Herman Sallings Plads
Broad harbourfront square between Dokk1 and Navitas, where playful fountains, big-sky views and urban life come together on Aarhus’ waterfront.
Herman Sallings Plads is a broad waterfront square on Aarhus Harbour, framed by the striking silhouettes of Dokk1 and Navitas. This contemporary urban space links the compact city centre with the new Aarhus Ø district, offering wide boardwalks, wooden seating, ball courts and open views across the inner harbour. Families gravitate to Jeppe Hein’s playful fountain installation, while the square regularly transforms into a stage for markets, exhibitions, concerts and maritime events right beside the water.
A brief summary to Herman Sallings Plads
- Midtbyen, Aarhus, Aarhus C, DK
- +4587315010
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 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
- Bring a small towel or change of clothes if children want to play in Jeppe Hein’s Endless Connection fountain on warmer days.
- Aim for late afternoon or early evening for soft light over the harbour and atmospheric photos of the skyline and modern buildings.
- Wind can make the waterfront feel cooler than the rest of the city, so pack an extra layer outside of high summer.
- Check local event listings in Aarhus to see if markets, concerts or harbour festivals are scheduled on the square during your visit.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Light rail from Aarhus H
From Aarhus Central Station, take the light rail line towards Aarhus Ø and get off at the Skolebakken stop, which is roughly a 5–10 minute ride. Trams run frequently through the day, usually every 5–10 minutes in daytime hours, and tickets typically cost around 20–30 DKK for a short city journey. From Skolebakken the walk to Herman Sallings Plads is straightforward along level pavements suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
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City bus within central Aarhus
Several city buses serve the waterfront area near Dokk1, with typical travel times of 10–20 minutes from most central neighbourhoods depending on traffic. A single bus ticket within the city generally costs about 20–30 DKK, and buses usually run every 10–20 minutes during the day, with reduced frequency in the evening. Most services use low‑floor buses, but check local timetables for exact routes and accessibility details.
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Bicycle from city centre
Cycling from the compact city centre to Herman Sallings Plads normally takes around 5–10 minutes along dedicated cycle lanes or shared roads with moderate traffic. The route is almost entirely flat and well signposted, making it practical for most riders, including older children. Bike‑share schemes and rental shops in central Aarhus typically offer daily rentals starting from about 75–150 DKK, with helmets and locks available as add‑ons.
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Car via underground parking
If arriving by car from elsewhere in Aarhus or the region, plan for 10–25 minutes’ driving time depending on distance and city traffic conditions. Fee‑based underground parking is available at the large garage beneath Dokk1 beside the square, with hourly rates commonly in the range of 20–30 DKK and higher caps for longer stays. Height limits apply in the garage, and spaces can fill at peak event times, so allow extra time if visiting during major harbour festivals.
Herman Sallings Plads location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Hot Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Herman Sallings Plads
A waterfront square where city and harbour meet
Herman Sallings Plads unfolds along Aarhus’ inner harbour, an open rectangle of paving, timber decks and water edges that feels at once maritime and distinctly urban. Set between the angular Navitas building and the glass-and-steel volume of Dokk1, the square acts as a generous forecourt to the water, pulling pedestrians towards the bay with its long sightlines and big sky. Stand anywhere on the square and you are surrounded by contrasts: ferries and working vessels on one side, the historic skyline of Aarhus and the cathedral spire on the other. The space functions as a hinge between the old compact city centre and the new harbourfront neighbourhoods, with promenades leading you smoothly towards Aarhus Ø and its striking contemporary housing.Everyday hangout and stage for major events
On a typical day the square feels like a living room for the city. Locals sit on broad wooden benches facing the water, cyclists roll through, and informal games of football or basketball play out on the marked courts. The open paving invites movement: children race scooters across it, joggers loop along the waterfront, and office workers spill out for a breath of sea air between meetings. Several times a year, Herman Sallings Plads transforms into an events arena. Temporary stages, market stalls, food tents and exhibition pavilions slot easily into the open footprint, turning the harbour edge into a festival-like landscape. Its direct access to the water also makes it a natural embarkation point for harbour tours and water-based activities, with boats occasionally loading passengers right beside the square.Endless Connection: art you can walk through
