Den Gamle By – The Old Town, Aarhus

Walk through four centuries of Danish town life in a full‑scale open‑air museum where real streets, shops and homes bring Aarhus’ “Old Town” vividly to life.

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The Old Town

Den Gamle By in Aarhus is a meticulously reconstructed open‑air town museum where entire streets and houses from across Denmark have been reassembled to show urban life from the 1600s to the present. Wander cobbled lanes lined with half‑timbered houses, step into old shops, workshops and homes, and move through distinct quarters from Hans Christian Andersen’s era to the bustle of the 1920s, the welfare‑state 1970s and even a street from 2014. Costumed interpreters, working bakeries and themed museums make this one of Denmark’s most immersive history experiences.

A brief summary to The Old Town

Viborgvej 2, Aarhus C, Aarhus C, 8000, DK
+4586123188
Visit website
Duration: 3 to 6 hours
Mid ranged
Mixed
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Monday 10 am-5 pm
Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
Thursday 10 am-5 pm
Friday 10 am-5 pm
Saturday 10 am-5 pm
Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

Set aside at least half a day; the different time periods and side museums are extensive and easy to underestimate.
Arrive close to opening time for quieter streets and more chances to chat with costumed staff in the historic shops.
Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestones and bring layers; much of the visit is outdoors and the weather can shift quickly.
Plan a snack or meal inside the museum to experience traditional Danish baked goods and classic dishes in an atmospheric setting.
Pick up a map or use on‑site information boards to organise your route through the 1600s, 1800s, 1920s and 1970s quarters.

Getting There

City bus from central Aarhus

From the central area around Aarhus H railway station, city buses serving Viborgvej reach Den Gamle By in about 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic. Services run frequently throughout the day, with reduced frequency in late evenings and on Sundays. A single adult ticket within the city typically costs around 20–30 DKK and can be bought via ticket machines or mobile apps; remember to validate or activate your ticket before boarding.
Walking from Aarhus city centre

If you are staying in the central districts near the cathedral or canal, you can reach Den Gamle By on foot in roughly 20–30 minutes. The route passes through built‑up streets and green areas near the Botanical Garden. Paths are generally paved and suitable for most visitors, though some gentle slopes and crossings mean it may feel longer for those with limited mobility.
Taxi within Aarhus

Taxis from most central hotels or from Aarhus H station typically take 10–15 minutes to reach Den Gamle By, depending on traffic. Fares within the city for this distance usually fall in the range of 120–180 DKK, with higher prices at night and on public holidays. Taxis can drop passengers close to the entrance, which is convenient for families, seniors or anyone needing step‑free access.
Bicycle in the city

Aarhus is well suited to cycling, and the ride from central neighbourhoods to Den Gamle By takes around 10–20 minutes. The city has a mix of dedicated cycle lanes and shared roads, and you should be prepared for occasional short hills and traffic lights. Bike‑share schemes and rental shops offer daily or hourly rates; expect to pay from roughly 80–150 DKK per day for a standard bicycle.

The Old Town location weather suitability

Any Weather
Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures
Cold Weather
Rain / Wet Weather

Discover more about The Old Town

A Danish town frozen in many moments

Den Gamle By, set on the edge of Aarhus’ Botanical Garden, is not an old quarter that simply survived modernisation. It is an entire town carefully reassembled from original buildings brought here from all over Denmark, each one taken down, transported and rebuilt to preserve authentic details. Narrow cobbled streets, creaking timber frames and sagging red roofs create the atmosphere of a small market town, but every doorway opens onto a different chapter of Danish urban life. From the moment you pass the first merchant’s house and the old town square, you are surrounded by shops, workshops, backyards and gardens that once stood in cities such as Aalborg, Copenhagen and Aarhus itself. Interiors are furnished with period objects, from painted chests and tiled stoves to tools, crockery and clothing, giving the sense that their former residents have only just stepped outside.

From Hans Christian Andersen’s days back to the 1600s

The oldest quarter reaches back to the 1600s and 1700s, an era often associated with Hans Christian Andersen’s stories. Here, half‑timbered houses lean toward one another over uneven lanes, while small squares and courtyards open suddenly between façades. You can peek into a working bakery, an apothecary, stables and craftsmen’s workshops, each arranged exactly as they might have been when the buildings were new. This part of the museum captures the rhythms of a market town where tradespeople lived above their shops, grain was stored in lofty attics and goods arrived by cart and boat. Seasonal decorations and changing displays of tools or household items reflect how closely life followed the calendar, from winter hardship to summer abundance.

Modern streets of 1864 and the roaring 1920s

Moving forward in time, the streets of 1864 and 1927 show how Danish towns adapted to industry and new technology. Paved sidewalks, street lighting and early advertising appear alongside horse‑drawn carts and the first motorcars. Hardware stores, bookshops, post offices and a telephone exchange illustrate the growing web of communication and commerce. Shop interiors in these quarters are especially rich: counters stocked with enamelware, soap, tobacco, fabrics and stationery evoke a world where everything was bought over the counter and carefully wrapped. A recreated car dealership and workshops hint at the thrill of early motoring, while private apartments above the shops reveal the contrast between bourgeois comfort and more modest rooms.

