Flodhesteungen Frederikke
A small granite hippo resting in the middle of Frederiksgade, Flodhesteungen Frederikke adds a playful, tactile pause to the busy streets of central Aarhus.
Flodhesteungen Frederikke is a charming granite sculpture of a young hippopotamus set midway along busy Frederiksgade in central Aarhus. Created by sculptor Aage Bruun Jespersen, the playful piece rests low to the ground, inviting children to clamber on and adults to pause amid the city bustle. With shops, cafés and city life flowing around it, this small urban artwork has become a low-key local landmark and a light-hearted surprise for anyone wandering through the pedestrian street.
A brief summary to Flodhesteungen Frederikke
- 28, C, Frederiksgade 27, Aarhus, Aarhus C, 8000, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 0.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Plan just a short stop here; 5–15 minutes is enough to see the sculpture, take photos and enjoy the street atmosphere.
- Look closely at the granite surface and smoothed areas on Frederikke’s back and head to spot where countless hands have polished the stone.
- Combine your visit with a stroll along Frederiksgade, using Frederikke as a fun landmark between nearby squares and shopping streets.
- Visit on a dry day if possible; the low granite surface can become slippery when wet, especially for children climbing on it.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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City bus from Aarhus H (central station)
From Aarhus H, take any city bus that stops near Rådhusparken or along Park Allé and ride for about 5–10 minutes, then walk a few minutes into the central pedestrian area to reach Frederiksgade. Standard single tickets within the city typically cost around 20–25 DKK and can be bought via ticket machines or mobile apps. Buses run frequently throughout the day, but services are less frequent late at night and on weekends.
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On foot from Aarhus H (central station)
Aarhus’ compact center makes it straightforward to walk from the central station to Frederiksgade in roughly 10–15 minutes. The route passes through busy city streets and paved pedestrian zones with mostly level ground, suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, though crowding can slow the pace at peak shopping times and during events.
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Light rail (Letbanen) plus short walk
If you arrive in Aarhus by light rail, get off at Aarhus H and continue on foot to Frederiksgade. The walk from the station to the sculpture is about 10–15 minutes on paved, urban streets. A standard Letbanen ticket for travel into the central zone usually costs around 22–30 DKK depending on distance, and services run at regular intervals during the day with reduced frequency late evenings.
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Bicycle within central Aarhus
Cycling is a convenient way to reach Frederiksgade from most central districts in about 5–10 minutes. You can use your own bike or a city bike rental service, where short-term rentals often start at roughly 20–40 DKK for a half hour. Be aware that Frederiksgade is a busy pedestrian area; you may need to dismount and walk the last stretch, especially during crowded periods.
Flodhesteungen Frederikke location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Flodhesteungen Frederikke
A playful hippo in the heart of Aarhus
Flodhesteungen Frederikke is a compact granite sculpture of a young hippopotamus placed roughly midway along Frederiksgade, one of central Aarhus’ liveliest pedestrian streets. The little hippo lies low on the pavement, at about knee height, almost blending into the flow of people until you are suddenly next to her. Unlike monumental statues on high plinths, Frederikke is designed to share your space rather than tower above it, which gives the encounter an immediate, almost intimate feel. Set against a backdrop of storefronts, neon signs and café awnings, the smooth, rounded form of the hippo acts as a soft counterpoint to the straight lines of the city. Many people first notice her as a curious shape in the corner of their eye, then step closer to recognize the familiar snout and sturdy body. It is this sense of discovery in the middle of everyday life that makes the work so distinctive.Aage Bruun Jespersen’s friendly urban sculpture
The sculpture was created by Danish artist Aage Bruun Jespersen, who specialized in solid, tactile works that invite physical contact. In Frederikke, he chose granite, a material known for its durability and subtle variations in tone, giving the sculpture a gentle, mottled surface. The details are simplified and rounded, more suggestive than anatomically precise, which reinforces the hippo’s approachable, almost cartoon-like personality. Rather than aiming for strict realism, the artist captured the essence of a young hippo at rest: the slightly raised head, the compact body, and the sense of weight grounded firmly on the stones of the street. Over time, countless hands and footsteps have given parts of the sculpture a soft polish, especially along the back and head, a quiet record of daily encounters between artwork and city.Street life and an informal meeting place
Frederiksgade is a natural corridor through the city, linking squares, shops and side streets, and Frederikke sits right in the middle of this movement. People use the sculpture as a casual meeting spot, a place to pause with a takeaway coffee, or a low perch while checking messages. Because she is at ground level, children often run up to climb or sit on her, while adults rest a shopping bag for a moment on her broad back. The sculpture’s position encourages you to slow down. When you stand beside Frederikke, the sounds of the street feel closer: the hum of conversations, the rattle of bicycles passing, distant music from an open doorway. The hippo does not dominate the scene; instead, she quietly gathers city life around her. That understated quality is part of her charm, turning a simple piece of stone into a small social anchor point.Textures, details and small discoveries
