Steno Museum, Aarhus
A compact science and medical history museum in Aarhus where experiments, galaxies and medicinal herbs meet in a university park setting.
Steno Museum in Aarhus is a compact, engaging science and medical history museum where atoms, X‑rays and galaxies share space with a fragrant medicinal herb garden and an intimate planetarium. Housed in Aarhus University’s green park campus, it combines hands‑on experiments, thought‑provoking displays on health and the body, and live star shows under an 11‑metre dome. It is especially welcoming for families, curious adults and anyone who enjoys seeing how science has shaped everyday life.
A brief summary to Steno Museum
- C. F. Møllers Allé 2, Aarhus, Aarhus C, 8000, DK
- +4587155415
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Budget
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
- Thursday 9 am-4 pm
- Friday 9 am-4 pm
- Saturday 11 am-4 pm
- Sunday 11 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Time your visit around a planetarium show; seats are limited and presentations are usually scheduled on weekends and holidays.
- Allow extra time for the medicinal herb garden in spring and summer, when labels and scents make the plants especially engaging.
- Most indoor areas are compact and on a few levels; a stroller or wheelchair-friendly visit is feasible but check lift access if needed.
- Bring a light snack or packed lunch to enjoy at the seating in or near the herb garden, as café options on-site are limited.
- Combine the museum with a short walk through Aarhus University’s park for views of the iconic yellow-brick campus buildings.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Information Boards
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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City bus
From central Aarhus, use an urban bus line serving the University Park area; typical journey times are around 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. Buses run frequently on weekdays but less often in the evening and on weekends. A single adult ticket normally costs about DKK 20–30 when bought via local ticket apps or machines.
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Walking from Aarhus city centre
The museum lies within the broader University Park area and can be reached on foot from the pedestrian core of Aarhus in roughly 20–30 minutes at a moderate pace. The route involves gentle inclines and paved paths but may feel long for very young children or visitors with limited mobility, especially in wet or windy weather.
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Bicycle within Aarhus
Cycling is one of the most practical ways to reach the museum from many neighbourhoods in Aarhus, typically taking 10–15 minutes from the inner city. The city has dedicated bike lanes on main roads, but be prepared for sharing space with cars and other cyclists. Bike rentals and short-term schemes usually cost from about DKK 75–150 per day.
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Taxi from central Aarhus
A taxi ride from the central train station area to the museum generally takes 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic and time of day. Fares commonly start with a base fee and reach roughly DKK 120–180 for this distance. Taxis are useful for those with limited mobility or when travelling with small children or on a tight schedule.
Steno Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Steno Museum
Science, Medicine and Stories of Discovery
Steno Museum is Aarhus’ dedicated home for the history of science and medicine, bringing together delicate instruments, bold ideas and human stories under one roof. Inside, you move from the discovery of X‑rays and penicillin to the profound impact of the atomic bomb, following how scientific breakthroughs have changed diagnosis, treatment and our understanding of the body. Exhibitions mix classic display cases with interactive installations. You might trace how early physicians interpreted illnesses, examine anatomical models or explore the technology behind medical imaging. The tone is curious rather than technical, inviting you to think about both the possibilities and the dilemmas that arise when science reaches into everyday life.Hands-On Experiments and Playful Physics
Beyond the medical stories, the museum opens into a world of general science where you can quite literally get hands-on. Small experiment stations encourage you to test Galileo’s law of gravity, manipulate mirrors, play with light and shadow, and puzzle over optical illusions. Many setups are intuitive enough that children can explore them independently, while adults dig into the underlying principles. This interactive approach turns abstract concepts into concrete experiences. Instead of only reading about forces, sound or electricity, you see cause and effect unfold right in front of you. The exhibits are compact and easy to navigate, making it simple to follow your curiosity rather than a fixed route, and to pause when a particular experiment captures your imagination.Planetarium Journeys Under the Dome