Everyday life in the welfare‑state 1970s

Further on, the atmosphere changes again as you step into a neighbourhood from the 1970s. Here the architecture is more familiar: brick apartment blocks, convenience stores, a radio and TV shop, hairdresser and butcher. Inside the homes, you find patterned wallpaper, low sofas, vinyl records, children’s toys and well‑used kitchens that speak of nuclear families, collectives, single parents and young couples. Cars parked in courtyards, mopeds in a small workshop and backyard toilets scribbled with period graffiti all contribute to a vivid portrait of late‑20th‑century life. This section highlights the social changes of the era, from expanding consumer goods and youth culture to new family structures and political awareness.

A living museum with people, sounds and smells

Den Gamle By is designed as a living museum rather than a static collection. At many times of year, staff in historical costume bake bread, chop wood, tend gardens, demonstrate crafts and serve customers in old‑fashioned shops. The clip‑clop of horse‑drawn carriages, the smell of fresh pastries and the ring of a blacksmith’s hammer make the town feel inhabited. Several museums are woven into the streets, including exhibitions on everyday Danish life, seasonal traditions and design. Temporary displays and themed rooms explore topics such as Christmas customs, domestic interiors or the history of posters, all housed within the historic buildings that once witnessed similar scenes.

Exploring at your own pace

The site is large enough to fill most of a day, yet compact enough to wander without a fixed route. You can lose yourself in back alleys and gardens, pause by ponds and hedged plots, or rest on benches beneath fruit trees and gables. Small cafés and a traditional inn serve food and drinks inspired by Danish recipes, from simple coffee and pastries to hearty meals. Because the streets span several centuries, there is always another layer to discover: a Renaissance merchant’s mansion, a cosy 19th‑century sitting room, a 1920s office or a 1970s kindergarten. Together, these pieces form a three‑dimensional story of how Danish towns grew and changed, inviting you to step in and become, for a while, part of the scene.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden

0.8 km

Explore contemporary art at Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden, Aarhus' premier gallery showcasing local and international talent.

Den Svangre

0.9 km

A bronze sculpture celebrating the female form in Aarhus's cultural heart.

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.

Herman Sallings Plads

1.2 km

Aarhus’s vibrant harborfront plaza, bridging the historic city and the modern waterfront, alive with urban energy, culture, and panoramic views.

Endless Connection

1.3 km

Experience the dynamic interplay of art and water at Aarhus's Endless Connection, an interactive fountain by Jeppe Hein.

Aarhus waterfront

1.3 km

Aarhus Waterfront blends urban vibrancy, Nordic design, and harbor heritage with panoramic sea views and lively promenades, making it a quintessential Danish experience.

Frederiks Plads

1.3 km

A vibrant, contemporary city square where modern architecture, open green space, and urban life converge in the heart of Aarhus near Frederiksbjerg.

University Park, Aarhus

1.4 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.

Folkehuset Trøjborg

1.6 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

2.0 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

2.0 km

Experience the vibrant community spirit of Aarhus at Trøjborg Beboerhus, a hub for cultural events, workshops, and local gatherings.

Udsigtspladsen

2.3 km

Experience breathtaking city, harbor, and bay vistas from one of Aarhus C’s most beloved scenic viewpoints, perfect for relaxation and panoramic photography.

Tivoli Friheden

2.4 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

3.2 km

Historic plaza overlooking Aarhus Bay, gateway to royal heritage and astronomical discovery.

Marselisborgmonumentet

3.2 km

Standing tall in Mindeparken, Marselisborgmonumentet honors Danish World War I volunteers with solemn beauty, monumental sculpture, and panoramic bay views near Aarhus.

Unmissable attractions to see

Danish Poster Museum

0.1 km

A compact museum inside Den Gamle By where bold graphics, historic campaigns and global visual culture come together in hundreds of eye-catching posters.

Møllen i botanisk have Århus

0.2 km

Urban beach escape south of Aarhus city center, offering clean sands, gentle waters, and year-round access beside forest and royal palace grounds.

Greenhouses in the Botanical Garden

0.3 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.

Museumsbroen

0.3 km

Historic hilltop observatory in Aarhus offering hands-on astronomy, guided stargazing, and a unique glimpse into Denmark’s pioneering scientific past.

Stenpartiet

0.3 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.

Mølleparken

0.5 km

Compact yet characterful, Mølleparken is Aarhus’ riverside green room, blending mill-town history, public art, student life and festival energy in one urban pocket.

Møllestien

0.5 km

Pastel cottages, cobbled stones and climbing roses – a tiny historic lane where centuries of Aarhus history live behind colourful facades.

