Aarhus Key Attractions

Aarhus is the cultural capital of Jutland and one of the best cities in Denmark in which to appreciate this country’s unique heritage. There are several immaculately restored palaces in the area and a number of impressive museums dotted around the city. Art also plays a big part in Aarhus’ cultural scene, with both classic and contemporary artists being well-supported in this town.

Aarhus Kunstmuseum

Just south of the university, this museum houses the oldest and most impressive collection of Danish paintings in Jutland. The Romantics, Realists and Impressionists are all represented as well as a number of sculptures and drawings from 1750 to the present. Modern works include art from countries other than Denmark, and special guest exhibitions are usually shown here. Phone: +45 87 30 66 00; website: www.aros.dk.

Besaettelsesmuseet

This interesting museum presents both the everyday life and the dramatic events which happened to this city during the Nazi occupation from 1940 until its liberation in 1945. The museum is housed in the Old City Hall, which was the headquarters of the Gestapo during the war. Exhibitions include weapons, documents, photographs, instruments of torture and a fascinating display of Allied, Nazi and Danish propaganda. Phone: +45 86 18 42 77; website: www.besaettelsesmuseet.dk.

Cathedral of St Clemens

This lovely late-Gothic cathedral has a copper roof and a 96 metre spire crowning the top. Begun in the 13th century, the building is the longest cathedral in Denmark. The interior is particularly interesting, with its Renaissance pulpit, 15th century triptych and a massive pipe organ from the 18th century. Phone: +45 86 12 38 45.

Clausholm

This splendid Baroque palace from the 17th century is one of the oldest in Denmark. Built during the reign of Frederick IV, the rooms remain essentially unaltered, although few of the original furnishings remain. The salons and ballroom are filled with elaborately decorated panels and stucco ceilings, and well-furnished with an array of Danish Rococo and Empire furnishings. The Queen’s chapel is completely unchanged and contains Denmark’s oldest organ. Phone: +45 86 49 16 55; website: www.clausholm.dk.

Den Gamle By

More than 75 buildings representing Danish life between the 16th and 19th centuries have been perfectly recreated in this open-air museum, which is one of Aarhus’ top attractions. The emphasis here is on the rural life of Danes. Authentic workshops include bookbinders, hatters and other craftsmen. Other buildings such as a pharmacy, school and a post office add to the realism of the complex. Common household artefacts are on display in the museum, which is near the working restaurant, bakery and beer cellar. Music concerts are staged here throughout the summer to add to the fun. Phone: +45 86 12 31 88.

Forhistorisk Museum-Moesgard

If you are interested in the ancient history of this area, a visit to this archeological and ethnographical museum will show you what life was like 2,000 years ago. Located eight kilometres from the city at Moesgard Manor, the museum's highlight is the incredibly well-preserved body of the 2,000 year old Grauballe Man, who was found in a bog in central Jutland. The manor grounds are an open-air museum displaying prehistoric house reconstructions. Phone: +45 89 42 11 00; website: www.moesmus.dk.

Marselisborg Slot

The summer residence of the Danish royal family is just three kilometres south of Aarhus. One of the most symbolic buildings in the country, the royal family has used this manor since 1902. When Her Majesty and family are at the manor, you can watch the Changing of the Guards each day at noon. It is always announced in the newspapers when the royal family will be at the manor. Although visitors cannot tour the interior of the house, the castle grounds and the queen’s rose garden are open to the public when the castle is unoccupied.

The manor is set in a forest belt stretching 10kms along the coast and the entire area has nature trails running through it. Biking and hiking are both excellent in this beautifully preserved area.

Museums at Gammel Estrup

This large compound of buildings, 39kms from Aarhus, includes the Jutland Manor House Museum and Danish Agricultural Museum, the latter of which displays the heritage of Danish farming over the past 1,000 years. The compound dates from the 14th century, but many of the structures were rebuilt during the 1600s. The medieval fortifications, tools and machines used by Danish farmers all project the pride Danes have for their traditions. Phone: +45 86 48 30 01; website: www.gl-estrup.dk.

Rosenholm Slot

This incredible Renaissance castle, surrounded by a moat, sits on an islet 21kms north of Aarhus. The manor has been the home of the Rosenkrantz family for more than 400 years and offers an excellent glimpse of noble life in days gone by. There are lots of things to see on the 35 acre grounds including the Great Hall, with its collection of Flemish tapestries, old paintings and Spanish furniture. Phone: +45 86 99 40 10.

Vikingemuseet
If you are interested in the Vikings, you’ll want to visit this museum which houses a collection of Viking objects unearthed on the site in the 1960s. In addition to the artefacts on display, the town’s original Viking walls have been preserved. There is also a reconstruction of Viking houses behind the museum. The objects illustrate the daily life of the Aarhus locals during the Viking years around 900 AD. Phone: +45 89 42 11 00.

Women’s Museum in Denmark
This special museum is dedicated to the history, culture, art and everyday life of Danish women. The collection of objects, documents, photographs and biographies comprehensively chronicle the lives and heritage of women throughout the centuries. Famous and forgotten women are also showcased and several visiting exhibitions are staged each year. Phone: +45 86 13 61 44; website: www.womensmuseum.dk.