The Old Town: Aarhus' Living Museum of Danish History
Den Gamle By in Aarhus is an immersive open-air museum, bringing centuries of Danish urban life to life via historic buildings, costumed interpreters, and living history experiences.
Step through the entrance of The Old Town (Den Gamle By), and you are transported through 400 years of Danish urban history. Set within a scenic urban park just west of Aarhus city center, this remarkable open-air museum weaves together more than 75 authentically reconstructed buildings from towns across Denmark. Unlike many museums, The Old Town is not static—it's alive with bakers, blacksmiths, schoolteachers, villagers and merchants in period dress, each enacting daily life as it was practiced centuries ago. The townscape continually evolves as you stroll along winding cobblestone lanes, passing from dim half-timbered merchant halls of the 1600s to the colorful shopfronts, music, and posters of 1970s-era streets. Peek through the windows of working homes to discover kitchens bubbling with historic recipes or families setting the table for supper as they would have in 1927. Artisans offer hands-on demonstrations—watch the delicate technique of shoemaking, smell the aroma of rye bread pulled fresh from a wood-fired oven, or listen to a typewriter clack in a 1950s office. Special exhibitions and interactive activities abound: try traditional Danish games, sample sweet treats at the classic bakery, or rent period-appropriate costumes for children. The museum is large, with winding alleys and picturesque old gardens, yet feels intimate thanks to the personal interactions with interpreters and craftspeople. A beloved annual tradition, the Christmas Market transforms the town with carolers, old-fashioned decorations, and festive stalls each December. The Old Town is a place where the past is both tangible and engaging, ideal for travelers eager to step out of the present and experience the charm, routines, and cultures of Denmark's history firsthand.
Local tips
- Admission is reduced for children, students, and families; check for seasonal pricing or combined tickets.
- Arrive early or visit on weekdays for a quieter experience—school groups often visit mid-mornings.
- The Christmas Market (late November–December) is especially atmospheric, but expect larger crowds.
- Much of the museum is outdoors; bring layers and comfortable shoes for uneven cobblestone paths.
- Look out for living history demonstrations in working homes and craft workshops scattered throughout the town.
A brief summary to The Old Town
- Viborgvej 2, Aarhus C, Aarhus C, 8000, DK
- +4586123188
Getting There
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Walking
The Old Town is set within the scenic green expanse of Aarhus Botanical Garden, just to the west of the main shopping streets. Visitors can enjoy a pleasant stroll of approximately 10–20 minutes from the city center, with the museum’s historical rooftops coming into view as you cross through park avenues. The path is flat but includes some cobblestones, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
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Public Transport
Local city buses from stops near Aarhus Central Station or the cathedral area head toward the university and pass by the museum. The journey is typically 5–15 minutes, with adult single tickets ranging from DKK 24–26 (approx. €3.20–3.50). Bus stops serving the museum are directly adjacent to the botanical gardens.
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Taxi
A taxi from the downtown core to The Old Town takes about 5–10 minutes, with fares usually in the DKK 80–120 range (about €10–16), depending on traffic and precise pick-up point. Taxis drop off right by the museum entrance.
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Driving/Parking
Visitors arriving by car will find dedicated museum parking areas on the outskirts of the botanical gardens. Parking is metered and generally costs DKK 15–20 per hour (roughly €2–3), though availability is sometimes limited during weekends or peak school holiday periods.
