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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.

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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

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.
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Getting There

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Unlock the Best of The Old Town

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Discover more about The Old Town

The Old Town (Den Gamle By) is not just a museum—it's a time portal set in the heart of Aarhus, inviting you to wander through winding cobbled lanes and half-timbered houses from days gone by. Founded in 1909 as the world’s first open-air museum of urban history, it now bundles more than 75 meticulously relocated historic buildings, each teeming with stories from Denmark’s towns and cities. Stroll past a functioning bakery where the scent of traditional pastries drifts in the air, chat with shopkeepers running century-old businesses, and see craftspeople at work in authentic workshops. You’ll encounter everything from a 19th-century merchant’s house to 1970s flats complete with retro wallpaper and vinyl records, showing how Danish daily life has evolved over five centuries. What sets The Old Town apart is its living history. Friendly guides in period dress demonstrate everyday life as it was—children play games from bygone eras, blacksmiths hammer red-hot iron, and townsfolk share stories from their time. The museum doesn’t just exhibit objects; it reanimates them with sights, sounds, and even smells particular to each time period. Special exhibits rotate throughout the year, spanning everything from World War II tales to the arrival of the first jukeboxes. The grounds are expansive yet cozy, featuring picturesque town squares, flower-filled gardens, and canalside walks perfect for a reflective pause. There are family-friendly activities and city festivals recreated with verve, while shops and cafés tempt with retro sweets, open-faced sandwiches, and hearty Danish fare. Accessibility is good, though cobblestones can be uneven in the oldest quarters. Plan for a half-day visit to truly soak in the details—rain or shine, there’s plenty to explore indoors. The result is a rich, interactive glimpse into Denmark’s past, making The Old Town a must-see for the historically curious.

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