Badstue Rock, Aarhus
One of Denmark’s oldest independent record stores, Badstue Rock is a cozy Aarhus hub for vinyl, CDs, music books and unhurried crate-digging in the city center.
Tucked into Badstuegade in the heart of Aarhus, Badstue Rock is one of Denmark’s longest-running independent record stores, a cozy haven for music lovers since the 1970s. Floor‑to‑ceiling shelves are crammed with new and used CDs across almost every genre, alongside carefully curated vinyl, DVDs and music books in both Danish and English. The atmosphere feels delightfully old-school: handwritten dividers, well‑worn listening stations and staff who know their way around obscure back catalogues just as well as the latest releases.
A brief summary to Badstue Rock
- Badstuegade 22, Aarhus C, Aarhus C, 8000, DK
- +4586197674
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Budget
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 11 am-5:30 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-5:30 pm
- Thursday 11 am-5:30 pm
- Friday 11 am-6 pm
- Saturday 10:30 am-3:30 pm
Local tips
- Plan at least 45–60 minutes if you enjoy crate-digging, as the selection of new and used CDs and vinyl is dense and easy to get lost in.
- Ask staff for recommendations on Danish and Scandinavian artists; they often know local releases that are hard to find elsewhere.
- Bring a tote bag or small backpack for purchases, as you may leave with more music than expected after browsing.
- If you collect specific genres, start by scanning the hand-written dividers and smaller side racks, where niche sections are often tucked away.
- Combine your visit with a stroll through the surrounding streets; there are plenty of cafés nearby for a post-shopping listen-through of your finds.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
Badstue Rock location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Cold Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Badstue Rock
Aarhus institution for serious music hunting
Badstue Rock sits on narrow, atmospheric Badstuegade, right in the historic center of Aarhus. More than just a shop, it has grown into a small cultural institution over several decades, making it one of the oldest continuously operating independent record stores in Denmark. Step through the door and you move from a busy pedestrian street into a compact, softly lit universe where every surface seems to be claimed by music. The space is intimate and slightly labyrinthine, with aisles formed by tall racks and boxes that invite slow browsing. There is no minimalist, polished showroom feel here; instead you get the cozy clutter of a seasoned record shop that has evolved organically over time, following musical tastes and formats as they changed.Vinyl walls, CD rows and more to discover
Badstue Rock caters to wide-ranging tastes, from classic rock and jazz through pop, metal and indie, to more niche genres that reward curious listeners. Long rows of CDs remain a central focus, reflecting the store’s heyday in the disc era, and they are joined by thoughtfully selected new and second-hand vinyl, including both reissues and harder-to-find pressings. Boxes on tables invite crate-digging, while themed sections help you navigate by genre or era. Beyond albums, shelves carry music-related DVDs and an appealing selection of books on bands, genres and music history, in both Danish and English. The emphasis is never purely on collectability; the collection feels designed for people who listen deeply, discovering new artists alongside long-time favorites.Atmosphere steeped in stories and sound
What makes time in Badstue Rock memorable is the character of the place. Music plays at a comfortable volume, giving the soundtrack a presence without drowning conversation. Well-thumbed sleeves, slightly faded posters and hand-written labels give a sense of continuity with the shop’s early years, when vinyl and cassette were king and Aarhus’ rock scene was rapidly evolving. Regulars often browse slowly, pulling out records for a closer look, while staff move between the aisles, chatting about new arrivals or helping to track down specific titles. Even if you walk in without a particular album in mind, it is easy to emerge with something unexpected that a staff recommendation or a striking cover has put in your hands.Browsing as part of Aarhus city life
Because of its central location, a visit to Badstue Rock pairs naturally with exploring Aarhus’ surrounding streets, cafés and cultural sights. The shop tends to be calm on weekday mornings, gradually picking up tempo in the afternoon as local workers, students and visitors wander in. Saturdays can feel particularly lively, with more people flipping through crates and talking over discoveries. The shop’s compact layout means it rarely feels overwhelming, even during busier periods. You can easily dip in for a quick targeted purchase or linger for an hour methodically working through a section. It is an especially appealing stop during colder or wetter weather, when the warm interior and steady soundtrack offer an inviting break from the elements.Finding your next favorite record
Badstue Rock is most rewarding if you give yourself time to explore. Start with a broad sweep of the main racks, then dive deeper into a specific style—maybe Scandinavian rock, classic soul or contemporary jazz. Ask if you are looking for something elusive: the staff know the stock well and can often suggest alternatives or related artists you may not have encountered. Even if you ultimately buy nothing, the experience of being surrounded by physical music media, cover art and liner notes is part of the appeal. For collectors, it can yield rare back-catalogue titles; for casual browsers, it offers a tactile reminder of how listening used to begin not with a search bar, but with a spine on a shelf waiting to be pulled out and played.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Folkehuset Trøjborg
0.9 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.
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.
Den Svangre
0.9 km
A bronze sculpture celebrating the female form in Aarhus's cultural heart.
The Old Town
1.0 km
Experience Danish urban life through the ages at The Old Town in Aarhus, an immersive open-air museum showcasing historical buildings and authentic cultural experiences from the 16th to 20th centuries.
Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden
1.0 km
Explore contemporary art at Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden, Aarhus' premier gallery showcasing local and international talent.
Greenhouses in the Botanical Garden
1.0 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.
Frederiks Plads
1.0 km
A vibrant, contemporary city square where modern architecture, open green space, and urban life converge in the heart of Aarhus near Frederiksbjerg.
