Background

The Old Town (Den Gamle By): Denmark’s Living History in Aarhus

Explore centuries of Danish urban life at Den Gamle By in Aarhus, where meticulously restored buildings, lively activities, and costumed guides bring history to life.

4.6

The Old Town in Aarhus is an extraordinary open-air museum where Denmark’s urban history comes alive. Wander cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses, centuries-old shops, and artisans at work, all carefully reconstructed to reflect daily life from the 16th to the 20th centuries. Step into living history as costumed interpreters and atmospheric gardens bring a vanished world into the present.

A brief summary to The Old Town

Local tips

  • Tickets are valid for an entire day, so take advantage of re-entry if you want a midday break in central Aarhus.
  • Check the seasonal calendar; special events like Christmas markets or summer festivals add a magical twist.
  • Look for artisans at work—many traditional craftspeople offer kid-friendly demonstrations.
  • Some historic shops and cafés accept only card payments, so bring a credit or debit card.
  • Wheelchair-friendly routes are available; ask at the entrance for an accessibility map.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the heart of Latinerkvarteret, it’s an easy 10–15-minute stroll toward the City Hall area, passing cultural landmarks and the leafy Botanisk Have park. Along the way, you’ll notice the iconic Aarhus Art Museum’s rainbow panorama to the east and the lush gardens that signal Den Gamle By’s entrance. The walk is pleasant and flat, guided by the rhythm of city life.

  • Public Transport

    Local buses from the university area or central stations make frequent stops near the City Hall or Botanisk Have, both prominent city landmarks. From the bus stop, The Old Town’s entrance is visible just past the large greenhouse domes of the gardens. A standard adult ticket costs around 22 DKK, and the trip usually takes 5–10 minutes.

  • Taxi

    A taxi ride from Latinerkvarteret to The Old Town is quick, typically 5–8 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect fares of 70–110 DKK for this short city hop. Taxis drop off at the designated area by the museum entrance, adjacent to the main car park.

  • Driving/Parking

    Paid parking is available on-site but can fill up quickly, especially during weekends or major events. Rates average 22 DKK per hour. The lot is beside the Botanisk Have park, with a short level path leading directly to the museum gate.

Unlock the Best of The Old Town

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about The Old Town

The Old Town, known as Den Gamle By, invites you to travel back through the Danish centuries without leaving central Aarhus. This exceptional open-air museum is stitched from more than 75 authentic structures sourced from towns and cities across Denmark, each rebuilt in meticulous detail amid winding, cobbled lanes and tranquil courtyards. Here, the aroma of fresh bread mingles with the sound of a blacksmith’s hammer, and you’ll encounter costumed interpreters embodying shopkeepers, craftspeople, and townsfolk from across the generations. Wander beneath billowing timbered facades dating to the 16th century and peer into bakeries, workshops, and merchant homes. Each period quarter offers a different slice of Denmark’s urban past: from the merchant-driven bustle of the 1860s, through the modernizing spirit of the 1920s, to the optimism of the 1970s. The living museum approach means it’s not just a look-but-don’t-touch affair—visitors can join seasonal festivities, taste old-style treats, and watch live demonstrations of smithing, weaving, or printmaking. Beyond the architecture, Den Gamle By is a treasure trove of Danish heritage. Explore the Toy Museum, browse original shops from bygone eras, or pause in a period café for homemade pastries. In spring and summer, vibrant gardens overflow with flowers and heritage vegetables, while over the winter months, traditional Christmas markets infuse the site with song, spice, and candlelight. Families will love the scavenger hunts and playgrounds, while history lovers can spend hours delving into authentic interiors, rare artifacts, and the immersive storytelling that makes The Old Town truly unique.

Popular Experiences near The Old Town

Popular Hotels near The Old Town

Select Currency