Herr Bartels Cocktail Bar, Aarhus
Lively riverside cocktail bar on Åboulevarden, serving crowd-pleasing drinks in a cosy, urban interior at the heart of Aarhus’ nightlife.
Herr Bartels is a stylish cocktail bar on Åboulevarden in central Aarhus, part of the city’s lively riverside nightlife strip. Inside, low lighting, brick and dark wood set a cosy, urban tone, while the backbar is stacked with spirits for classic and signature cocktails at moderate prices. Open mainly from late evening to the small hours, it draws a mixed but youthful crowd for pre-dinner drinks, late-night rounds and sociable nights out in the heart of town.
A brief summary to Herr Bartels
- Åboulevarden 46, Aarhus Municipality, Aarhus C, 8000, DK
- +4586180833
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3.5 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Wednesday 7 pm-3 am
- Thursday 7 pm-3 am
- Friday 6 pm-4 am
- Saturday 6 pm-4 am
Local tips
- Arrive on the earlier side of the evening if you want a seated spot; the bar is relatively compact and can feel very full after midnight on weekends.
- Use the bar counter as your base if you enjoy watching cocktails being made and want quicker access to staff in busy periods.
- Combine a visit with dinner nearby along Åboulevarden, as Herr Bartels focuses on drinks rather than a full food offering.
- If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere and easier conversation, choose Wednesday or Thursday nights rather than peak late-night hours on Friday and Saturday.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Herr Bartels location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Herr Bartels
Cocktails by the Aarhus Riverfront
Herr Bartels sits on Åboulevarden, the canal-side promenade that forms the beating heart of Aarhus nightlife. By day the riverfront feels relaxed and café-like, but as evening deepens this stretch transforms into one of the city’s liveliest bar districts, with Herr Bartels right in the middle of the action. Large windows connect the bar to the buzz outside, so even before you step in, you sense the energy of people drifting between tables, doorways and the waterfront. Once inside, the space feels more intimate than its location suggests. The room is relatively narrow and often filled, which gives conversations a gentle background hum rather than a roar. The focus sits squarely on the long bar counter, where shakers, citrus and bottles are constantly in motion.Urban Interior and Nighttime Atmosphere
The interior at Herr Bartels leans into an urban, slightly industrial style: dark woods, exposed surfaces and warm, dim lighting that flatters both cocktails and company. Candles or soft lamps pick out small tables and barstools, while the backbar glows with rows of glass and coloured labels. It is the kind of space that feels made for lingering over a drink, watching the choreography of bartenders and guests. There is usually music with a clear beat but not a club-volume soundtrack, allowing you to talk without shouting while still feeling firmly in going-out mode. As the night progresses, the atmosphere tightens: standing space fills, conversations rise and the bar takes on the feel of a compact, sociable hub rather than a quiet lounge.From Classics to Crowd-Pleasing Signatures
Herr Bartels is first and foremost about cocktails, with a menu that spans familiar standards and more playful signatures. You can expect the likes of sours, highballs and spirit-forward mixes prepared with decent technique, alongside sweeter, colourful creations designed for easy drinking. Prices sit in the moderate range for Denmark, making it realistic to try a couple of different options over an evening. The bar team often mixes to order rather than relying on pre-batched drinks, so you will see shakers, strainers and garnishes in constant use. Beer, simple long drinks and non-alcoholic options round out the list, but the setting clearly encourages you to explore the cocktail side of the menu. It works equally well for a single pre-dinner drink or a longer session of tasting through the list with friends.Social Hub for Nights Out in Aarhus C
Thanks to its extended opening hours into the early morning on weekends, Herr Bartels naturally attracts people planning a full night out. Groups of friends often use it as a rendezvous point before heading elsewhere along the river, while others settle in for the entire evening, rotating between seating and standing as space allows. The compact floorplan means you will be close to neighbouring tables, which can lead to an easy, communal feel. The crowd tends to skew young adult and social, with plenty of students and after-work groups, but it is not limited to any single age bracket. Solo visitors can perch at the bar and watch the pace of service, couples have enough intimacy for a date night, and larger parties gravitate to the few slightly more spacious corners.Practical Notes for a Smooth Visit
Herr Bartels operates primarily in the evening and night, typically opening midweek and expanding hours on Fridays and Saturdays. It is bar-only service, so plan to arrive having already eaten or combine your visit with one of the many restaurants nearby on Åboulevarden and in the surrounding streets. The venue is on street level, but when it is busy, navigating between tightly packed tables and barstools can be a bit of a squeeze. Mobile reception in this central area of Aarhus is generally strong, making it easy to coordinate with friends. The bar size means there is no quiet, tucked-away room, so if you prefer a calmer experience, coming earlier in the evening is advisable. For those seeking a true Aarhus night out with cocktails, city lights and the river just outside, Herr Bartels offers a compact but atmospheric slice of local nightlife.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Agnete og Havmanden
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Den Svangre
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Frederiks Plads
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Møllen i botanisk have Århus
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Historic mill at the heart of Aarhus's verdant botanical sanctuary, blending heritage with living gardens.
