Travel to Aarhus
As the cultural capital of Jutland, Aarhus has long been at the centre of things in this part of Denmark. Its geographical location made it an important trading town as early as 700 AD and today it continues this prominence through its support of regional art and culture.
Transportation to Aarhus
The small Aarhus Airport is located 43kms from the city, in the town in Tirstrup. Scandinavian Airlines handles most of the flights in and out of the airport, with the majority of them originating in Copenhagen. The limited number of direct international flights means that most air travellers to Aarhus will need to make a connection in the capital before continuing on to Aarhus. The city is also well-connected to the rest of Europe by rail, with around 12 daily trains arriving from Copenhagen. There are limited bus options, but since Aarhus lies on the coast, you can reach the harbour by taking a ferry or hydrofoil.
Despite its relatively isolated location, it is fairly easy to drive to Aarhus. Two large motorways, the E45 and E20, connect the city directly to Germany and thereby most European cities. Once in Aarhus, the city is easily navigated on foot or by bicyle. The citys flat topography and well-designed bike paths make it easy to get around for seeing the major attractions. The citys Old Town area is mainly pedestrianised, which ensures a pleasant experience while strolling among the old buildings, quaint shops and cafs.
What to see
Aarhus has been around since the days of the Vikings, nearly 1,300 years ago, and offers an interesting history which is well-preserved through the citys many cultural museums. In particular the open-air museums of Gammel Estrup and Den Gamel By, which lie just outside the city, present a living reproduction of traditional Danish life and architecture. The Renaissance era produced some wonderful palaces and manors, which are now open to the public. The Danish royal family have a summer manor here called Marselisborg Slot, and they make frequent visits here during the warmer months.
What makes Aarhus really special is the pleasant blend of nature and well-preserved architecture. At the centre of it all is the Old Town, a lovely area full of bars, cafs and shops. Vehicles are not allowed in this area which creates awonderfully calm atmosphere. There are several large parks within the city, some of which lead to the charismatic harbour. Just outside Aarhus, the city turns to woodlands, where you can walk or cycle among the trees.
Daytrips
The countryside surrounding Aarhus is covered in thick forests, fjords and pristine rugged coastline. There arent many people in this northern part of Europe, so you can really get the feeling of isolation once you get out of the city. Although the summers up here are very short, they are vibrant and beautiful and attract many visitors each year.
Activities and leisure
Most of the activities around Aarhus involve the outdoors and are best appreciated during the summer months. There are over 20kms of beach stretching along the Aarhus coastline, offering swimming and sunbathing. Popular water sports include waterskiing and windsurfing, and the citys natural environment provides miles of walking and biking paths along the coast and among the woodlands. The golfing and fishing opportunities around Aarhus are also excellent.
