Naturhistorisk Museum Aarhus
Denmark’s second-largest natural history museum, blending immersive wildlife dioramas, Danish ecosystems and cutting-edge research in a compact, campus setting.
Naturhistorisk Museum Aarhus, set amid the green campus of Aarhus University, is Denmark’s second-largest natural history museum and a deep dive into life on Earth. Across atmospheric dioramas and modern thematic galleries, more than 5,000 preserved animals and geological specimens illuminate everything from Danish ecosystems to African savannahs and global biodiversity. Interactive elements, family-friendly exhibits and a strong research backbone make it an engaging stop for curious minds of all ages.
A brief summary to Naturhistorisk Museum Aarhus
- Wilhelm Meyers Allé 10, Aarhus C, Aarhus C, 8000, DK
- +4586129777
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Plan at least two hours if you want to explore both the global wildlife halls and the sections on Danish nature without rushing, especially when visiting with children.
- Check current exhibitions in advance, as temporary shows often focus on themes like evolution, dinosaurs or chance in nature and can be highlights of a visit.
- Bring a reusable water bottle and light snacks; on-site food options are limited, but you are generally allowed to enjoy simple refreshments in designated areas.
- Combine the museum with a walk in the nearby botanic garden or university park for an easy half-day focused on nature and science in central Aarhus.
- Families with strollers or visitors with reduced mobility can make use of lifts and a wheelchair; ask staff at the entrance if you need assistance.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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City bus from central Aarhus
From Aarhus city centre, regular city buses run toward the university area and stop within walking distance of Wilhelm Meyers Allé. The journey typically takes 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. A single adult ticket within the city zones usually costs around 20–30 DKK when bought via ticket machines or mobile apps. Buses run frequently during the day, but evening services are less frequent, so check the latest timetable if you plan a late Wednesday visit.
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Walking from Aarhus city centre
If you are staying near the pedestrian streets or the Latin Quarter, you can reach the museum on foot in roughly 20–30 minutes. The route is gently uphill in places but follows paved city streets and paths through the university area, making it manageable for most visitors with average fitness. This option is free and offers a pleasant way to see more of Aarhus’s campus and nearby green spaces en route.
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Taxi within Aarhus
Taxis are widely available in central Aarhus and at major hotels. A ride to Naturhistorisk Museum Aarhus normally takes 5–15 minutes depending on your starting point and traffic. Typical fares for a short city journey fall in the range of 80–160 DKK, including basic start fees and a few kilometres of driving. Taxis drop you close to the entrance, which is useful in bad weather or for visitors with limited mobility.
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Bicycle in the university district
Aarhus is very bicycle‑friendly, and riding from the centre to the university district generally takes 10–15 minutes. You can use your own bike or a local bike‑share service, with short‑term rentals often costing roughly 20–40 DKK for up to an hour. Expect some mild inclines but mostly well‑marked cycle lanes. Bring a lock, as you will need to secure your bike in the racks outside the museum.
Naturhistorisk Museum Aarhus location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Naturhistorisk Museum Aarhus
Life on Earth, Curated in Aarhus
Naturhistorisk Museum Aarhus brings the story of our planet’s biodiversity under one roof, from microscopic organisms to giants of the oceans. The museum blends classic natural history displays with contemporary scenography, so you move from glass cases of birds and insects to immersive dioramas where lions, antelopes or Arctic creatures seem frozen mid‑stride. The aim is not just to impress with scale, but to show how species fit into the bigger picture of evolution and ecology. The museum sits within Aarhus University’s campus, and you feel that scientific context in the way exhibitions are structured. Taxidermy mounts, skeletons, fossils and minerals are carefully labelled with clear explanations, making complex topics approachable without diluting the science. Rather than a quick photo stop, it invites you to slow down, read, compare and notice details in feathers, claws and skulls.Signature Exhibitions and Star Specimens
Several permanent exhibitions anchor the visit. In galleries devoted to global wildlife, you encounter an impressive range of animals from across continents: big cats, apes, birds of prey and marine mammals, many arranged in lifelike scenes that show predator–prey relationships and habitat types. Another section turns the spotlight on Danish nature, tracing how local landscapes, from coasts to forests and heathlands, support everything from tiny insects to large mammals. Temporary exhibitions explore changing themes such as evolution, chance in nature or specific groups like dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures. These shows often weave together fossils, models, multimedia and hands‑on stations, helping to connect earth history with modern environmental challenges. A large whale skeleton or dramatic carnivore mount typically becomes a visual highlight, drawing visitors deeper into the narrative of adaptation and survival.A Family-Friendly Museum of Curiosity