Greenhouses in the Botanical Garden
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Step into a vibrant world of exotic plants, interactive exhibits, and striking glass architecture at Aarhus's Greenhouses—a serene escape for nature lovers.
Steno Museum
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Explore the Steno Museum in Aarhus, where science and history come alive through engaging exhibits and interactive experiences.
Folkehuset Trøjborg
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Folkehuset Trøjborg blends Danish hygge, vibrant community life, and affordable culture, making it a beloved gathering place in the heart of Aarhus’ Trøjborg district.
Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden
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Explore contemporary art at Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden, Aarhus' premier gallery showcasing local and international talent.
Botanical Garden
1.4 km
Experience Denmark's artistic heritage and international masterpieces at SMK, Copenhagen's dynamic national gallery housed in landmark architecture beside the Kings’ Garden.
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
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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
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Experience the vibrant community spirit of Aarhus at Trøjborg Beboerhus, a hub for cultural events, workshops, and local gatherings.
Udsigtspladsen
1.8 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
2.2 km
Experience the thrill and magic of Tivoli Friheden, Aarhus' premier amusement park with rides, live music, and family-friendly fun for all ages.
Marselisborgmonumentet
2.9 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
Viking Museum
0.1 km
Walk where Vikings founded Aarhus 1,200 years ago in this underground museum beneath the city center.
Bishop's Square
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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.
Aarhus Theatre
0.1 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.
Mural - The Seagull Kiss
0.2 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.
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.
Store Torv
0.2 km
Historic Great Square where cathedral spires, elegant façades and everyday city life come together in the pedestrianized heart of Aarhus.
Vadestedet
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Historic river crossing turned vibrant canal-side strip, Vadestedet blends cafés, bars and bridges into Aarhus’ cosiest, most atmospheric urban meeting place.
Salling ROOFTOP
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Sky-high city park, glass-floored skywalk and stylish café-bar rolled into one panoramic rooftop above Aarhus’ main shopping street.
KØN - Gender Museum Denmark
0.2 km
One of the world's few museums exploring gender, equality, and sexuality through history and contemporary dialogue.
The Occupation Museum
0.2 km
Aarhus’ former Gestapo headquarters turned museum, where original cells, local stories and moral dilemmas bring Denmark’s wartime occupation chillingly close.
Flodhesteungen Frederikke
0.2 km
A small granite hippo resting in the middle of Frederiksgade, Flodhesteungen Frederikke adds a playful, tactile pause to the busy streets of central Aarhus.
Flodhestefontæne
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Aarhus waterfront fuses cutting-edge architecture, vibrant public spaces, and breathtaking bay views, offering an essential experience at the heart of Denmark's dynamic cityscape.
Lille Torv
0.2 km
Aarhus Waterfront: a vibrant coastal promenade fusing striking modern architecture, rich maritime heritage, and lively urban culture along the city’s scenic bay.