At the heart of the square, Jeppe Hein’s artwork "Endless Connection" functions as both sculpture and playground. Dozens of jets rise straight from the ground, forming shifting walls of water up to head height, then dissolving and reappearing in new patterns. Paths briefly open, close and open again, inviting you to dart through, wait, or simply watch the choreography. The fountain becomes a magnet for children on warm days, an impromptu splash park where shoes are abandoned and squeals echo against the harbour walls. In cooler seasons, it reads more like a kinetic pavilion, with reflections of sky and city flickering in the vertical sheets of water. After dark, subtle lighting adds another layer, turning the piece into a luminous centrepiece.A name tied to Aarhus’ retail story
The square is named after Herman Salling, the Aarhus-born merchant who transformed a family grocery store into what became Denmark’s largest retail group. His name is closely associated with department stores and supermarket chains that helped shape everyday shopping across the country. Honouring him at the harbourfront quietly acknowledges the city’s commercial heritage and its long-standing entrepreneurial spirit. Yet the square feels anything but corporate. Its design language is understated – robust materials, clean lines, an absence of clutter – allowing the harbour, the artwork and the surrounding architecture to take centre stage. In this way, it mirrors the pragmatic, low-key character often associated with Jutland: functional, people-focused spaces that invite use rather than spectacle.Gateway between old streets and new seafront
One of Herman Sallings Plads’ defining qualities is its role as a connector. Behind it lie cobbled streets, historic quarters and dense shopping lanes; ahead stretch piers lined with new-build apartments, creative offices and cultural institutions. Moving across the square, you feel the transition from medieval street grid to open waterfront. For visitors, this makes the square an ideal starting or finishing point. You can pause here between museum visits and harbour walks, use it as a meeting place in all seasons, or simply stop to watch the changing light over the bay. Wind, gulls, the low hum of the city and the splash of the fountain combine into a distinctly Aarhus soundscape, anchoring you in a place that looks firmly to the future while remaining rooted in its maritime past.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Frederiks Plads
0.9 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
0.9 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
1.0 km
A bronze sculpture celebrating the female form in Aarhus's cultural heart.
Folkehuset Trøjborg
1.0 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.
Møllen i botanisk have Århus
1.3 km
Historic mill at the heart of Aarhus's verdant botanical sanctuary, blending heritage with living gardens.
Greenhouses in the Botanical Garden
1.3 km
Step into a vibrant world of exotic plants, interactive exhibits, and striking glass architecture at Aarhus's Greenhouses—a serene escape for nature lovers.
Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden
1.3 km
Explore contemporary art at Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden, Aarhus' premier gallery showcasing local and international talent.
University Park, Aarhus
1.5 km
Explore seven centuries of art at SMK – Denmark’s national gallery, marrying old masters, modern pioneers, and cutting-edge exhibitions in stunning parkland surroundings.
Nordisk Film Cinemas Trøjborg
1.5 km
Experience local Danish cinema culture at Nordisk Film Cinemas Trøjborg—an atmospheric neighborhood movie house blending modern comfort with classic charm in Aarhus.
Udsigtspladsen
1.6 km
Experience breathtaking city, harbor, and bay vistas from one of Aarhus C’s most beloved scenic viewpoints, perfect for relaxation and panoramic photography.
Trøjborg Beboerhus
1.6 km
Experience the vibrant community spirit of Aarhus at Trøjborg Beboerhus, a hub for cultural events, workshops, and local gatherings.
Botanical Garden
1.6 km
Experience Denmark's artistic heritage and international masterpieces at SMK, Copenhagen's dynamic national gallery housed in landmark architecture beside the Kings’ Garden.
Tivoli Friheden
2.5 km
Experience the thrill and magic of Tivoli Friheden, Aarhus' premier amusement park with rides, live music, and family-friendly fun for all ages.
Marselisborgmonumentet
3.1 km
Standing tall in Mindeparken, Marselisborgmonumentet honors Danish World War I volunteers with solemn beauty, monumental sculpture, and panoramic bay views near Aarhus.