The museum is designed with families in mind. Many rooms include tactile elements, simple diagrams and height‑appropriate displays so younger visitors can engage directly. Children can trace footprints, compare their arm span to birds’ wings, or peer closely at insects that usually escape notice outdoors. Texts are structured so adults find depth while still being able to translate ideas into stories and questions for children. There is space to pause as well as explore. Seating areas in or near the galleries provide natural breaks between sections, and the bright, orderly layout helps prevent sensory overload. School groups often use the museum’s educational facilities, and the underlying research collections support a steady programme of learning activities, making the building feel like a living classroom rather than a static hall of specimens.Behind the Scenes: Research and Collections
Beyond what is on display, Naturhistorisk Museum Aarhus holds extensive scientific collections of mammals, birds, invertebrates and geological material. Only a fraction is visible in the public galleries; the rest forms a quiet archive for researchers studying biodiversity, distribution changes and conservation. Being part of a university environment strengthens these ties, with specimens used in teaching and long‑term monitoring projects. The museum is also linked to the Molslaboratoriet field station in Mols Bjerge National Park, where rewilding and landscape experiments unfold in real time. This connection between indoor exhibits and living, outdoor nature gives the institution a dual character: part traditional museum, part field‑based laboratory tracking how ecosystems respond to change.Setting, Practical Rhythm and Atmosphere
Located on Wilhelm Meyers Allé, the museum shares its surroundings with other university buildings and the nearby botanic garden, so a visit can easily be combined with a stroll among trees and glasshouses. Indoors, the mood is calm and contemplative, with natural light in circulation areas and darker, more focused lighting in diorama spaces to highlight animals and backdrops. Opening hours generally span late morning to mid‑afternoon, with an extended evening mid‑week, and admission is paid for adults while children and young people under 18 typically enter free. This rhythm means mornings and early afternoons attract families and school groups, while later slots can feel quieter. Whether you stay for a focused hour or linger through every hall, the museum offers a compact yet rich overview of Earth’s living tapestry, anchored firmly in Danish nature but reaching far beyond it.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden
0.4 km
Explore contemporary art at Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden, Aarhus' premier gallery showcasing local and international talent.
Folkehuset Trøjborg
0.7 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.
Nordisk Film Cinemas Trøjborg
0.9 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
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant community spirit of Aarhus at Trøjborg Beboerhus, a hub for cultural events, workshops, and local gatherings.
ARoS Aarhus Art Museum
1.5 km
Iconic contemporary art museum in Aarhus known for bold exhibitions, interactive experiences, and the mesmerizing rooftop rainbow panorama overlooking the city.
Rådhusparken
1.8 km
An elegant city park at Aarhus’ core, Rådhusparken blends iconic architecture, sculptures, and tranquil green spaces right beside the city hall.
Den Svangre
1.8 km
A bronze sculpture celebrating the female form in Aarhus's cultural heart.
Agnete og Havmanden
1.8 km
Discover the poetic fusion of Danish folklore and modern sculpture at Aarhus’ Agnete og Havmanden, a landmark bronze fountain embodying myth and emotion.
Frederiks Plads
2.0 km
A vibrant, contemporary city square where modern architecture, open green space, and urban life converge in the heart of Aarhus near Frederiksbjerg.
Tivoli Friheden
3.4 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
4.2 km
Historic plaza overlooking Aarhus Bay, gateway to royal heritage and astronomical discovery.
Marselisborgmonumentet
4.2 km
Standing tall in Mindeparken, Marselisborgmonumentet honors Danish World War I volunteers with solemn beauty, monumental sculpture, and panoramic bay views near Aarhus.
Mindeparken
4.2 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
University Park, Aarhus
0.2 km
A graceful bowl of lawns, oaks and yellow-brick buildings, University Park is the tranquil green heart of Aarhus University and a serene pause within the city.
Steno Museum
0.2 km
Marselisborg Castle offers a regal experience close to Aarhus, with public parklands, royal ceremonies, and sculpted gardens reflecting Danish history and culture.
Museum of Ancient Art, Aarhus
0.4 km
Compact, scholarly and free to enter, Aarhus’ Museum of Ancient Art offers a calm, campus-side encounter with Greek, Etruscan and Roman worlds.
