Aarhus Botanical Garden
Free tropical greenhouses and Danish gardens in Aarhus's verdant heart, open year-round.
A verdant urban sanctuary in central Aarhus featuring 12 hectares of themed garden collections, winding pathways through Danish landscapes, and four tropical greenhouse zones housing over 2,000 plant species. The garden combines horticultural education with recreational space, offering free access to both outdoor gardens and heated tropical houses year-round. Visitors can picnic among native plants, explore medicinal herb collections, and experience exotic flora from rainforests to mountain regions.
A brief summary to Botanical Garden
- Peter Holms Vej, Aarhus C, Aarhus C, 8000, DK
- +4587155415
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
- Thursday 9 am-4 pm
- Friday 9 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit the Tropical Houses during cooler months (November–March) for maximum contrast between the humid, warm greenhouses and crisp outdoor air. The sensory experience is most pronounced when stepping between climate zones.
- Bring a picnic and disposable grill to make full use of the garden's recreational facilities. Tables with metal plates are specifically designed for grilling, and the garden provides designated waste bins for used grills.
- Download the Tropical Houses app before your visit to unlock detailed botanical information about plant species, growing conditions, and ecological relationships. This transforms casual observation into educational discovery.
- Arrive early on weekdays (9 AM opening) to experience the garden with fewer crowds. Weekends and afternoons see higher visitor numbers, particularly during summer months and school holidays.
- Combine your visit with Den Gamle By (The Old Town Museum), located immediately adjacent. The contrast between historical architecture and living botanical collections creates a rich cultural experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Public Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the Botanical Garden area. Routes 3, 4, 11, and 14 stop near Peter Holms Vej or Møllevejen within 200–400 meters of the garden entrance. Journey time from central Aarhus is typically 8–15 minutes depending on route and traffic. Single tickets cost approximately DKK 24 (€3.20). Service runs throughout the day with reduced frequency in evenings and Sundays.
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Bicycle
Aarhus's extensive cycling infrastructure makes the garden easily accessible by bike from anywhere in the city. From the city center (Aarhus Cathedral area), the journey takes approximately 10–15 minutes via flat or gently rolling routes. The garden provides bicycle parking near the main entrance. Aarhus's free city bike scheme offers 56 pickup stations throughout the city; a single journey costs approximately DKK 25 (€3.35).
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Car
Vehicle access is available from Langelandsgade via Peter Holms Vej. Free parking is available for the first two hours in the surrounding area. Additional paid parking is available at nearby facilities. From central Aarhus, driving time is approximately 5–10 minutes depending on traffic and starting location. The garden is well-signposted from major roads.
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Walking
The garden is accessible on foot from central Aarhus and the Latin Quarter, approximately 15–25 minutes depending on starting point. Multiple pedestrian pathways connect the garden to surrounding neighborhoods and Ringgaden (the ring road). The walk is relatively flat to gently rolling; terrain difficulty is low to moderate.