Strøget
0.3 km
Aarhus’ 850‑metre pedestrian high street, where shops, cafés and everyday city life line a car‑free spine between the central station, riverfront and cathedral.
Herman Sallings Plads
0.3 km
Marselisborg Castle offers royal heritage, tranquil gardens, and public art in Aarhus—a unique glimpse into Danish monarchy, all set within lush, accessible parklands.
Essential places to dine
A Hereford Beefstouw - Aarhus
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Classic Danish steakhouse tradition on the Åboulevarden waterfront, pairing expertly grilled beef with polished Scandinavian design and a serious wine and beer list.
KöD Aarhus
0.1 km
Riverfront steakhouse in central Aarhus, serving premium cuts, generous sides and bold wines in a warm, low-lit setting made for slow, sociable dinners.
Café Hack
0.1 km
Theatre-side brasserie in central Aarhus, where candlelit dining, classic European flavours and a touch of broadcast history create an intimate urban evening.
Grappa Aps
0.1 km
Modern Italian kitchen and wine bar on Aarhus’ lively riverfront, serving pizzas, pasta and antipasti from brunch to late evening in a warm, social setting.
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.
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.
Bone's Aarhus
0.2 km
Canal-side American BBQ in central Aarhus, serving spareribs, steaks, burgers and a generous salad and soft ice bar in relaxed, family-friendly surroundings.
Restaurant Pinden
0.2 km
Hearty Danish classics and old-inn charm in a chandelier-lit dining room on lively Skolegade in the very heart of Aarhus.
Piccolina
0.2 km
Authentic Italian pizzeria with exceptional vegan options and warm family hospitality in central Aarhus.
Restaurant MellemRum
0.2 km
Restaurant MellemRum in central Aarhus offers creative Danish and European cuisine, served in a stylish, relaxed setting on Fredens Torv in Aarhus C.
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.
Restaurant Klokken Aarhus
0.2 km
Taste the heart of Aarhus at Restaurant Klokken, where traditional Danish cuisine meets warm local hospitality in a historic city center setting.
Casablanca Aarhus
0.2 km
French‑style brasserie, famous brunch “Crunch” and cosy café‑bar atmosphere in the heart of Aarhus’ historic Latin Quarter.
Carlton
0.2 km
A central Aarhus brasserie-style restaurant and bar where polished plates, a strong wine list and warm lighting create an intimate, grown‑up city evening.
Restaurant ET
0.3 km
Stylish French dining by the Aarhus river, blending Parisian tradition with Danish seasonal produce and a world-class wine list in the heart of Indre By.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Plakaten
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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.
BESTSELLER Rømerhus
0.1 km
Flagship BESTSELLER fashion house in a historic Aarhus icon, blending classic architecture, modern Scandinavian design and multi-brand style under one roof.
Femilet
0.1 km
Scandinavian lingerie boutique in central Aarhus, offering personalised fittings, comfortable essentials and cosy nightwear in a calm setting on busy Søndergade.
COS
0.1 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.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.2 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.
stoy
0.2 km
Minimalist, design-led fashion hub on Aarhus’ main square, blending luxury labels and independent brands in a calm, curated retail space.
Royal Vintage
0.2 km
Hidden down a quiet Aarhus lane, Royal Vintage offers a compact, carefully curated selection of pre-loved fashion for travellers who love slow, sustainable style.
Skagen Clothing
0.2 km
Minimalist Danish fashion where sustainable style meets everyday comfort.
Salling Aarhus
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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.
UNIQ
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Compact, curated vintage in the heart of Aarhus, blending sustainable fashion, Scandinavian style and an easygoing boutique atmosphere on lively Frederiksgade.
Utzon
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Independent Aarhus boutique where Scandinavian fashion, leather, fur, and design objects are curated into one coherent, softly luxurious universe of style.
Magasin Aarhus
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Experience the stylish pulse of Aarhus at Magasin, a landmark department store with historic roots, Nordic design, fashion, gourmet eats, and city-center charm.