Spending a few minutes around the sculpture reveals subtle details. The granite surface shows tiny crystals that catch the light differently depending on the weather. On overcast days the stone looks cool and muted, while in bright sun its curves cast short, sharp shadows. If you look closely, you can see how the sculptor softened edges to make the piece comfortable to touch and sit on. Around Frederikke, the pavement bears faint marks from years of use, and at busy times shoes and wheels stream past in a steady rhythm. This contrast between the stillness of the hippo and the constant movement nearby gives the scene a quiet energy. The sculpture becomes a fixed reference point in a street that is always changing, from early-morning calm to the glow of evening lights.A small stop on a wider city wander
Flodhesteungen Frederikke fits naturally into a broader walk through Aarhus’ compact center. Without demanding much time, the sculpture offers a short, light-hearted pause between more formal cultural sites. It is the kind of place where you might take a quick photograph, let children burn off a little energy, or simply observe the city from a low vantage point next to a granite hippo. Because the piece is open to the street at all hours, it feels woven into daily routines rather than reserved for a special visit. Whether you are exploring the area’s shops, heading toward nearby squares, or just cutting through the city, a brief stop with Frederikke adds a note of playfulness to the urban experience and reminds you how small artworks can gently reshape the feel of a familiar street.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Flagpladsen
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Unmissable attractions to see
Flodhestefontæne
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Strøget
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Salling ROOFTOP
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Sky-high city park, glass-floored skywalk and stylish café-bar rolled into one panoramic rooftop above Aarhus’ main shopping street.
Sankt Clements Torv
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Vadestedet
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Historic river crossing turned vibrant canal-side strip, Vadestedet blends cafés, bars and bridges into Aarhus’ cosiest, most atmospheric urban meeting place.
Kunsthal Aarhus
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Sherlock Holmes Pub
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Viking Museum
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Lille Torv
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Aarhus Culture Walk
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Store Torv
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Mural - The Seagull Kiss
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Bishop's Square
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Essential places to dine
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Bardok
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Restaurant L'øst
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Grappa Aps
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SYV NI 13
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Skyline social dining on the 19th floor of Aarhus’ TRÆ building, where minimalist Nordic plates, global flavours and harbour views come together over shared menus.
Lydmar Restaurang
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Intimate, modern dining on lively Vestergade in the heart of Aarhus C, pairing relaxed Scandinavian ambience with simple, well-crafted seasonal dishes.
KöD Aarhus
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Raadhuus Kafeen
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Aarhus's most authentic Danish kitchen, serving generations with generous portions and timeless Nordic flavors.
Lupo
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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.
A Hereford Beefstouw - Aarhus
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Keyser Social
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Pho C&P
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Restaurant Amalfi
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Carlton
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
UNIQ
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Flying Tiger Copenhagen
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Epic Panda
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CHANEL FRAGRANCE AND BEAUTY BOUTIQUE
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Femilet
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Salling Aarhus
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SEPHORA MAGASIN AARHUS
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BESTSELLER Rømerhus
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Blue Caviar
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Waxies
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Barstart
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Vinstuen
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SWAY
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Clemens Bar
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Bar Smil Aarhus
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Die kleine Bierstube
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London
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Bitter Bar
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Alberts - Cocktailbar i Aarhus
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Rabalder Bar Aarhus
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Bernhardt Natklub
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equalclub
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GBAR
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LA Tequila Bar Aarhus
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Lounge 8000
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Quirky
- Unique
- Casual
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Art & Design
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Instagrammable
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Cultural Heritage
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