Botanical Garden location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Botanical Garden
A Living Laboratory Born from Horticultural Vision
The Aarhus Botanical Garden traces its origins to 1873, when it began as an experimental station for fruit trees and useful plants under the stewardship of the Garden Society of Jutland. This pioneering institution supplied private gardens across the region with healthy, cultivated specimens, establishing a legacy of botanical expertise that continues today. The garden evolved from its practical agricultural roots into a comprehensive public space dedicated to plant conservation, education, and urban green space management.Themed Collections and Landscape Diversity
Spanning 12 hectares, the outdoor gardens showcase Denmark's natural habitats arranged in thematic sections. Visitors encounter beech woodlands, bog environments, heathland, and dune landscapes that reflect the country's ecological diversity. A central rockery displays alpine and mountain plants from across the globe, while dedicated beds feature medicinal plants with documented historical and contemporary uses. The Hessel Brook, a tributary of Aarhus Stream, winds through the grounds in a steep-sided waterway, creating natural focal points and contributing to the garden's hydrological character.The Tropical Houses: Four Climate Zones
The garden's most distinctive feature is its Tropical Houses, a series of heated greenhouses maintaining four distinct climate zones. Within these humid environments, visitors encounter over 2,000 plant species sourced from tropical rainforests, subtropical regions, arid zones, and temperate climates worldwide. Giant water lilies, carnivorous plants, exotic flowering species, and lifelike animal sounds create an immersive sensory experience. Butterflies flutter freely throughout the spaces, and interpretive displays explain the interdependence between human activity and plant ecosystems. An interactive app provides detailed botanical information, transforming casual observation into educational discovery.Recreation and Community Use
The garden functions as a social hub for Aarhus residents and visitors alike. Picnic tables and benches distributed throughout the grounds invite packed lunches and leisurely afternoons. Designated areas feature metal-topped tables designed for disposable grills, with specialized waste bins for used grills. The undulating terrain—characteristic of Aarhus's topography—creates varied walking experiences, from gentle strolls to more challenging routes. The Tropical Houses Café provides refreshment and shelter, serving light lunches and cakes during operating hours.Strategic Urban Location and Accessibility
Positioned immediately west of Den Gamle By (The Old Town Museum), the Botanical Garden occupies a central location within Aarhus's cultural landscape. Multiple pedestrian pathways connect the garden to surrounding neighborhoods and Ringgaden (the ring road). Vehicle access is available from Langelandsgade via Peter Holms Vej, with complimentary parking for the first two hours. This proximity to museums, cafés along Åboulevarden, the Latin Quarter's boutiques, and shopping centers makes the garden an accessible destination regardless of visitor location within the city.Year-Round Botanical Experience
The outdoor gardens remain open continuously throughout the year, allowing visitors to observe seasonal transformations in plant growth, flowering cycles, and landscape character. Spring brings flowering bulbs and new foliage; summer offers lush greenery and social gatherings; autumn displays changing leaf colors; winter reveals the structural beauty of dormant plants and evergreen species. The heated Tropical Houses provide consistent conditions year-round, making them particularly valuable during Denmark's colder months when outdoor exploration may be limited by weather.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden
0.6 km
Explore contemporary art at Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden, Aarhus' premier gallery showcasing local and international talent.
Den Svangre
1.4 km
A bronze sculpture celebrating the female form in Aarhus's cultural heart.
Agnete og Havmanden
1.5 km
Discover the poetic fusion of Danish folklore and modern sculpture at Aarhus’ Agnete og Havmanden, a landmark bronze fountain embodying myth and emotion.
Folkehuset Trøjborg
1.6 km
Folkehuset Trøjborg blends Danish hygge, vibrant community life, and affordable culture, making it a beloved gathering place in the heart of Aarhus’ Trøjborg district.
Herman Sallings Plads
1.6 km
Aarhus’s vibrant harborfront plaza, bridging the historic city and the modern waterfront, alive with urban energy, culture, and panoramic views.
Aarhus waterfront
1.6 km
Aarhus Waterfront blends urban vibrancy, Nordic design, and harbor heritage with panoramic sea views and lively promenades, making it a quintessential Danish experience.
Endless Connection
1.6 km
Experience the dynamic interplay of art and water at Aarhus's Endless Connection, an interactive fountain by Jeppe Hein.
Frederiks Plads
1.8 km
A vibrant, contemporary city square where modern architecture, open green space, and urban life converge in the heart of Aarhus near Frederiksbjerg.
Nordisk Film Cinemas Trøjborg
1.9 km
Experience local Danish cinema culture at Nordisk Film Cinemas Trøjborg—an atmospheric neighborhood movie house blending modern comfort with classic charm in Aarhus.
Trøjborg Beboerhus
1.9 km
Experience the vibrant community spirit of Aarhus at Trøjborg Beboerhus, a hub for cultural events, workshops, and local gatherings.
Udsigtspladsen
2.2 km
Experience breathtaking city, harbor, and bay vistas from one of Aarhus C’s most beloved scenic viewpoints, perfect for relaxation and panoramic photography.
Tivoli Friheden
2.9 km
Experience the thrill and magic of Tivoli Friheden, Aarhus' premier amusement park with rides, live music, and family-friendly fun for all ages.
Flagpladsen
3.7 km
Historic plaza overlooking Aarhus Bay, gateway to royal heritage and astronomical discovery.
