The Old Town: Denmark’s Living History Museum
Step into Denmark’s past at The Old Town, an immersive open-air museum in Aarhus where history comes alive across centuries of urban life and culture.
Step into centuries past at The Old Town (Den Gamle By), Denmark’s premier open-air museum in Aarhus. Home to faithfully reconstructed streets, period-costumed interpreters, and immersive exhibits, this unique attraction brings 500 years of Danish urban life to vibrant, tangible life for visitors of all ages.
A brief summary to The Old Town
- Viborgvej 2, Aarhus C, Aarhus C, 8000, DK
- +4586123188
- Visit website
Local tips
- Purchase tickets online to avoid potential queues, especially during peak times and holidays.
- Wear comfortable shoes; most streets are cobblestoned, and exploring fully involves considerable walking.
- The museum offers free lockers and cloakroom use—take advantage for hands-free exploring.
- Visit during December for enchanting old-fashioned Christmas markets and living history festivities.
- Many exhibits can be enjoyed regardless of weather, with several indoor spaces perfect for rainy days.
Getting There
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Walking
From Frederiksbjerg’s lively shops and squares, it’s a pleasant walk past leafy parks and along the city’s cultural corridors. The distinct historic rooftops and bell towers of The Old Town become visible as you near Aarhus Botanical Garden, marking the museum’s entrance. Plan on 15–25 minutes on foot at a relaxed pace.
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Public Transport
Local buses from central Frederiksbjerg operate frequently, stopping adjacent to the Botanical Garden. A single adult ticket is DKK 24. From the bus stop, the entrance to The Old Town is clearly signposted beside the gardens.
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Taxi
A taxi from Frederiksbjerg to The Old Town typically takes under 10 minutes, depending on city traffic. Expect a fare in the range of DKK 70–110, with drop-off just outside the museum.
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Driving/Parking
Paid parking is available at the museum’s dedicated lot near the Botanical Garden, but spaces can fill quickly in summer or during major events. Rates average DKK 15–30 per hour; no tolls apply. Note that the historic district is pedestrianized, so plan for a short walk from your vehicle.
Discover more about The Old Town
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Mølleparken
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Denmark’s national gallery showcasing centuries of Nordic and European art, iconic masterpieces, modern creativity, and interactive cultural experiences in Copenhagen.
Møllestien
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Odense Cathedral (St. Canute’s Church) blends Gothic grandeur, royal tombs, and centuries of history in the vibrant heart of Denmark’s fairytale city.
Flodhesteungen Frederikke
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Denmark's national gallery fuses historic masterpieces with contemporary Nordic art in a striking architectural setting at the heart of Copenhagen.
Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden
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Explore contemporary art at Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden, Aarhus' premier gallery showcasing local and international talent.
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.
KØN - Gender Museum Denmark
1.1 km
A groundbreaking museum in Aarhus dedicated to gender, identity, and equality, featuring interactive exhibitions in a historic building near the city’s iconic cathedral.
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.
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.
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.
Marselisborgmonumentet
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Standing tall in Mindeparken, Marselisborgmonumentet honors Danish World War I volunteers with solemn beauty, monumental sculpture, and panoramic bay views near Aarhus.
The Infinite Bridge
4.0 km
Discover the breathtaking Infinite Bridge in Aarhus, a stunning blend of architecture and nature, perfect for leisurely strolls and memorable views.
Unmissable attractions to see
Danish Poster Museum
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Møllen i botanisk have Århus
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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
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Discover lush climate zones, striking architecture, and rare plant life at Aarhus’ Greenhouses in the Botanical Garden—a vibrant urban oasis at the city’s heart.
Museumsbroen
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Historic hilltop observatory in Aarhus offering hands-on astronomy, guided stargazing, and a unique glimpse into Denmark’s pioneering scientific past.
Stenpartiet
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Aarhus Culture Walk
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Botanical Garden
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Marselisborg Strand, Aarhus’s urban beach, offers scenic sands, swimming, and panoramic bay views right next to Marselisborg Palace and lush forest paths.
ARoS Aarhus Art Museum
0.6 km
Aarhus University Park blends scenic green spaces, serene lakes, and iconic architecture—offering a tranquil escape and vibrant academic atmosphere in Aarhus' city heart.