At the heart of the museum’s astronomy offer is its circular planetarium, an intimate 56‑seat room whose hemispherical ceiling becomes a projection of the night sky. Live presentations guide you through constellations, planets and galaxies, often focusing on what would be visible in Danish skies on the day of your visit. Reclining in the comfortable seats, you are whisked from familiar star patterns to distant nebulae and black holes, learning how astronomers map the universe. Shows are typically in Danish, but even without the language, the visuals and atmosphere are absorbing. Special themed evenings, such as full‑moon events, add an extra layer for those keen to delve deeper into celestial cycles.Medicinal Herb Garden and Quiet Green Corners
Step outside and the museum continues in the open air with a colourful medicinal herb garden. More than 300 historic plants are laid out in neat beds, many labelled with their traditional uses, from soothing teas to potent remedies. Walking between them, you catch changing scents of leaves and flowers, especially on warm days. The garden doubles as an informal picnic spot, with benches and simple seating where you can unpack a lunch or just rest among the greenery. It offers a gentle contrast to the indoor exhibits: after learning about diagnoses and treatments, you stand next to the very herbs that once formed the pharmacist’s toolkit, framed by the rolling lawns and yellow brick of Aarhus University’s park campus.A Museum Shaped by Aarhus University
Steno Museum is part of the university’s group of science museums, and that academic link shapes its character. The building sits in the university park, close to other cultural institutions, and its exhibitions draw on university collections and expertise. That connection allows the museum to update displays with contemporary themes, such as genetic screening, body ideals or environmental science. For visitors, this means a compact museum that still covers a broad arc: from atoms and experimental physics to space exploration and ethical questions in modern healthcare. Whether you stay briefly or linger in the galleries, the museum offers a clear, accessible window into how scientific thinking evolves, and how it continues to influence the choices societies make today.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden
0.3 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
1.0 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
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant community spirit of Aarhus at Trøjborg Beboerhus, a hub for cultural events, workshops, and local gatherings.
Udsigtspladsen
1.3 km
Experience breathtaking city, harbor, and bay vistas from one of Aarhus C’s most beloved scenic viewpoints, perfect for relaxation and panoramic photography.
Rådhusparken
1.6 km
An elegant city park at Aarhus’ core, Rådhusparken blends iconic architecture, sculptures, and tranquil green spaces right beside the city hall.
Den Svangre
1.6 km
A bronze sculpture celebrating the female form in Aarhus's cultural heart.
Agnete og Havmanden
1.6 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
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.
Tivoli Friheden
3.2 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
4.0 km
Historic plaza overlooking Aarhus Bay, gateway to royal heritage and astronomical discovery.
Marselisborgmonumentet
4.0 km
Standing tall in Mindeparken, Marselisborgmonumentet honors Danish World War I volunteers with solemn beauty, monumental sculpture, and panoramic bay views near Aarhus.
Mindeparken
4.0 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
Naturhistorisk Museum Aarhus
0.2 km
Denmark’s second-largest natural history museum, blending immersive wildlife dioramas, Danish ecosystems and cutting-edge research in a compact, campus setting.
University Park, Aarhus
0.4 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.
Museum of Ancient Art, Aarhus
0.6 km
Compact, scholarly and free to enter, Aarhus’ Museum of Ancient Art offers a calm, campus-side encounter with Greek, Etruscan and Roman worlds.
History Hunts med Hvem.nu
0.7 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
0.8 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.
AU Garden
0.8 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.
Ismael
0.8 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
0.8 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
0.8 km
Dokk1 is Aarhus’ iconic harborside library and cultural center—where award-winning design, vibrant community life, and panoramic waterfront views combine.
Greenhouses in the Botanical Garden
0.8 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
0.9 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
0.9 km
Aarhus’ oldest quarter: cobbled lanes, medieval houses, indie shops and café terraces creating a compact, bohemian neighborhood just behind the cathedral.
Stenpartiet
0.9 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.
Botanical Garden
0.9 km
Free tropical greenhouses and Danish gardens in Aarhus's verdant heart, open year-round.
Lille Torv
0.9 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
Restaurant Komfur
0.7 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.
Den Lille Kro
0.7 km
Authentic Danish comfort food in a timeless neighbourhood setting, where tradition meets quality ingredients.
Gusto
0.7 km
Honest sourdough pizza, natural wines and warm, late-night buzz in the heart of Aarhus’ Latin Quarter.
Kolo
0.7 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
0.7 km
Nordic-inspired, organic dining in Aarhus’ historic Latin Quarter, with a focus on sustainability, seasonal menus, atmospheric interiors, and local flair.
Gastro & Vino
0.7 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.
