Herman Sallings Plads: A Social Nexus on Aarhus’s Waterfront
Aarhus’s vibrant harborfront plaza, bridging the historic city and the modern waterfront, alive with urban energy, culture, and panoramic views.
Herman Sallings Plads is an expansive, open square set along Aarhus’s historic harborfront, where the city’s urban energy meets scenic maritime views. This central plaza blends modern Danish design with open-air ambience, making it a favored gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. Bordered by striking architecture, restaurants, and cultural institutions, it’s a vibrant destination for relaxing, people-watching, or soaking in the city’s historic and contemporary pulse.
A brief summary to Herman Sallings Plads
- Midtbyen, Aarhus, Aarhus C, DK
- +4587315010
- Visit website
Local tips
- Bring a snack or coffee from the nearby DOKK1 library café for the best waterfront views while you relax on the square’s benches.
- Visit in late afternoon for beautiful golden-hour light and lively crowds, especially during summer events.
- On windy days, the square is exposed—dress accordingly if you plan to linger by the water.
- Bicycle rental docks are nearby, making it easy to continue exploring Aarhus by bike from the plaza.
Getting There
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Walking
From the heart of Indre By, Herman Sallings Plads is a comfortable 8–12 minute walk. Head toward the vibrant harborfront, passing cultural landmarks like the ARoS Art Museum or the City Hall’s distinctive tower, until you reach the waterfront’s open plaza with wide views across the docklands and the iconic architecture of DOKK1.
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Taxi
Taxis from central Indre By will bring you to the plaza in around 5 minutes, with fares typically between 60–90 DKK, depending on traffic and time of day.
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Public Transport
Several city buses connect the city center with stops near the square—look for routes heading toward the harbor or DOKK1. A single adult ticket costs about 24 DKK, and the bus journey is usually 5–8 minutes, followed by a short walk.
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Cycling
The city’s interconnected cycling paths make this an easy ride from Indre By’s main squares. Cycle along established bike routes towards the waterfront; secure parking is available directly adjacent to the plaza.
Discover more about Herman Sallings Plads
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Frederiks Plads
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A vibrant, contemporary city square where modern architecture, open green space, and urban life converge in the heart of Aarhus near Frederiksbjerg.
Agnete og Havmanden
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Discover the poetic fusion of Danish folklore and modern sculpture at Aarhus’ Agnete og Havmanden, a landmark bronze fountain embodying myth and emotion.
Den Svangre
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A bronze sculpture celebrating the female form in Aarhus's cultural heart.
Folkehuset Trøjborg
1.0 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.
Møllen i botanisk have Århus
1.3 km
Historic mill at the heart of Aarhus's verdant botanical sanctuary, blending heritage with living gardens.
Greenhouses in the Botanical Garden
1.3 km
Step into a vibrant world of exotic plants, interactive exhibits, and striking glass architecture at Aarhus's Greenhouses—a serene escape for nature lovers.
Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden
1.3 km
Explore contemporary art at Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden, Aarhus' premier gallery showcasing local and international talent.
University Park, Aarhus
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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
1.5 km
Experience local Danish cinema culture at Nordisk Film Cinemas Trøjborg—an atmospheric neighborhood movie house blending modern comfort with classic charm in Aarhus.
Udsigtspladsen
1.6 km
Experience breathtaking city, harbor, and bay vistas from one of Aarhus C’s most beloved scenic viewpoints, perfect for relaxation and panoramic photography.
Trøjborg Beboerhus
1.6 km
Experience the vibrant community spirit of Aarhus at Trøjborg Beboerhus, a hub for cultural events, workshops, and local gatherings.
Botanical Garden
1.6 km
Experience Denmark's artistic heritage and international masterpieces at SMK, Copenhagen's dynamic national gallery housed in landmark architecture beside the Kings’ Garden.
Tivoli Friheden
2.5 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
3.1 km
Standing tall in Mindeparken, Marselisborgmonumentet honors Danish World War I volunteers with solemn beauty, monumental sculpture, and panoramic bay views near Aarhus.