Kunsthal Aarhus
0.6 km
The Latin Quarter in Aarhus beckons with historic cobbled streets, vibrant cafés, creative boutiques, and a rich, bohemian atmosphere in Denmark’s oldest neighborhood.
Musikhuset Aarhus
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Aarhus University Park blends lush green spaces and tranquil lakes with iconic Danish architecture, serving as a serene and historic heart of academic and public life in Aarhus.
Our Lady Church
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Sprawling lawns, iconic yellow-brick university buildings, lakes, and tree-lined paths create a tranquil oasis at the heart of Aarhus' academic and cultural life.
Sherlock Holmes Pub
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Discover Aarhus’ charismatic Latin Quarter—a labyrinth of cobbled streets, lively cafés, creative boutiques, and historic charm at the city’s vibrant core.
Klostertorvet
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Aarhus waterfront is a vibrant synthesis of modern Nordic architecture, historic harbor heritage, lively promenades, and captivating sea views in Denmark’s urban heart.
Flodhestefontæne
0.8 km
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.
Mindrebæltsbroen
0.8 km
Aarhus waterfront combines striking modern architecture, bustling harbor life, and vibrant social spaces, creating a must-see hub where city energy meets coastal serenity.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Malt - Mad, Øl & Vin
0.1 km
Nordic culinary craft, local brews, and Danish heritage converge at Restaurant Malt, where history and inventive cuisine create a must-visit Aarhus experience.
Møf
0.4 km
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Den Lille Kro
0.5 km
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Gastro & Vino
0.6 km
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Lupo
0.7 km
Trendy Italian restaurant in central Aarhus, serving seasonal, shareable dishes with a distinctly Danish twist in a lively, social setting near city landmarks.
Bardok
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SYV NI 13
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SYV NI 13: Modern Nordic restaurant in central Aarhus, celebrated for inventive seasonal tasting menus, open kitchen atmosphere, and standout natural wine selection.
Keyser Social
0.8 km
Discover Keyser Social in Aarhus: where seasonal ingredients meet innovative cuisine in an inviting atmosphere.
Restaurant Dauphine ApS
0.8 km
Restaurant Dauphine in Aarhus blends classic French cuisine with Nordic produce in an elegant setting, offering an acclaimed fine-dining experience in East Jutland.
Restaurant L'øst
0.8 km
Experience modern Danish cuisine at Restaurant L'øst in Aarhus - where local flavors meet contemporary dining.
Raadhuus Kafeen
0.8 km
Experience authentic Danish cuisine at Raadhuus Kafeen in Aarhus – where tradition meets quality in every dish.
Bernth & co
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Bernth & Co offers imaginative Nordic dishes in a stylish, central Aarhus setting—blending seasonal ingredients and Danish tradition for a memorable city dining experience.
Langhoff & Juul
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Nordic-inspired, organic dining in Aarhus’ historic Latin Quarter, with a focus on sustainability, seasonal menus, atmospheric interiors, and local flair.
Salling ROOFTOP
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Sky-high views, stylish cafes, green terraces, and urban energy combine on Salling ROOFTOP, Aarhus’ essential spot for panoramic perspectives and sociable citylife.
Kolo
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Discover Kolo in Aarhus - where local ingredients meet innovative cuisine for an unforgettable dining experience.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Magasin Aarhus
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Flying Tiger Copenhagen
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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.
Royal Copenhagen - Aarhus
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Weekday
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Magpie Lane Vintage
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Aarhus’ go-to vintage boutique for unique, handpicked fashion finds and classic accessories in an inviting, sustainability-focused setting.
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LÏST Store
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Jooma Aarhus
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Bruuns Galleri
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Luna Hvid
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Aarhus Antik
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Ancher
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SecondLux
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Mols Haven
19.0 km
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Molsløbet
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Experience the natural beauty of Mols Bjerge through the annual Molsløbet running event, offering diverse routes for all fitness levels.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Hjorten
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Mundhæld
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S'vinbar
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Die kleine Bierstube
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Tir Na nÓg - Irish Gastropub
0.8 km
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Oops - Bar, lounge og Rombar i Århus
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Discover Oops Bar in Aarhus - a vibrant cocktail haven blending style and comfort with an exquisite drink menu and light bites.
Fairbar
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Heidi's Bier Bar Aarhus
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Two Socks Ginbar
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Waxies
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Hornsleth Bar Aarhus
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Annalise's Bar
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Barstart
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Clemens Bar
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Vinstuen
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