Forstbotanisk Have, Aarhus
A quiet forest botanical garden in Aarhus where winding paths, tall trees and a reflective lake offer a simple, contemplative escape just beyond the city streets.
Forstbotanisk Have is a tranquil forest botanical garden on the southern edge of central Aarhus, where curated woodland meets informal parkland. A network of leafy paths winds through themed tree plantings, shaded lawns and a small lake, creating a quiet contrast to the busier main botanical garden and nearby Den Gamle By. Locals come here to stroll, jog, picnic and watch the seasons shift across rare conifers, broadleaf trees and understory shrubs, all just a short walk from the city’s cultural sights.
A brief summary to Forstbotanisk Have
- Forstbotanisk Have, Aarhus, Aarhus C, 8000, DK
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Pack your own drinks or snacks, as the forest garden itself has no café; nearby urban areas offer plenty of options before or after your visit.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes: paths range from smooth gravel to softer earth tracks that can be muddy after rain.
- Visit in different seasons to appreciate the full range of colours and tree forms, from spring buds to autumn foliage and winter silhouettes.
- Bring a light blanket if you plan to linger; grassy clearings and lakeside spots are ideal for relaxed reading or picnics.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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City bus from central Aarhus
From central Aarhus, use one of the frequent city bus routes running toward Marselisborg and the southern districts. Typical travel time from the core downtown area is 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. A single adult ticket within the city zones usually costs around 20–30 DKK and can be bought via ticket machines or mobile apps. Buses run regularly throughout the day, but late-evening services are less frequent, so check the timetable if you plan to return after dark.
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Cycling from the city centre
Aarhus is very bike-friendly, and reaching Forstbotanisk Have from the centre by bicycle typically takes 10–15 minutes along marked cycle routes with gentle gradients. You can use a rental or bike-share service, many of which charge roughly 20–40 DKK for a short session or about 80–150 DKK for a full day. Cycling offers flexibility and easy access to nearby parks and the waterfront, though be prepared for occasional hills and wet conditions outside summer.
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On foot from central Aarhus
Walking from the historic core of Aarhus to Forstbotanisk Have takes roughly 25–35 minutes at a moderate pace. The route is mostly on paved urban sidewalks with a few gradual inclines as you approach the southern green belt. This option costs nothing, suits most reasonably fit visitors and allows you to link the forest garden with other nearby parks in a single extended stroll.
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Taxi or rideshare within Aarhus
Taxis and app-based rideshares operate across Aarhus and typically reach Forstbotanisk Have from the central districts in 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay in the region of 120–200 DKK for a standard car for this short urban journey. Vehicles usually drop passengers near the main access roads bordering the garden; this is the most convenient choice if you are travelling in a group or have limited mobility.
Forstbotanisk Have location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Forstbotanisk Have
A green forest enclave on the edge of the city
Forstbotanisk Have feels like slipping from city streets into a pocket of woodland. Set on gently rolling ground south of central Aarhus, this forest botanical garden blends scientific plant collections with the relaxed character of an everyday park. Rather than flowerbeds and glasshouses, you find tall trunks, filtered light and soft leaf litter underfoot. The garden is laid out as a series of groves and glades, with meandering paths that invite you to wander rather than follow a fixed route. Mature trees define the skyline, while open lawns create breathing space and views across the canopy. Benches tucked under branches and beside the small lake make it easy to pause and absorb the quiet.Living library of trees and shrubs
As a forest botanical garden, the emphasis here is on woody plants. Species are grouped into loose collections so you can compare different pines, spruces, beeches or maples as you walk. In places, discreet markers and labels hint at the garden’s role as a living library for students and botanically minded visitors. You might notice how conifer groves hold onto their deep green colour through winter, while nearby deciduous stands transform dramatically with the seasons. In spring, new leaves and blossom brighten the understory; in summer, the foliage closes overhead into a cool tunnel; autumn brings strong colour and carpets of fallen leaves. Even in the bare months, bark textures and branch structures become the main attraction.Paths, clearings and a quiet lake