Flagpladsen
3.1 km
Historic plaza overlooking Aarhus Bay, gateway to royal heritage and astronomical discovery.
Unmissable attractions to see
Endless Connection
0.1 km
Interactive spiral fountain on Aarhus’ harbourfront where jets of water, inspired by the city’s starry skies, become a playful urban artwork and gathering spot.
Aarhus waterfront
0.1 km
Aarhus waterfront blends bold Scandinavian architecture, city beaches, harborside culture, and urban relaxation along the picturesque shores of Denmark’s vibrant second city.
The Occupation Museum
0.1 km
Aarhus’ former Gestapo headquarters turned museum, where original cells, local stories and moral dilemmas bring Denmark’s wartime occupation chillingly close.
KØN - Gender Museum Denmark
0.1 km
One of the world's few museums exploring gender, equality, and sexuality through history and contemporary dialogue.
Latin Quarter
0.1 km
Aarhus’ Latin Quarter blends cobbled medieval streets, historic townhouses and bike-friendly lanes with creative cafés, boutiques and boundary-pushing Nordic dining.
Aarhus Cathedral
0.2 km
Aarhus Cathedral—Denmark’s tallest and longest church, home to medieval frescoes and ornate altarpiece, anchors the city’s vibrant heart with Gothic grace.
Aarhus Theatre
0.2 km
Art Nouveau splendour, golden auditoriums and four busy stages make Aarhus Theatre the historic heart of live performance in Denmark’s second-largest city.
Bishop's Square
0.2 km
Marselisborg Castle offers royal heritage, tranquil English-style gardens, and the dramatic changing of the guard—an essential cultural and green escape south of Aarhus city center.
Latinerkvarteret
0.2 km
Aarhus’ oldest quarter: cobbled lanes, medieval houses, indie shops and café terraces creating a compact, bohemian neighborhood just behind the cathedral.
Store Torv
0.3 km
Historic Great Square where cathedral spires, elegant façades and everyday city life come together in the pedestrianized heart of Aarhus.
Viking Museum
0.3 km
Walk where Vikings founded Aarhus 1,200 years ago in this underground museum beneath the city center.
Sankt Clements Torv
0.4 km
Compact, historic and constantly in motion, Sankt Clemens Torv is the everyday crossroads between cathedral, Viking past, riverside cafés and modern shopping Aarhus.
Mural - The Seagull Kiss
0.4 km
An iconic Hans Krull mural on a Fiskergade gable, "The Seagull Kiss" fuses fantasy, seafaring spirit and bohemian Aarhus into one unforgettable street-side scene.
Lille Torv
0.4 km
Aarhus Waterfront: a vibrant coastal promenade fusing striking modern architecture, rich maritime heritage, and lively urban culture along the city’s scenic bay.
Vadestedet
0.4 km
Historic river crossing turned vibrant canal-side strip, Vadestedet blends cafés, bars and bridges into Aarhus’ cosiest, most atmospheric urban meeting place.
Essential places to dine
Piccolina
0.1 km
Authentic Italian pizzeria with exceptional vegan options and warm family hospitality in central Aarhus.
Casablanca Aarhus
0.1 km
French‑style brasserie, famous brunch “Crunch” and cosy café‑bar atmosphere in the heart of Aarhus’ historic Latin Quarter.
Den Rustikke
0.1 km
Discover Den Rustikke in Aarhus - where traditional Danish cuisine meets modern culinary artistry for an unforgettable dining experience.
Teater Bodega
0.2 km
Classic Danish inn in central Aarhus, offering authentic smørrebrød, cosy ambiance, and a historic link to the city’s arts and theatre scene.
Café Hack
0.2 km
Theatre-side brasserie in central Aarhus, where candlelit dining, classic European flavours and a touch of broadcast history create an intimate urban evening.
Pihlkjær Restaurant
0.2 km
Experience exquisite modern Danish cuisine at Pihlkjær Restaurant in Aarhus – where local ingredients meet culinary artistry.
Sct. Oluf Restaurant
0.2 km
A vibrant French-inspired bistro offering creative cuisine and Danish hospitality in the artistic heart of Latinerkvarteret, Aarhus’ oldest and most atmospheric quarter.