Aarhus Culture Walk

0.5 km

Discover Aarhus' oldest neighborhood, Latinerkvarteret, where historic charm meets modern culture in a vibrant blend of cafés, boutiques, and artistic venues.

Botanical Garden

0.5 km

Free tropical greenhouses and Danish gardens in Aarhus's verdant heart, open year-round.

ARoS Aarhus Art Museum

0.6 km

Ten floors of Danish and international art crowned by a rainbow‑coloured skywalk, ARoS turns Aarhus’s skyline into part of a bold, immersive museum experience.

Kunsthal Aarhus

0.6 km

Free contemporary art in a light-filled modernist space, showcasing international and Danish artists since 1917.

Musikhuset Aarhus

0.7 km

Northern Europe's largest concert hall delivering world-class performances in stunning Scandinavian architecture.

Our Lady Church

0.7 km

Dokk1 is Aarhus’ iconic harborside library and cultural center—where award-winning design, vibrant community life, and panoramic waterfront views combine.

Sherlock Holmes Pub

0.7 km

Discover Aarhus’ charismatic Latin Quarter—a labyrinth of cobbled streets, lively cafés, creative boutiques, and historic charm at the city’s vibrant core.

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.

Modern Nordic bistro flavors and relaxed hotel comfort meet at Restaurant L’øst, a casual yet polished dining room in the very centre of Aarhus C.

Polished menswear boutique on historic Lille Torv, pairing curated designer labels with minimalist interior design and attentive, style-focused service.

Flying Tiger Copenhagen

0.8 km

Aarhus C’s most playful gift shop, renowned for quirky Danish design, affordable treasures, and creative finds—perfect for unique souvenirs and cheerful everyday essentials.

Discover Barstart, Aarhus' premier cocktail bar offering vibrant drinks, small plates, and a unique Tarantino-themed ambiance for an unforgettable night out.

Nightclubs & after hour spots

equalclub

0.5 km

Discover the thriving nightlife of Aarhus at Equal Club, where music, dance, and unforgettable experiences come together.

KLUB22

0.6 km

Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at KLUB22 in Aarhus, where electrifying music and vibrant atmosphere await.

Bernhardt Natklub

0.9 km

Discover Aarhus' premier nightlife destination at Bernhardt Natklub, where cocktails and beats create unforgettable memories.

Cafe Paradis - Den Sidste

1.0 km

Unleash your nightlife experience at Cafe Paradis - Den Sidste, Aarhus' top destination for dancing, cocktails, and unforgettable memories.

Rustik Bar & Natklub - Aarhus

1.0 km

Dive into the pulsating nightlife of Aarhus at Rustik Bar & Natklub, where vibrant music and an electric atmosphere await.

ZenZa Cocktailbar

1.1 km

Discover Aarhus' vibrant nightlife at ZenZa Cocktailbar, where expertly crafted cocktails and lively atmosphere await you.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

Discover The Old Town with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease and convenience.

Den Gamle By – The Old Town, Aarhus

A brief summary to The Old Town

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

City bus from central Aarhus

Walking from Aarhus city centre

Taxi within Aarhus

Bicycle in the city

The Old Town location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of The Old Town

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about The Old Town

A Danish town frozen in many moments

From Hans Christian Andersen’s days back to the 1600s

Modern streets of 1864 and the roaring 1920s

Everyday life in the welfare‑state 1970s

A living museum with people, sounds and smells

Exploring at your own pace

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden

Den Svangre

Agnete og Havmanden

Herman Sallings Plads

Endless Connection

Aarhus waterfront

Frederiks Plads

University Park, Aarhus

Folkehuset Trøjborg

Nordisk Film Cinemas Trøjborg

Trøjborg Beboerhus

Udsigtspladsen

Tivoli Friheden

Flagpladsen

Marselisborgmonumentet

Unmissable attractions to see

Danish Poster Museum

Møllen i botanisk have Århus

Greenhouses in the Botanical Garden

Museumsbroen

Stenpartiet

Mølleparken

Møllestien

Aarhus Culture Walk

Botanical Garden

ARoS Aarhus Art Museum

Kunsthal Aarhus

Musikhuset Aarhus

Our Lady Church

Sherlock Holmes Pub

Klostertorvet

Essential places to dine

Restaurant Malt - Mad, Øl & Vin

Møf

AmoRomA

Restaurant Amalfi

Den Lille Kro

Gastro & Vino

Lupo

Lydmar Restaurang

Bardok

SYV NI 13

Keyser Social

Tir Na nÓg - Irish Gastropub

Restaurant Dauphine ApS

Faour

Restaurant L'øst

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

1 + 1 Textil & Design

Darling Inspire

Vintage Divine

Epic Panda

Blue Caviar

Hørlyck Aarhus

CHANEL FRAGRANCE AND BEAUTY BOUTIQUE

SEPHORA MAGASIN AARHUS

& Other Stories

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