Forstbotanisk Have is gentle rather than grand. Narrow tracks branch from wider gravel paths, rewarding detours with secluded corners or unexpected views back toward the city. Some sections climb slightly, adding small changes in perspective over the tree crowns and the nearby residential districts. A modest lake near the centre acts as a natural focal point. Reeds at the margins and overhanging branches create refuge for birds and waterfowl, while the still surface reflects shifting skies and foliage. On calm days, the combination of birdsong, rustling leaves and distant city sounds underscores how close yet removed this place is from urban life.Everyday recreation space for Aarhus locals
Although founded with botanical aims, the garden doubles as a much-loved neighbourhood green space. You are likely to see joggers using the looping paths for soft-surface runs, parents pushing prams along the easier routes, and students cutting through on their way between campus areas and the harbourfront. Grassy clearings lend themselves to laid-back picnics, informal games or simply lying back with a book. The atmosphere stays calm rather than boisterous, helped by the spread-out layout and generous tree cover. It is an easy place to visit alone, whether for a thinking walk, quiet photography session or a moment of stillness after exploring busier attractions nearby.Seasonal moods and simple pleasures
The character of Forstbotanisk Have changes subtly with the light and weather. On bright mornings, low sun slants through the trunks and picks out spider webs and fresh leaves. Overcast days make colours appear richer and the forest feel enclosed and intimate. In wind, the canopy becomes a moving ceiling of sound, while light rain deepens the scent of earth and needles. There are no cafés or glasshouses here; the experience is intentionally minimal. You bring what you need, take your time and let the garden reveal its details: cones underfoot, lichen on bark, tiny seedlings in the shade of giants. For many in Aarhus, that simplicity is exactly the appeal – a forest-like retreat woven quietly into the fabric of the city.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Marselisborgmonumentet
0.6 km
Standing tall in Mindeparken, Marselisborgmonumentet honors Danish World War I volunteers with solemn beauty, monumental sculpture, and panoramic bay views near Aarhus.
Frederiks Plads
2.7 km
A vibrant, contemporary city square where modern architecture, open green space, and urban life converge in the heart of Aarhus near Frederiksbjerg.
Agnete og Havmanden
2.9 km
Discover the poetic fusion of Danish folklore and modern sculpture at Aarhus’ Agnete og Havmanden, a landmark bronze fountain embodying myth and emotion.
Den Svangre
2.9 km
A bronze sculpture celebrating the female form in Aarhus's cultural heart.
Store Torv
3.5 km
Store Torv is the historic plaza at Aarhus’ city heart, a hub of medieval charm, vibrant markets, and the dramatic silhouette of Denmark’s tallest cathedral.
KØN - Gender Museum Denmark
3.6 km
A groundbreaking museum in Aarhus dedicated to gender, identity, and equality, featuring interactive exhibitions in a historic building near the city’s iconic cathedral.
Lille Torv
3.6 km
Charming central square in Aarhus’ historic district, Lille Torv blends centuries-old architecture, local life, and a vibrant social atmosphere for visitors.
The Occupation Museum
3.6 km
Malmo Live Concert Hall offers world-class music, architecture, and vibrant city energy in the heart of Malmö, steps from the waterfront and cultural highlights.
Herman Sallings Plads
3.6 km
Aarhus’s vibrant harborfront plaza, bridging the historic city and the modern waterfront, alive with urban energy, culture, and panoramic views.
Our Lady Church
3.6 km
Medieval layers of faith: from Viking-era crypt to Dominican monastery, Aarhus' oldest sacred space.
The Old Town
3.6 km
Experience Danish urban life through the ages at The Old Town in Aarhus, an immersive open-air museum showcasing historical buildings and authentic cultural experiences from the 16th to 20th centuries.
Klostertorvet
3.6 km
Klostertorvet is Aarhus’s vibrant plaza, fusing historic monastery grounds with a lively social scene, independent cafés, and open-air city life in the heart of Denmark.
Aarhus waterfront
3.6 km
Aarhus Waterfront blends urban vibrancy, Nordic design, and harbor heritage with panoramic sea views and lively promenades, making it a quintessential Danish experience.
Latin Quarter
3.7 km
Winding cobblestone streets, historic facades, and a creative spirit fill Aarhus’s Latin Quarter, the city’s oldest district and its cultural heartbeat.