Marselisborgmonumentet
3.8 km
Standing tall in Mindeparken, Marselisborgmonumentet honors Danish World War I volunteers with solemn beauty, monumental sculpture, and panoramic bay views near Aarhus.
Mindeparken
3.8 km
Aarhus' Mindeparken: Where history, remembrance, and recreation meet in a stunning parkland setting by Marselisborg Palace, offering bay views and tranquil gardens.
Unmissable attractions to see
Stenpartiet
0.3 km
A compact rock garden in Aarhus’ Botanical Garden, where stone, slope and hardy plants create a miniature mountain landscape rich in texture and quiet detail.
Greenhouses in the Botanical Garden
0.3 km
Step into Aarhus’ luminous Greenhouses, where four climate zones, towering tropical plants and Danish landscapes outside create a calm, free botanical escape all year.
Møllen i botanisk have Århus
0.4 km
Urban beach escape south of Aarhus city center, offering clean sands, gentle waters, and year-round access beside forest and royal palace grounds.
Danish Poster Museum
0.5 km
A compact museum inside Den Gamle By where bold graphics, historic campaigns and global visual culture come together in hundreds of eye-catching posters.
The Old Town
0.5 km
Walk through four centuries of Danish town life in a reconstructed open‑air city of timbered houses, vintage shops and lived‑in streets at Den Gamle By.
Museumsbroen
0.8 km
Historic hilltop observatory in Aarhus offering hands-on astronomy, guided stargazing, and a unique glimpse into Denmark’s pioneering scientific past.
Steno Museum
0.9 km
Marselisborg Castle offers a regal experience close to Aarhus, with public parklands, royal ceremonies, and sculpted gardens reflecting Danish history and culture.
Møllestien
1.0 km
Pastel cottages, cobbled stones and climbing roses – a tiny historic lane where centuries of Aarhus history live behind colourful facades.
Mølleparken
1.0 km
Compact yet characterful, Mølleparken is Aarhus’ riverside green room, blending mill-town history, public art, student life and festival energy in one urban pocket.
Aarhus Culture Walk
1.0 km
Discover Aarhus' oldest neighborhood, Latinerkvarteret, where historic charm meets modern culture in a vibrant blend of cafés, boutiques, and artistic venues.
Naturhistorisk Museum Aarhus
1.0 km
Denmark’s second-largest natural history museum, blending immersive wildlife dioramas, Danish ecosystems and cutting-edge research in a compact, campus setting.
Our Lady Church
1.0 km
Dokk1 is Aarhus’ iconic harborside library and cultural center—where award-winning design, vibrant community life, and panoramic waterfront views combine.
Kunsthal Aarhus
1.1 km
Free contemporary art in a light-filled modernist space, showcasing international and Danish artists since 1917.
Mindrebæltsbroen
1.1 km
Royal residence on Aarhus Bay with historic gardens, open parkland, classic Danish architecture, and the chance to witness the royal guard—all amidst city green space.
Klostertorvet
1.1 km
Intimate cobbled square in central Aarhus where monastic history, café life and city shopping streets meet in a relaxed, atmospheric urban pocket.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Malt - Mad, Øl & Vin
0.6 km
Experience innovative Nordic-Thai cuisine in Aarhus' historic Ceres Brewery at Restaurant Malt.
Møf
0.8 km
Inventive new Nordic cuisine, inspired by local ingredients, served in a lively and intimate setting in central Aarhus.
Den Lille Kro
0.8 km
Authentic Danish comfort food in a timeless neighbourhood setting, where tradition meets quality ingredients.
AmoRomA
0.9 km
Neighbourhood-style Italian restaurant in central Aarhus serving generous pizzas and pastas in a cosy, candlelit room on lively Vestergade.
Restaurant Amalfi
0.9 km
Authentic Italian pasta and pizza in central Aarhus, where skilled cooking and warm service meet reasonable prices.
Gastro & Vino
1.0 km
Discover exquisite Danish cuisine and thoughtfully paired wines in an intimate, backyard setting at Gastro & Vino, one of Aarhus’s most celebrated culinary gems.