AU Garden
0.6 km
Elegant royal gardens, seasonal Changing of the Guard, and public parkland by Aarhus Bay—Marselisborg Castle unites Danish history, art, and serene landscapes in one regal retreat.
History Hunts med Hvem.nu
0.9 km
Hands-on history hunts in Aarhus’ Latin Quarter, where Viking traces and town stories turn into clue-driven adventures for curious families and small groups.
Mindrebæltsbroen
1.0 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.
Greenhouses in the Botanical Garden
1.0 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.
Botanical Garden
1.0 km
Free tropical greenhouses and Danish gardens in Aarhus's verdant heart, open year-round.
Ismael
1.0 km
A poised bronze boy with bow and arrow brings quiet drama and historic artistry to the intimate city square of Klostertorvet in central Aarhus.
Klostertorvet
1.0 km
Intimate cobbled square in central Aarhus where monastic history, café life and city shopping streets meet in a relaxed, atmospheric urban pocket.
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.
Stenpartiet
1.1 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.
Møllen i botanisk have Århus
1.1 km
Urban beach escape south of Aarhus city center, offering clean sands, gentle waters, and year-round access beside forest and royal palace grounds.
Latinerkvarteret
1.1 km
Aarhus’ oldest quarter: cobbled lanes, medieval houses, indie shops and café terraces creating a compact, bohemian neighborhood just behind the cathedral.
Lille Torv
1.1 km
Aarhus Waterfront: a vibrant coastal promenade fusing striking modern architecture, rich maritime heritage, and lively urban culture along the city’s scenic bay.
Essential places to dine
Mevino & Mondrup
0.9 km
Experience innovative Danish cuisine and curated wines in the heart of Aarhus' Trøjborg district.
Casa Mia Trøjborg
0.9 km
Savor genuine Italian pizza and a homey Danish-Italian vibe in the heart of Aarhus' Trøjborg district, a neighborhood favorite for casual and cozy dining.
Restaurant Komfur
0.9 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.
Sevag's Grækeren
0.9 km
Discover authentic Greek cuisine and warm hospitality at Sevag’s Grækeren, a local favorite in Aarhus’ lively Trøjborg neighborhood, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere.
Den Lille Kro
0.9 km
Authentic Danish comfort food in a timeless neighbourhood setting, where tradition meets quality ingredients.
Gusto
0.9 km
Honest sourdough pizza, natural wines and warm, late-night buzz in the heart of Aarhus’ Latin Quarter.
Kantina
0.9 km
Contemporary Danish dining with a cozy neighborhood vibe, creative seasonal menus, and welcoming ambiance in Trøjborg—perfect for casual meals and local flavor.
Kolo
0.9 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.
Langhoff & Juul
0.9 km
Nordic-inspired, organic dining in Aarhus’ historic Latin Quarter, with a focus on sustainability, seasonal menus, atmospheric interiors, and local flair.
Le Basilic
1.0 km
Experience authentic French cuisine in the heart of Aarhus's Latin Quarter at Le Basilic.
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.
Restaurant Olive
1.0 km
Neighbourhood-style bistro in central Aarhus with classic comfort cooking, intimate candlelit tables and the rare bonus of bring-your-own wine at moderate prices.
Faour
1.0 km
Authentic Palestinian falafel and mezze in a cozy Aarhus hideaway—budget-friendly, vegetarian-focused, and genuinely delicious.
Slap Af
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant culinary scene at Slap Af in Aarhus – where exquisite dishes meet expertly crafted cocktails.
L'estragon
1.0 km
L’estragon serves up refined French cuisine with Danish creativity in Aarhus’ Latin Quarter, offering intimate ambiance, seasonal tasting menus, and top-tier wine pairing.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Stakbogladen A / S - Study books in Aarhus
0.4 km
Campus bookstore at Studenternes Hus in Aarhus, specialising in curriculum titles, academic literature and study essentials for the city’s university community.
Røde Kors Butik Krydsfelt
0.8 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.
Salvation Army thrift store
0.8 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.
All Time Vintage
0.8 km
Compact, curated and characterful, All Time Vintage brings sustainable style and one-off wardrobe finds to the heart of Aarhus’ Nørregade neighbourhood.
So ein Ding - Vintage
0.9 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.