Flagpladsen
3.1 km
Historic plaza overlooking Aarhus Bay, gateway to royal heritage and astronomical discovery.
Unmissable attractions to see
Endless Connection
0.1 km
Interactive spiral fountain on Aarhus’ harbourfront where jets of water, inspired by the city’s starry skies, become a playful urban artwork and gathering spot.
Aarhus waterfront
0.1 km
Aarhus waterfront blends bold Scandinavian architecture, city beaches, harborside culture, and urban relaxation along the picturesque shores of Denmark’s vibrant second city.
The Occupation Museum
0.1 km
Aarhus’ former Gestapo headquarters turned museum, where original cells, local stories and moral dilemmas bring Denmark’s wartime occupation chillingly close.
KØN - Gender Museum Denmark
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One of the world's few museums exploring gender, equality, and sexuality through history and contemporary dialogue.
Latin Quarter
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Aarhus’ Latin Quarter blends cobbled medieval streets, historic townhouses and bike-friendly lanes with creative cafés, boutiques and boundary-pushing Nordic dining.
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.
Aarhus Theatre
0.2 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.
Bishop's Square
0.2 km
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.
Latinerkvarteret
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Aarhus’ oldest quarter: cobbled lanes, medieval houses, indie shops and café terraces creating a compact, bohemian neighborhood just behind the cathedral.
Store Torv
0.3 km
Historic Great Square where cathedral spires, elegant façades and everyday city life come together in the pedestrianized heart of Aarhus.
Viking Museum
0.3 km
Walk where Vikings founded Aarhus 1,200 years ago in this underground museum beneath the city center.
Sankt Clements Torv
0.4 km
Compact, historic and constantly in motion, Sankt Clemens Torv is the everyday crossroads between cathedral, Viking past, riverside cafés and modern shopping Aarhus.
Mural - The Seagull Kiss
0.4 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.
Lille Torv
0.4 km
Aarhus Waterfront: a vibrant coastal promenade fusing striking modern architecture, rich maritime heritage, and lively urban culture along the city’s scenic bay.
Vadestedet
0.4 km
Historic river crossing turned vibrant canal-side strip, Vadestedet blends cafés, bars and bridges into Aarhus’ cosiest, most atmospheric urban meeting place.
Essential places to dine
Piccolina
0.1 km
Authentic Italian pizzeria with exceptional vegan options and warm family hospitality in central Aarhus.
Casablanca Aarhus
0.1 km
French‑style brasserie, famous brunch “Crunch” and cosy café‑bar atmosphere in the heart of Aarhus’ historic Latin Quarter.
Den Rustikke
0.1 km
Discover Den Rustikke in Aarhus - where traditional Danish cuisine meets modern culinary artistry for an unforgettable dining experience.
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.
Café Hack
0.2 km
Theatre-side brasserie in central Aarhus, where candlelit dining, classic European flavours and a touch of broadcast history create an intimate urban evening.
Pihlkjær Restaurant
0.2 km
Experience exquisite modern Danish cuisine at Pihlkjær Restaurant in Aarhus – where local ingredients meet culinary artistry.
Sct. Oluf Restaurant
0.2 km
A vibrant French-inspired bistro offering creative cuisine and Danish hospitality in the artistic heart of Latinerkvarteret, Aarhus’ oldest and most atmospheric quarter.
OliNico
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Cozy Aarhus gastro grillbar on Mejlgade, serving generous modern European comfort food, daily changing menus and bistro classics at pleasantly low prices.
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.
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.
Lecoq
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French-inspired brasserie and bar bringing Southern European warmth, wine and late-night energy to Aarhus’ atmospheric Latin Quarter on Graven.
Restaurant Domestic
0.2 km
Experience exquisite local cuisine at Restaurant Domestic in Aarhus C - where innovation meets tradition for an unforgettable dining experience.
Plant Food
0.2 km
Small, cosy and completely plant-based, Plant Food serves bold umami burgers, bowls and sandwiches in the heart of Aarhus’ atmospheric Latin Quarter.