Lupo
1.0 km
Big‑hearted Italian dining on Frue Kirkeplads, where homemade pasta, good wine and a lively, sociable room turn an evening in central Aarhus into its own celebration.
Lydmar Restaurang
1.1 km
Intimate, modern dining on lively Vestergade in the heart of Aarhus C, pairing relaxed Scandinavian ambience with simple, well-crafted seasonal dishes.
Keyser Social
1.1 km
Creative Asian–Nordic social dining in the heart of Aarhus, where multi-course sharing menus, refined cocktails and warm urban design turn dinner into an evening-long experience.
Faour
1.1 km
Authentic Palestinian falafel and mezze in a cozy Aarhus hideaway—budget-friendly, vegetarian-focused, and genuinely delicious.
Bardok
1.2 km
Discover Bardok in Aarhus—a contemporary small-plates restaurant known for inventive cuisine, social dining, and a lively riverside atmosphere in the city center.
Restaurant Komfur
1.2 km
Restaurant Komfur in Aarhus offers modern Danish cuisine in a stylish yet comforting space, celebrated for creative menus, vibrant atmosphere, and local culinary flair.
Langhoff & Juul
1.2 km
Nordic-inspired, organic dining in Aarhus’ historic Latin Quarter, with a focus on sustainability, seasonal menus, atmospheric interiors, and local flair.
Kolo
1.2 km
Urban kolonihave vibes, reimagined kebab and vegetable-led plates, and natural wines on tap in one of Aarhus’ most inviting city-centre dining rooms.
Bernth & co
1.2 km
Artisanal restaurant blending heritage craftsmanship with contemporary Nordic cuisine in central Aarhus
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Storcenter Nord
0.9 km
Modern shopping complex with 60+ stores, dining, and Scandinavia's largest free-access saltwater aquarium.
1 + 1 Textil & Design
0.9 km
Intimate Aarhus boutique showcasing handpicked Danish ceramics, textiles and jewellery, curated by textile designer Helene Vonsild in atmospheric Grønnegade.
Darling Inspire
1.0 km
Intimate Aarhus clothing boutique in the Latin Quarter, where Danish design, slow fashion and a calm studio-like atmosphere invite unhurried browsing.
Vintage Divine
1.0 km
Authentic vintage fashion from the 1920s–1970s, expertly curated and restored in central Aarhus.
Røde Kors Butik Krydsfelt
1.1 km
Curated Red Cross thrift in central Aarhus, where unique second-hand fashion, long-hours self-service and a social mission turn browsing into feel-good shopping.
RAINS Store Aarhus
1.1 km
A sculptural, minimalist flagship where Danish rainwear design meets gallery-like interiors in the heart of Aarhus’ main shopping district.
Hørlyck Aarhus
1.1 km
Intimate shoe and fashion boutique on atmospheric Vestergade, blending Scandinavian elegance with curated footwear, clothing and a relaxed Aarhus city-centre vibe.
So ein Ding - Vintage
1.1 km
Small basement vintage shop in central Aarhus with Berlin–New York inspired second-hand fashion, retro 70s flair and handpicked, affordable pieces for men and women.
Blue Caviar
1.1 km
Curated fashion boutique in Aarhus city center offering distinctive clothing and contemporary design pieces.
S.T. Valentin
1.2 km
Contemporary menswear boutique in Aarhus’ Latin Quarter, blending Scandinavian simplicity, quality footwear and attentive styling in an intimate setting.
& Other Stories
1.2 km
A bright Scandinavian fashion playground in central Aarhus, blending ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories and beauty into one polished, design-led women’s wardrobe.
Salvation Army thrift store
1.2 km
Charity-run thrift haven in central Aarhus, where ever-changing second-hand finds and small prices support the Salvation Army’s wider social work.
Collage the Shop Mens Aarhus
1.2 km
Polished menswear boutique on historic Lille Torv, pairing curated designer labels with minimalist interior design and attentive, style-focused service.
Magpie Lane Vintage
1.2 km
Aarhus’ go-to vintage boutique for unique, handpicked fashion finds and classic accessories in an inviting, sustainability-focused setting.