Faour
0.8 km
Authentic Palestinian falafel and mezze in a cozy Aarhus hideaway—budget-friendly, vegetarian-focused, and genuinely delicious.
L'estragon
0.8 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.
Slap Af
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant culinary scene at Slap Af in Aarhus – where exquisite dishes meet expertly crafted cocktails.
Le Basilic
0.8 km
Experience authentic French cuisine in the heart of Aarhus's Latin Quarter at Le Basilic.
Restaurant Olive
0.8 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.
Møf
0.8 km
Inventive new Nordic cuisine, inspired by local ingredients, served in a lively and intimate setting in central Aarhus.
Keyser Social
0.8 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.
Bernth & co
0.8 km
Artisanal restaurant blending heritage craftsmanship with contemporary Nordic cuisine in central Aarhus
Lupo
0.9 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Røde Kors Butik Krydsfelt
0.6 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
0.6 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.
Stakbogladen A / S - Study books in Aarhus
0.7 km
Campus bookstore at Studenternes Hus in Aarhus, specialising in curriculum titles, academic literature and study essentials for the city’s university community.
So ein Ding - Vintage
0.7 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.
All Time Vintage
0.7 km
Compact, curated and characterful, All Time Vintage brings sustainable style and one-off wardrobe finds to the heart of Aarhus’ Nørregade neighbourhood.
PRAG
0.7 km
Colourful vintage fashion in the heart of Aarhus, where curated second-hand style meets relaxed, student-city energy on lively Nørregade.
Magpie Lane Vintage
0.7 km
Aarhus’ go-to vintage boutique for unique, handpicked fashion finds and classic accessories in an inviting, sustainability-focused setting.
S.T. Valentin
0.7 km
Contemporary menswear boutique in Aarhus’ Latin Quarter, blending Scandinavian simplicity, quality footwear and attentive styling in an intimate setting.
Vintage Divine
0.7 km
Authentic vintage fashion from the 1920s–1970s, expertly curated and restored in central Aarhus.
Darling Inspire
0.7 km
Intimate Aarhus clothing boutique in the Latin Quarter, where Danish design, slow fashion and a calm studio-like atmosphere invite unhurried browsing.
Ganni
0.8 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
0.8 km
Where timeless fashion finds new purpose through conscious curation and circular design.
RAINS Store Aarhus
0.8 km
A sculptural, minimalist flagship where Danish rainwear design meets gallery-like interiors in the heart of Aarhus’ main shopping district.
Balsalen
0.8 km
Atmospheric courtyard boutique in central Aarhus, where carefully curated interiors, lifestyle finds and Nordic design create a calm little universe behind Guldsmedgade.
Badstue Rock
0.8 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Die Rote Zone
0.6 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at Die Rote Zone, Aarhus' go-to bar for cocktails and craft beers in a lively and stylish atmosphere.
Annalise's Bar
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Annalise's Bar, where cozy ambiance meets creative cocktails and friendly service.
S'vinbar
0.7 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.
Theos Bar
0.8 km
Experience the cozy charm of Theos Bar in Aarhus, where delightful drinks and a warm atmosphere await every visitor.
Heidi's Bier Bar Aarhus
0.8 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
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Hornsleth Bar Aarhus, a premier destination for cocktails and dancing in the heart of the city.
SLM Aarhus
0.8 km
Discover the lively spirit of SLM Aarhus, a welcoming gay bar offering themed nights and a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Aarhus.
Fairbar
0.8 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
0.8 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.
Erlings Jazz- & Ølbar
0.9 km
Intimate Aarhus neighborhood bar mixing live jazz, candlelit charm and 14 rotating craft beers on tap in a relaxed, grown-up atmosphere.
Hjorten
0.9 km
Discover the heart of Aarhus nightlife at Hjorten, a lively bodega with local brews and a vibrant atmosphere for all visitors.
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.
Cirkuskroen
0.9 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Cirkuskroen, a charming bar offering a perfect blend of drinks and local culture.
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.
El Loco
0.9 km
Discover El Loco, a vibrant bar in Aarhus, known for its lively atmosphere, affordable drinks, and unforgettable nightlife experience.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Scenic
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Parks & Gardens
- Landmarks
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
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
- LGBT Friendly
- Business Friendly