OliNico
0.2 km
Cozy Aarhus gastro grillbar on Mejlgade, serving generous modern European comfort food, daily changing menus and bistro classics at pleasantly low prices.
Madklubben Århus
0.2 km
Lively, design-conscious dining in Aarhus’ historic Toldkammeret, where seasonal classics, fair prices and a buzzing waterfront setting anchor an easygoing night out.
Basso Aarhus
0.2 km
Modern Italian restaurant in Aarhus C serving inventive multi-course social dining with Nordic flair, stylish ambiance, and top-tier ingredients in a lively city-center setting.
Lecoq
0.2 km
French-inspired brasserie and bar bringing Southern European warmth, wine and late-night energy to Aarhus’ atmospheric Latin Quarter on Graven.
Restaurant Domestic
0.2 km
Experience exquisite local cuisine at Restaurant Domestic in Aarhus C - where innovation meets tradition for an unforgettable dining experience.
Plant Food
0.2 km
Small, cosy and completely plant-based, Plant Food serves bold umami burgers, bowls and sandwiches in the heart of Aarhus’ atmospheric Latin Quarter.
A Hereford Beefstouw - Aarhus
0.3 km
Classic Danish steakhouse tradition on the Åboulevarden waterfront, pairing expertly grilled beef with polished Scandinavian design and a serious wine and beer list.
Restaurant Pinden
0.3 km
Hearty Danish classics and old-inn charm in a chandelier-lit dining room on lively Skolegade in the very heart of Aarhus.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
stoy
0.3 km
Minimalist, design-led fashion hub on Aarhus’ main square, blending luxury labels and independent brands in a calm, curated retail space.
LAKOR Shop Aarhus
0.3 km
Flagship men’s clothing shop in Aarhus’ Latin Quarter, blending Danish west coast vibes with graphic, coastal-inspired casual wear in an intimate, design-led space.
COS
0.3 km
A calm, design-led COS flagship on Aarhus’ historic Store Torv, blending Scandinavian minimalism, quality fabrics and thoughtful silhouettes in the city’s busy heart.
Jooma Aarhus
0.3 km
Discover unique Danish crafts and gifts at Jooma Aarhus, nestled in the historic Latinerkvarteret.
LÏST Store
0.3 km
A calm, curated women’s fashion boutique in Aarhus’ Latin Quarter, blending Scandinavian simplicity, quality fabrics and timeless silhouettes on charming Volden.
Skagen Clothing
0.3 km
Minimalist Danish fashion where sustainable style meets everyday comfort.
Loppegal
0.3 km
Curated secondhand fashion and interiors in Aarhus’ Latin Quarter, where Danish design sensibility meets flea-market charm in a cosy, character-filled shop.
Utzon
0.3 km
Independent Aarhus boutique where Scandinavian fashion, leather, fur, and design objects are curated into one coherent, softly luxurious universe of style.
BESTSELLER Rømerhus
0.3 km
Flagship BESTSELLER fashion house in a historic Aarhus icon, blending classic architecture, modern Scandinavian design and multi-brand style under one roof.
Seramikku - Japandi Concept Store
0.3 km
A serene Japandi concept store in Aarhus’ Latin Quarter, blending Japanese ceramics and Scandinavian design into a calm, tactile shopping experience.
& Vintage
0.3 km
A boutique in Aarhus' Latin Quarter offering hand-picked vintage treasures, Scandinavian gifts, artisan wares, and a warm, local shopping experience in a creative setting.
Badstue Rock
0.3 km
One of Denmark’s oldest independent record stores, Badstue Rock is a cozy Aarhus hub for vinyl, CDs, music books and unhurried crate-digging in the city center.
Plakaten
0.3 km
Long‑standing Aarhus poster boutique on Sankt Clemens Torv, blending curated art prints with expert framing services in the heart of the city’s main shopping street.
Sophies Tøjhus
0.4 km
A cosy central Aarhus boutique for colourful, Scandinavian‑inspired women’s fashion, perfect for a relaxed browse and a wardrobe refresh between city sights.