Mindrebæltsbroen
3.7 km
Vibrant urban bridge transformed into Aarhus’ open-air street art gallery, revealing the creative soul of Øgadekvarteret’s lively neighborhood.
Unmissable attractions to see
Marselisborg Castle
0.2 km
Royal summer residence nestled in peaceful parkland by Aarhus Bay, Marselisborg Castle offers gardens, royal traditions, and bucolic charm in Denmark’s vibrant second city.
Villa Margarinely
0.3 km
A recycled factory spire turned royal pavilion, Villa Margarinely adds quirky charm and quiet intrigue to the leafy English-style landscape of Marselisborg Palace Gardens.
Kirkeskov
0.5 km
A compact beech and oak forest on Aarhus’ southern edge, Kirkeskov offers a calm, everyday escape where city streets quickly give way to quiet paths and leafy glades.
Mindeparken
0.5 km
Experience royal Danish heritage and stunning public gardens at Marselisborg Castle, the summer home of Denmark’s monarch, in vibrant Aarhus.
Flagpladsen
0.5 km
Explore the cosmos at Aarhus's historic Ole Rømer Observatory, home to Denmark's largest functioning telescope.
Ole Rømer Observatory
0.6 km
Historic hilltop observatory in Aarhus where Art Nouveau architecture, Denmark’s largest telescope and a leafy science park bring the starry sky within easy reach.
Rømerhaven
0.6 km
A quiet flower garden in Aarhus’ Mindeparken, where a long mirror pool and the bronze Solhesten sculpture create a tranquil, reflective retreat near Marselisborg Palace.
Marselisborg Strand
0.8 km
Easygoing Aarhus city beach where forested hills, open bay views and everyday Danish coastal life meet just south of the urban centre.
Det lille vandfald på Varna Strand.
1.0 km
A modest woodland cascade where a forest stream meets Aarhus Bay, adding gentle sound and character to the shoreline between Varna Strand and Ballehage.
The Infinite Bridge
1.0 km
Marselisborg Castle blends royal heritage with tranquil parklands in the heart of Aarhus, offering a peaceful escape and glimpses of Danish regal life.
Marselisborg Deer Park
1.1 km
Free-roaming deer and wild boars in a pristine 22-hectare forest sanctuary near Aarhus.
Tivoli Friheden
1.2 km
Discover Denmark’s cultural icons along Frederiksberg Allé, where the Walk of Fame honors entertainment legends among cafés and tree-lined elegance.
Bænken med den smukkeste udsigt
1.4 km
A simple bench on the forested coast of southern Aarhus offering a wide, tranquil view over Aarhus Bay and the curving shoreline below.
Walk'n'talk
2.0 km
Transform your meetings into dynamic conversations while walking through nature's inspiring landscape.
Rådhusparken
2.9 km
Stately royal residence set amid sweeping landscaped gardens, Marselisborg Castle is an emblem of Danish tradition and a tranquil green escape in Aarhus.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Frederikshøj
0.4 km
Two‑Michelin‑star Nordic‑French gastronomy on a wooded hillside by Marselisborg Palace, where long, playful tasting menus meet one of Denmark’s most serious wine cellars.
Restaurant Thors Mølle
0.8 km
Historic forest mill turned cosy restaurant, serving seasonal Danish classics in light-filled rooms where Aarhus’ woodland scenery feels just an arm’s length away.
Restaurant Martino
1.6 km
Harbourfront Italian and Mediterranean dining at Marselisborg Marina, where pizzas, seafood and long Nordic evenings meet sweeping views of Aarhus Bay.
Restaurant Hærværk
2.5 km
Restaurant Hærværk in Aarhus C reinvents Nordic cuisine nightly through inventive tasting menus, hyper-local ingredients, and award-winning sustainability.
Atelier 33
2.5 km
Atelier 33 blends classic French gastronomy with Danish seasonal produce in Frederiksbjerg, offering refined tasting menus and intimate ambience in Aarhus’s culinary quarter.