PRAG
0.9 km
Colourful vintage fashion in the heart of Aarhus, where curated second-hand style meets relaxed, student-city energy on lively Nørregade.
Ancher
0.9 km
Discover holistic wellness at Ancher, Trøjborg's premier health and beauty destination in Aarhus.
Magpie Lane Vintage
0.9 km
Aarhus’ go-to vintage boutique for unique, handpicked fashion finds and classic accessories in an inviting, sustainability-focused setting.
S.T. Valentin
0.9 km
Contemporary menswear boutique in Aarhus’ Latin Quarter, blending Scandinavian simplicity, quality footwear and attentive styling in an intimate setting.
Vintage Divine
1.0 km
Authentic vintage fashion from the 1920s–1970s, expertly curated and restored in central Aarhus.
Storcenter Nord
1.0 km
Modern shopping complex with 60+ stores, dining, and Scandinavia's largest free-access saltwater aquarium.
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.
Ganni
1.0 km
Compact slice of Copenhagen-cool in Aarhus’ Guldsmedgade, where playful Scandi fashion, bold prints and clean Nordic interiors meet in a relaxed boutique setting.
Munthe Market
1.0 km
Where timeless fashion finds new purpose through conscious curation and circular design.
SecondLux
1.0 km
Browse handpicked sustainable fashion and unique vintage finds in a welcoming consignment boutique at the heart of Trøjborg’s independent scene.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Die Rote Zone
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at Die Rote Zone, Aarhus' go-to bar for cocktails and craft beers in a lively and stylish atmosphere.
Theos Bar
0.6 km
Experience the cozy charm of Theos Bar in Aarhus, where delightful drinks and a warm atmosphere await every visitor.
Annalise's Bar
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Annalise's Bar, where cozy ambiance meets creative cocktails and friendly service.
Trøjborg Kroen
0.9 km
Experience the local beer culture at Trøjborg Kroen, Aarhus's charming beer hall with a diverse selection and inviting ambiance.
SLM Aarhus
0.9 km
Discover the lively spirit of SLM Aarhus, a welcoming gay bar offering themed nights and a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Aarhus.
Peder Wessel
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Peder Wessel, Aarhus' charming bar with affordable drinks and a welcoming atmosphere.
Cirkuskroen
0.9 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Cirkuskroen, a charming bar offering a perfect blend of drinks and local culture.
K
0.9 km
Discover K, the cozy cafe and cocktail bar in Aarhus, where innovative drinks and a warm atmosphere await every visitor.
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
1.0 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
1.0 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Hornsleth Bar Aarhus, a premier destination for cocktails and dancing in the heart of the city.
Erlings Jazz- & Ølbar
1.0 km
Intimate Aarhus neighborhood bar mixing live jazz, candlelit charm and 14 rotating craft beers on tap in a relaxed, grown-up atmosphere.
Fairbar
1.0 km
Experience the perfect blend of bar and cafe culture at Fairbar in Aarhus, offering a cozy ambiance and a diverse drink menu.
Two Socks Ginbar
1.0 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.
Hjorten
1.1 km
Discover the heart of Aarhus nightlife at Hjorten, a lively bodega with local brews and a vibrant atmosphere for all visitors.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Cafe Paradis - Den Sidste
0.9 km
Unleash your nightlife experience at Cafe Paradis - Den Sidste, Aarhus' top destination for dancing, cocktails, and unforgettable memories.
DCD STUDIO
1.1 km
Experience the vibrant rock music scene at DCD STUDIO in Aarhus, where electrifying performances and a lively atmosphere await every visitor.
equalclub
1.1 km
Discover the thriving nightlife of Aarhus at Equal Club, where music, dance, and unforgettable experiences come together.
Bernhardt Natklub
1.2 km
Discover Aarhus' premier nightlife destination at Bernhardt Natklub, where cocktails and beats create unforgettable memories.
KLUB22
1.4 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at KLUB22 in Aarhus, where electrifying music and vibrant atmosphere await.
ZenZa Cocktailbar
1.4 km
Discover Aarhus' vibrant nightlife at ZenZa Cocktailbar, where expertly crafted cocktails and lively atmosphere await you.
Rustik Bar & Natklub - Aarhus
1.4 km
Dive into the pulsating nightlife of Aarhus at Rustik Bar & Natklub, where vibrant music and an electric atmosphere await.
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
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Art & Design
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