SEPHORA MAGASIN AARHUS
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A bright, modern Sephora on Magasin’s ground floor, bringing international beauty brands, fragrance and skincare to the very heart of downtown Aarhus.
Paustian Lille Torv
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A light-filled Scandinavian design universe on historic Lille Torv, where Danish furniture icons, contemporary interiors, and curated lifestyle pieces meet under one stylish roof.
CHANEL FRAGRANCE AND BEAUTY BOUTIQUE
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Luxury fragrance and beauty in the heart of Aarhus, with personalized consultations and CHANEL's complete cosmetic collection.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Herr Bartels
0.0 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Herr Bartels, a premier cocktail bar offering innovative drinks and a lively atmosphere.
London
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Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at its premier cocktail bar, blending innovative drinks with a stylish ambiance for an unforgettable evening.
Bitter Bar
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Experience the lively ambiance and innovative cocktails at Bitter Bar, a must-visit nightlife gem in Aarhus.
LouLou Aarhus
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Glam cocktail bar and 23+ nightclub on Aarhus’ riverside strip, where playful décor, crafted drinks and a pulsing dance floor keep weekends going till dawn.
The Old Irish Pub
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Discover the vibrant spirit of Ireland at The Old Irish Pub in Aarhus, where great food, drinks, and live entertainment await.
SWAY
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Central Aarhus bar with affordable drinks, attentive staff, and vibrant late-night atmosphere.
Clemens Bar
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Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Clemens Bar, where friendly vibes and delicious drinks await every night.
Barstart
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Discover Barstart, Aarhus' premier cocktail bar offering vibrant drinks, small plates, and a unique Tarantino-themed ambiance for an unforgettable night out.
Rabalder Bar Aarhus
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Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Rabalder Bar, where creative cocktails and lively atmosphere await every visitor.
Vinstuen
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Experience the cozy charm of Vinstuen, a beloved bar in Aarhus, offering refreshing drinks and a welcoming atmosphere for all.
Bar Smil Aarhus
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Loud beats, cheap drinks and late-night energy in a compact bar-club right in the centre of Aarhus’ historic heart.
Der Kuhstall
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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.
Alberts - Cocktailbar i Aarhus
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Experience the vibrant nightlife at Alberts Cocktail Bar in Aarhus, featuring innovative cocktails and a lively atmosphere perfect for socializing.
Tokio Bar
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Discover the lively ambiance and diverse drink selection at Tokio Bar in Aarhus, where unforgettable nights await every visitor.
Fatter Eskil ApS
0.2 km
Aarhus's cosy live music bar where emerging bands and established Danish artists share the stage.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Rustik Bar & Natklub - Aarhus
0.1 km
Dive into the pulsating nightlife of Aarhus at Rustik Bar & Natklub, where vibrant music and an electric atmosphere await.
ZenZa Cocktailbar
0.1 km
Discover Aarhus' vibrant nightlife at ZenZa Cocktailbar, where expertly crafted cocktails and lively atmosphere await you.
Bernhardt Natklub
0.1 km
Discover Aarhus' premier nightlife destination at Bernhardt Natklub, where cocktails and beats create unforgettable memories.
GBAR
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at GBAR in Aarhus, a welcoming dance club where everyone can enjoy an unforgettable night out.
Lounge 8000
0.2 km
Discover the best of Aarhus nightlife at Lounge 8000, where vibrant performances and a stylish lounge atmosphere await.
Flintstone Pub
0.4 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.
DCD STUDIO
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant rock music scene at DCD STUDIO in Aarhus, where electrifying performances and a lively atmosphere await every visitor.
Cafe Paradis - Den Sidste
0.5 km
Unleash your nightlife experience at Cafe Paradis - Den Sidste, Aarhus' top destination for dancing, cocktails, and unforgettable memories.
equalclub
0.5 km
Discover the thriving nightlife of Aarhus at Equal Club, where music, dance, and unforgettable experiences come together.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Modern Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