A Hereford Beefstouw - Aarhus
0.3 km
Classic Danish steakhouse tradition on the Åboulevarden waterfront, pairing expertly grilled beef with polished Scandinavian design and a serious wine and beer list.
Restaurant Pinden
0.3 km
Hearty Danish classics and old-inn charm in a chandelier-lit dining room on lively Skolegade in the very heart of Aarhus.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
stoy
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Minimalist, design-led fashion hub on Aarhus’ main square, blending luxury labels and independent brands in a calm, curated retail space.
LAKOR Shop Aarhus
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Flagship men’s clothing shop in Aarhus’ Latin Quarter, blending Danish west coast vibes with graphic, coastal-inspired casual wear in an intimate, design-led space.
COS
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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.
Jooma Aarhus
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Discover unique Danish crafts and gifts at Jooma Aarhus, nestled in the historic Latinerkvarteret.
LÏST Store
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A calm, curated women’s fashion boutique in Aarhus’ Latin Quarter, blending Scandinavian simplicity, quality fabrics and timeless silhouettes on charming Volden.
Skagen Clothing
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Minimalist Danish fashion where sustainable style meets everyday comfort.
Loppegal
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Curated secondhand fashion and interiors in Aarhus’ Latin Quarter, where Danish design sensibility meets flea-market charm in a cosy, character-filled shop.
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.
BESTSELLER Rømerhus
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Flagship BESTSELLER fashion house in a historic Aarhus icon, blending classic architecture, modern Scandinavian design and multi-brand style under one roof.
Seramikku - Japandi Concept Store
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A serene Japandi concept store in Aarhus’ Latin Quarter, blending Japanese ceramics and Scandinavian design into a calm, tactile shopping experience.
& Vintage
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A boutique in Aarhus' Latin Quarter offering hand-picked vintage treasures, Scandinavian gifts, artisan wares, and a warm, local shopping experience in a creative setting.
Badstue Rock
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Plakaten
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Sophies Tøjhus
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Munthe Market
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Where timeless fashion finds new purpose through conscious curation and circular design.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Mig og Ølsnedkeren
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Cafe Gyden
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Aarhus's premier hookah lounge where premium shisha meets craft cocktails in refined urban comfort.
Ris Ras Filliongongong
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Candlelit basement bar on Aarhus’ Mejlgade, blending an extensive beer selection with bohemian, living-room coziness and easygoing late-night conversations.
Café Under Masken
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Bohemian, art‑lined den in central Aarhus where masks, fish tanks and coffee cups share space with beers, late‑night conversations and an old‑school smoky bar vibe.
Tokio Bar
0.2 km
Discover the lively ambiance and diverse drink selection at Tokio Bar in Aarhus, where unforgettable nights await every visitor.
ÅBEN Aarhus
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Contemporary craft beer, rotating taps and a relaxed neighborhood buzz in a minimalist taproom tucked into Aarhus’ historic Latin Quarter.
Fatter Eskil ApS
0.2 km
Aarhus's cosy live music bar where emerging bands and established Danish artists share the stage.
The Old Irish Pub
0.3 km
Discover the vibrant spirit of Ireland at The Old Irish Pub in Aarhus, where great food, drinks, and live entertainment await.
El Loco
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Casino Bar
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Old-school, budget-friendly bar on lively Skolegade, pouring simple drinks and bodega charm from midday until the early hours in central Aarhus.
LA Tequila Bar Aarhus
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California beach vibes and tequila culture in the heart of Aarhus—where tropical cocktails meet Scandinavian nightlife.
Escobar
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Tiny, sticker-plastered rock bar on Skolegade pouring affordable beers, loud guitars and late-night camaraderie in the heart of Aarhus’ alternative nightlife.
Alberts - Cocktailbar i Aarhus
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Alberts Cocktail Bar in Aarhus, featuring innovative cocktails and a lively atmosphere perfect for socializing.
Thorkilds
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Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Thorkilds, the local bar renowned for its friendly atmosphere and affordable drinks.
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.