Collage the Shop Womens Aarhus
1.2 km
Minimalist luxury boutique showcasing curated women's accessories in a beautifully designed historic space.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Hjorten
0.7 km
Discover the heart of Aarhus nightlife at Hjorten, a lively bodega with local brews and a vibrant atmosphere for all visitors.
Mundhæld
0.9 km
Discover the charm of Mundhæld, a cozy bar in Aarhus offering a delightful selection of craft beers and a unique ambiance for every traveler.
V58
0.9 km
Courtyard-hideaway bar and music spot in central Aarhus, blending crafted cocktails, Mediterranean flavours and intimate live performances late into the night.
Vesterlauget
0.9 km
Cozy madbodega on Vestergade serving simple Danish comfort food, strong coffee and great beer in a relaxed, communal bar-restaurant setting.
S'vinbar
1.0 km
Intimate Aarhus wine bar where more than 300 carefully chosen bottles, sunlit pavement tables and relaxed expertise turn Klostergade into a cosy vinous living room.
Heidi's Bier Bar Aarhus
1.1 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at Heidi's Bier Bar Aarhus, featuring a diverse selection of beers, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere for all.
Hornsleth Bar Aarhus
1.1 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Hornsleth Bar Aarhus, a premier destination for cocktails and dancing in the heart of the city.
Fairbar
1.1 km
Experience the perfect blend of bar and cafe culture at Fairbar in Aarhus, offering a cozy ambiance and a diverse drink menu.
Annalise's Bar
1.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Annalise's Bar, where cozy ambiance meets creative cocktails and friendly service.
Two Socks Ginbar
1.1 km
Discover the enchanting ambiance of Two Socks Ginbar, a haven for gin lovers in the heart of Aarhus, Denmark, where expert mixology meets local charm.
Oops - Bar, lounge og Rombar i Århus
1.2 km
Discover Oops Bar in Aarhus - a vibrant cocktail haven blending style and comfort with an exquisite drink menu and light bites.
Waxies
1.2 km
Lively Irish pub and sports bar in central Aarhus, blending cosy wood‑panelled charm with live music, games and big‑screen sports late into the night.
Die kleine Bierstube
1.3 km
Cozy German-style pub on lively Frederiksgade, pouring classic Bavarian beers and serving hearty schnitzel in a wood-paneled corner of central Aarhus.
PV (Pustervig) - Kaffe & Cocktails
1.3 km
Cosy central Aarhus hideaway where daytime coffee culture flows seamlessly into a warm, late-night world of candles, chatter and creative cocktails.
Bar Smil Aarhus
1.3 km
Loud beats, cheap drinks and late-night energy in a compact bar-club right in the centre of Aarhus’ historic heart.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
KLUB22
0.4 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at KLUB22 in Aarhus, where electrifying music and vibrant atmosphere await.
equalclub
0.9 km
Discover the thriving nightlife of Aarhus at Equal Club, where music, dance, and unforgettable experiences come together.
Cafe Paradis - Den Sidste
1.3 km
Unleash your nightlife experience at Cafe Paradis - Den Sidste, Aarhus' top destination for dancing, cocktails, and unforgettable memories.
Bernhardt Natklub
1.3 km
Discover Aarhus' premier nightlife destination at Bernhardt Natklub, where cocktails and beats create unforgettable memories.
DCD STUDIO
1.5 km
Experience the vibrant rock music scene at DCD STUDIO in Aarhus, where electrifying performances and a lively atmosphere await every visitor.
Rustik Bar & Natklub - Aarhus
1.5 km
Dive into the pulsating nightlife of Aarhus at Rustik Bar & Natklub, where vibrant music and an electric atmosphere await.
ZenZa Cocktailbar
1.5 km
Discover Aarhus' vibrant nightlife at ZenZa Cocktailbar, where expertly crafted cocktails and lively atmosphere await you.
Flintstone Pub
1.5 km
Flintstone Pub in Aarhus blends retro décor, affordable drinks, and live music, offering a lively gathering place for locals and visitors in the city’s central quarter.
Der Kuhstall
1.5 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Aarhus at Der Kuhstall, where vibrant music and an energetic atmosphere await party enthusiasts.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Historic
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Scenic
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
