus.

You can also explore Aarhus by joining a Food Walk or go on a running tour - this way get to know the city and feel its unique atmosphere

Aarhus with its beautiful backdrop of woods and beaches

In summer when it is time to enjoy nature in all its beauty, the beautiful natural surroundings in and around Aarhus hold pretty much everything you could wish for. The parks in the city centre and the beech woods near central Aarhus abound with vibrancy and warmth.

And if the two of you feel like enjoying the peacefulness together, then there are miles of great sandy bathing beaches and rustic wood paths for your pleasure. 

 

Evening comfort and nightlife

Natteliv i Aarhusregionen
Photo: Photopop, VisitAarhus

When the daylight dims and the darkness of evening slowly descends upon Aarhus, the city's many stages and music venues really come to life. 

Whether you are into major performances and international stars at the Concert Hall Aarhus, or having a good time at the city's nightclubs, bars and pubs, or you want to seek out your own personal favourites among the small and intimate music venues, it is entirely up to you.

Nightly nestling...

In Aarhus you can choose your perfect accommodation before you arrive. The city boasts small intimate hotels with charmingly romantic rooms.

In Aarhus, you can in fact also enjoy this charming atmosphere at the many Danish and international hotels located here, where they take great pride in providing the very best of personal service to ensure that you will have a wonderfully memorable time. 

Best Events During Summer

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Flower Festival in Tivoli Friheden
Photo: Tivoli Friheden

Flower Festival in Tivoli Friheden

This summer, Tivoli Friheden in the heart of Aarhus invites you to Denmark’s largest flower festival. Every day in July, inspiring activities and events will take place in the park, and of course with...

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Fed Fredag Concerts in Tivoli Friheden
Photo: Tivoli Friheden

Fed Fredag Concerts in Tivoli Friheden

Each year the biggest amusement park in Aarhus, Tivoli Friheden, hosts a string of concerts called Fed Fredag. The concerts are primarily with Danish artists and start around 8 pm. The atmosphere is f...

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Den Gamle By - The Old Town Museum
Photo: Den Gamle By

Den Gamle By - The Old Town Museum

Embark on a captivating journey through time with your entire family in Den Gamle By - The Old Town Museum. Witness, touch, and immerse yourself in the rich history of Danish market towns across four ...

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Sommer på ARoS
Photo: VisitAarhus

Sommer på ARoS

I løbet af hele sommeren inviterer ARoS på en række aktiviteter for hele familien. Oplev kunsten, lyt til god musik, nyd udsigten fra Regnbuen og bliv klogere på de aktuelle udstillinger med en guidet...

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The Harbour Bath in Aarhus
Photo: Roar Paaske

The Harbour Bath in Aarhus

The Harbor Bath is designed by the famous Danish architect Bjarke Ingels Group BIG. The triangular floating complex comprises a rectangular 50-metre-long swimming pool, a circular diving pool, square ...

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Changing of the Guard
Photo: Palle Herløv

Changing of the Guard

Watch the changing of the Royal Life Guards everyday at noon when the Danish Monarchy takes residence in Aarhus. The Queen's Guard has become an icon, easily recognised by their uniforms with the dist...

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The Infinite Bridge
Photo: Johan Gjøde. Foto: Aarhus i Billeder

The Infinite Bridge

Imagine a bridge on which you can walk and walk and walk. Without ever reaching the end. And in the most breathtaking scenery. This is exactly what you get, when you visit the wooden pier and work of ...

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Aarhus Jazz Festival
Photo: Aarhus Jazz Festival

Aarhus Jazz Festival

Like all good festivals the Aarhus Jazz Festival is continually evolving and has achieved international renown. The whole city is backing the eight days of jazz and at this festival you can experience...

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Hiking and running trails in Aarhus

Aarhus is situated near beach and forrest and offer many fantastic nature experiences. Below you can find suggestions for hiking and running routes in and around Aarhus.

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Moesgaard Viking Moot
Photo: Moesgaard Museum

Moesgaard Viking Moot

Meet the vikings in Denmark. Here vikings from all over the world meet at the Viking Moot to recreate the festive markets held in the early days of Aarhus.

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Zirkus Nemo
Photo: Zirkus Nemo

Zirkus Nemo

Zirkus Nemo, Danmarks eneste cirkus for voksne, kommer til Tangkrogen i Aarhus. Det berømte cirkus, med Søren Østergaard i spidsen, endnu engang byde velkommen til en aften fyldt med grin. 

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Cirkus Summarum på Tangkrogen
Photo: Bjarne Bergius Hermansen

Cirkus Summarum på Tangkrogen

Kan du lide cirkus og de sjove, seje helte fra DR Ramasjang? Så er Cirkus Summarum en fantastisk mulighed for at få begge dele, når du og din familie kan opleve Bruno og alle hans venner folde sig ud ...

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Fuldmåneaften i Planetariet
Photo: Steno Museet

Fuldmåneaften i Planetariet

I Planetariet på Steno Museet kan du en gang om måneden blive klogere på stjernerne, månen og de mange myter og sagn, der findes om vores verdensrum. Programmet skifter fra gang til gang.

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Food Walk
Photo: Food Walk Aarhus

Food Walk

Food Walk offers guided gastro tours in Aarhus where you get to explore the city while tasting it. The guides tell you stories about Aarhus and take you to various eateries where you can meet the owne...

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Aarhus Watersports Complex
Photo: Aarhus Watersports Complex

Aarhus Watersports Complex

Wakeboarding is like snowboarding or water-skiing where you get the rush of going at high speed – a type of water sports which is now also available in Aarhus at Aarhus Watersports Complex.

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Food Festival
Photo: Claes Bech Poulsen

Food Festival

Food Festival is a gathering point for everyone interested in food, a place where you will be entertained and challenged. The festival gathers the best Danish and Nordic breeders, growers and chefs wh...

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Harbour boat trip with Aarhus Sail Event
Photo: Aarhus Sail Event

Harbour boat trip with Aarhus Sail Event

Join Aarhus Sail Event for a harbor tour of Aarhus Harbor and Bay aboard the ship M/S Helene, and experience and enjoy Aarhus from the water. See the new district of Aarhus Ø and listen to the interes...

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Havnerundfart på The Jazzboat
Photo: Aarhus Sail Event

Havnerundfart på The Jazzboat

Nu kan du komme med The Jazzboat og opleve live jazz og ægte julestemning. 

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The Trunk Flea Market Bispetorv in Aarhus
Photo: VisitAarhus

The Trunk Flea Market Bispetorv in Aarhus

Make a great bargain at the Flea Market at Bispetorv in Aarhus.

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Photo: Anders Hede, VisitAarhus

More events in Aarhus

Take a look at our event calendar - there is something for everyone!

Experience Summer in the Aarhus Region

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