JUHLs spisehus
2.5 km
Creative Danish brunch, thoughtful bistro plates, and local wines in the lively heart of Frederiksbjerg—JUHLs Spisehus is an Aarhus favorite for any time of day.
Juliette
2.5 km
A chic French brasserie in the heart of Aarhus' Frederiksbjerg, serving up authentic flavors, Parisian ambiance, and inventive brunches in a vibrant local hotspot.
St. Pauls Apothek
2.5 km
Inventive Nordic dining and precision cocktails served in a century‑old Aarhus pharmacy, where historic apothecary charm meets contemporary mixology.
Klassisk 65, Bistro & Vinbar
2.5 km
Experience the essence of Danish cuisine at Klassisk 65 Bistro & Vinbar in Aarhus – where tradition meets modern dining excellence.
Restaurant Ombord
2.5 km
Modern Danish bistro with seasonal Nordic menus and inventive small plates, nestled among Frederiksbjerg’s vibrant food hotspots in central Aarhus.
Restaurant Kohalen
2.5 km
Aarhus’ beloved harbor canteen, where timeworn interiors, white‑shirted waiters and hefty Danish lunch classics keep over a century of tradition alive.
Restaurant MÖR
2.6 km
Indulge in expertly dry-aged Danish steaks and Nordic culinary craftsmanship at Aarhus’ acclaimed Restaurant MÖR, where classic steakhouse tradition meets modern Scandinavian style.
Restaurant V
2.8 km
Urban Danish brasserie with seasonal Nordic cuisine, open kitchen views, and one of Aarhus's premier gin bars.
Restaurant Nögen
2.8 km
Vibrant, sustainable Nordic dining near Aarhus station—Restaurant Nögen blends bold flavors, stylish Scandi design, and social shared plates at a moderate price.
GÄST
2.8 km
Seasonal modern European dining with a Nordic soul, served in a softly lit Scandinavian interior beside Aarhus’ busy central train station square.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Woodstock Guitars
2.2 km
Specialist guitar haven in central Aarhus, where carefully chosen instruments, amps and pedals meet expert advice and a laid-back, musician-friendly vibe.
Aarhus Antik
2.2 km
Discover Danish heritage at Aarhus Antik, a charming antique store in Aarhus' Frederiksbjerg district.
Højkant Design Shop
2.3 km
Cooperative design shop and gallery in central Aarhus, where local makers present contemporary Danish craft, ceramics and art in an intimate, studio-like setting.
Luna Hvid
2.3 km
Discover handcrafted elegance at Luna Hvid, Aarhus' premier hat boutique in the historic Latin Quarter.
Moonchild Vintage Århus
2.4 km
Cosy, handpicked vintage and interiors in a neighbourhood boutique that blends 60s–90s style, Y2K details and sustainable slow fashion in central Aarhus.
NORMAL
2.6 km
A bright, budget-friendly maze of everyday brands and quirky finds in Bruuns Galleri, perfect for quick essentials, impulse treats and low-cost little surprises.
Monki
2.6 km
Playful Scandinavian high-street fashion in the heart of Aarhus C, blending bold colors, relaxed silhouettes, and accessible prices on busy M. P. Bruuns Gade.
Bruuns Galleri
2.6 km
Bruuns Galleri: Aarhus’ premier city-center shopping mall, blending top brands, Danish design, dining, and urban life in a vibrant architectural landmark.
Far-East Trading
2.7 km
Compact, central Aarhus Asian grocery stocked with fresh produce, spices, noodles, snacks and frozen specialties for authentic East and Southeast Asian cooking.
Asian food store (Østens Specialiteter)
2.9 km
Compact Asian grocery on Park Allé in central Aarhus, stocking everyday East and South Asian staples, snacks, and spices for both locals and curious home cooks.
Bog & idé - Aarhus, Svend A. Larsen
3.0 km
Classic city-center book and stationery store where shelves of novels, notebooks, games and gifts offer a cozy cultural pause in the heart of Aarhus.
Bahne
3.1 km
A bright Scandinavian lifestyle store in central Aarhus, blending fashion, homeware, gifts and wellness in a calm, design-led setting on busy Søndergade.