Munthe Market
0.4 km
Where timeless fashion finds new purpose through conscious curation and circular design.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Mig og Ølsnedkeren
0.1 km
Experience the best of Aarhus's craft beer scene at Mig og Ølsnedkeren, where local and international brews await in a cozy atmosphere.
Cafe Gyden
0.1 km
Aarhus's premier hookah lounge where premium shisha meets craft cocktails in refined urban comfort.
Ris Ras Filliongongong
0.2 km
Candlelit basement bar on Aarhus’ Mejlgade, blending an extensive beer selection with bohemian, living-room coziness and easygoing late-night conversations.
Café Under Masken
0.2 km
Bohemian, art‑lined den in central Aarhus where masks, fish tanks and coffee cups share space with beers, late‑night conversations and an old‑school smoky bar vibe.
Tokio Bar
0.2 km
Discover the lively ambiance and diverse drink selection at Tokio Bar in Aarhus, where unforgettable nights await every visitor.
ÅBEN Aarhus
0.2 km
Contemporary craft beer, rotating taps and a relaxed neighborhood buzz in a minimalist taproom tucked into Aarhus’ historic Latin Quarter.
Fatter Eskil ApS
0.2 km
Aarhus's cosy live music bar where emerging bands and established Danish artists share the stage.
The Old Irish Pub
0.3 km
Discover the vibrant spirit of Ireland at The Old Irish Pub in Aarhus, where great food, drinks, and live entertainment await.
El Loco
0.3 km
Discover El Loco, a vibrant bar in Aarhus, known for its lively atmosphere, affordable drinks, and unforgettable nightlife experience.
Casino Bar
0.3 km
Old-school, budget-friendly bar on lively Skolegade, pouring simple drinks and bodega charm from midday until the early hours in central Aarhus.
LA Tequila Bar Aarhus
0.3 km
California beach vibes and tequila culture in the heart of Aarhus—where tropical cocktails meet Scandinavian nightlife.
Escobar
0.3 km
Tiny, sticker-plastered rock bar on Skolegade pouring affordable beers, loud guitars and late-night camaraderie in the heart of Aarhus’ alternative nightlife.
Alberts - Cocktailbar i Aarhus
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Alberts Cocktail Bar in Aarhus, featuring innovative cocktails and a lively atmosphere perfect for socializing.
Thorkilds
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Thorkilds, the local bar renowned for its friendly atmosphere and affordable drinks.
Der Kuhstall
0.3 km
Rowdy après-ski vibes, thumping party tunes and wallet-friendly drink deals in a wood-clad “cow stable” right on Aarhus’ lively riverfront bar strip.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
GBAR
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at GBAR in Aarhus, a welcoming dance club where everyone can enjoy an unforgettable night out.
DCD STUDIO
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant rock music scene at DCD STUDIO in Aarhus, where electrifying performances and a lively atmosphere await every visitor.
Bernhardt Natklub
0.3 km
Discover Aarhus' premier nightlife destination at Bernhardt Natklub, where cocktails and beats create unforgettable memories.
ZenZa Cocktailbar
0.3 km
Discover Aarhus' vibrant nightlife at ZenZa Cocktailbar, where expertly crafted cocktails and lively atmosphere await you.
Lounge 8000
0.3 km
Discover the best of Aarhus nightlife at Lounge 8000, where vibrant performances and a stylish lounge atmosphere await.
Rustik Bar & Natklub - Aarhus
0.3 km
Dive into the pulsating nightlife of Aarhus at Rustik Bar & Natklub, where vibrant music and an electric atmosphere await.
Cafe Paradis - Den Sidste
0.4 km
Unleash your nightlife experience at Cafe Paradis - Den Sidste, Aarhus' top destination for dancing, cocktails, and unforgettable memories.
Flintstone Pub
0.7 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.
SLM Aarhus
0.7 km
Experience the vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife at SLM Aarhus, a welcoming gay bar that celebrates diversity and community in the heart of the city.
equalclub
0.8 km
Discover the thriving nightlife of Aarhus at Equal Club, where music, dance, and unforgettable experiences come together.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- 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
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