Royal Copenhagen - Aarhus
3.1 km
Discover Danish porcelain heritage at Royal Copenhagen Aarhus, a refined destination for iconic tableware, handcrafted designs, and timeless design inspiration.
Mrs. P Coffee & The
3.2 km
A cosy Aarhus specialty shop where aromatic coffee, fine teas, chocolates and wines come together in beautifully curated gifts and everyday indulgences.
Salling Aarhus
3.2 km
Flagship Aarhus department store where fashion, food, design and a panoramic rooftop terrace with glass skywalk and city views all meet under one central roof.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Den Runde Bar
2.3 km
Discover the lively atmosphere and local flavor at Den Runde Bar in Aarhus, a must-visit spot for tourists seeking a vibrant nightlife experience.
Jacob Skomager
2.3 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Jacob Skomager, Aarhus' charming bodega, perfect for drinks and socializing with locals.
ButlerBar
2.3 km
Discover the lively ButlerBar in Aarhus, a perfect blend of great drinks, friendly service, and an inviting atmosphere for all travelers.
Væskebalancen Bar
2.5 km
Experience the lively ambiance and extensive drink selection at Væskebalancen Bar, the heart of Aarhus' nightlife.
Den Hvide Hest
2.5 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Den Hvide Hest, a charming bar in Aarhus offering local brews and a taste of Danish hospitality.
Mikkeller bar
2.5 km
Experience the best of craft beer at Mikkeller Bar, Aarhus - a paradise for beer lovers with unique local brews and a vibrant atmosphere.
Din Vinbar
2.5 km
Discover unparalleled wine experiences at Din Vinbar, Aarhus' premier wine bar, where quality meets passion in every glass.
Æblet og Gåsen
2.5 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Æblet og Gåsen, a charming bar in Aarhus offering local brews and delightful snacks in a cozy setting.
Drop Inn
2.7 km
Discover the charm of Drop Inn in Aarhus, where delightful drinks and a cozy atmosphere create the perfect bar experience.
Centralbar
2.8 km
Easygoing, inexpensive bar by Aarhus Central Station – a relaxed, central meeting spot for simple drinks, local atmosphere and straightforward good times.
Flintstone Pub
3.0 km
Low-lit brun bar in central Aarhus serving inexpensive beers, Guinness and classic pub vibes in a laid-back, wood-paneled setting.
Gedulgt
3.0 km
Discover Gedulgt: Aarhus's premier cocktail bar offering unique drinks and a lively ambiance for an unforgettable night out.
Die kleine Bierstube
3.2 km
Cozy German-style pub on lively Frederiksgade, pouring classic Bavarian beers and serving hearty schnitzel in a wood-paneled corner of central Aarhus.
Thorkilds
3.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Thorkilds, the local bar renowned for its friendly atmosphere and affordable drinks.
Rabalder Bar Aarhus
3.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Rabalder Bar, where creative cocktails and lively atmosphere await every visitor.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Luksusmassage Århus
1.9 km
Experience Aarhus's dynamic nightlife at Luksusmassage, where music and energy blend for an unforgettable evening.
Lounge 8000
3.3 km
Discover the best of Aarhus nightlife at Lounge 8000, where vibrant performances and a stylish lounge atmosphere await.
Rustik Bar & Natklub - Aarhus
3.3 km
Dive into the pulsating nightlife of Aarhus at Rustik Bar & Natklub, where vibrant music and an electric atmosphere await.
GBAR
3.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at GBAR in Aarhus, a welcoming dance club where everyone can enjoy an unforgettable night out.
ZenZa Cocktailbar
3.3 km
Discover Aarhus' vibrant nightlife at ZenZa Cocktailbar, where expertly crafted cocktails and lively atmosphere await you.
Bernhardt Natklub
3.5 km
Discover Aarhus' premier nightlife destination at Bernhardt Natklub, where cocktails and beats create unforgettable memories.
equalclub
3.5 km
Discover the thriving nightlife of Aarhus at Equal Club, where music, dance, and unforgettable experiences come together.
Hornsleth Bar Aarhus
3.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Hornsleth Bar, where innovative cocktails meet an energetic atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Casual
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