University Park, Aarhus
1.2 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.
Botanical Garden
1.3 km
Experience Denmark's artistic heritage and international masterpieces at SMK, Copenhagen's dynamic national gallery housed in landmark architecture beside the Kings’ Garden.
Nordisk Film Cinemas Trøjborg
1.3 km
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
1.4 km
Experience the vibrant community spirit of Aarhus at Trøjborg Beboerhus, a hub for cultural events, workshops, and local gatherings.
Udsigtspladsen
1.5 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
2.6 km
Experience the thrill and magic of Tivoli Friheden, Aarhus' premier amusement park with rides, live music, and family-friendly fun for all ages.
Flagpladsen
3.2 km
Historic plaza overlooking Aarhus Bay, gateway to royal heritage and astronomical discovery.
Marselisborgmonumentet
3.2 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
History Hunts med Hvem.nu
0.1 km
Hands-on history hunts in Aarhus’ Latin Quarter, where Viking traces and town stories turn into clue-driven adventures for curious families and small groups.
Mindrebæltsbroen
0.1 km
Royal residence on Aarhus Bay with historic gardens, open parkland, classic Danish architecture, and the chance to witness the royal guard—all amidst city green space.
Store Torv
0.2 km
Centuries-old Store Torv is Aarhus’ historic main square, where cathedral spires, grand facades and pedestrian street life converge in a lively urban living room.
Ismael
0.2 km
A poised bronze boy with bow and arrow brings quiet drama and historic artistry to the intimate city square of Klostertorvet in central Aarhus.
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.
Klostertorvet
0.2 km
Intimate cobbled square in central Aarhus where monastic history, café life and city shopping streets meet in a relaxed, atmospheric urban pocket.
Latin Quarter
0.2 km
Aarhus’ Latin Quarter blends cobbled medieval streets, historic townhouses and bike-friendly lanes with creative cafés, boutiques and boundary-pushing Nordic dining.
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.
Viking Museum
0.3 km
Walk where Vikings founded Aarhus 1,200 years ago in this underground museum beneath the city center.
Aarhus Cathedral
0.3 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.
Vadestedet
0.3 km
Historic river crossing turned vibrant canal-side strip, Vadestedet blends cafés, bars and bridges into Aarhus’ cosiest, most atmospheric urban meeting place.
Our Lady Church
0.3 km
Dokk1 is Aarhus’ iconic harborside library and cultural center—where award-winning design, vibrant community life, and panoramic waterfront views combine.
Bishop's Square
0.3 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.
Aarhus Theatre
0.3 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.
Essential places to dine
L'estragon
0.0 km
L’estragon serves up refined French cuisine with Danish creativity in Aarhus’ Latin Quarter, offering intimate ambiance, seasonal tasting menus, and top-tier wine pairing.
Mefisto Restaurant & Gårdhave
0.1 km
Aarhus’ beloved seafood restaurant and garden, Mefisto, offers Scandinavian classics, atmospheric courtyard dining, and vibrant local flavor in the city’s oldest quarter.
Slap Af
0.1 km
Experience the vibrant culinary scene at Slap Af in Aarhus – where exquisite dishes meet expertly crafted cocktails.
Bernth & co
0.1 km
Artisanal restaurant blending heritage craftsmanship with contemporary Nordic cuisine in central Aarhus
Langhoff & Juul
0.1 km
Nordic-inspired, organic dining in Aarhus’ historic Latin Quarter, with a focus on sustainability, seasonal menus, atmospheric interiors, and local flair.
Kolo
0.1 km
Urban kolonihave vibes, reimagined kebab and vegetable-led plates, and natural wines on tap in one of Aarhus’ most inviting city-centre dining rooms.
Plant Food
0.1 km
Small, cosy and completely plant-based, Plant Food serves bold umami burgers, bowls and sandwiches in the heart of Aarhus’ atmospheric Latin Quarter.
Carlton
0.1 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.
Lecoq
0.1 km
French-inspired brasserie and bar bringing Southern European warmth, wine and late-night energy to Aarhus’ atmospheric Latin Quarter on Graven.
Gusto
0.1 km
Honest sourdough pizza, natural wines and warm, late-night buzz in the heart of Aarhus’ Latin Quarter.
Faour
0.1 km
Authentic Palestinian falafel and mezze in a cozy Aarhus hideaway—budget-friendly, vegetarian-focused, and genuinely delicious.
Restaurant Komfur
0.1 km
Restaurant Komfur in Aarhus offers modern Danish cuisine in a stylish yet comforting space, celebrated for creative menus, vibrant atmosphere, and local culinary flair.
Restaurant Domestic
0.2 km
Experience exquisite local cuisine at Restaurant Domestic in Aarhus C - where innovation meets tradition for an unforgettable dining experience.
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
0.2 km
Cozy Aarhus gastro grillbar on Mejlgade, serving generous modern European comfort food, daily changing menus and bistro classics at pleasantly low prices.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Badstue Rock
0.0 km
One of Denmark’s oldest independent record stores, Badstue Rock is a cozy Aarhus hub for vinyl, CDs, music books and unhurried crate-digging in the city center.
& Vintage
0.0 km
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.
Munthe Market
0.0 km
Where timeless fashion finds new purpose through conscious curation and circular design.
Seramikku - Japandi Concept Store
0.1 km
A serene Japandi concept store in Aarhus’ Latin Quarter, blending Japanese ceramics and Scandinavian design into a calm, tactile shopping experience.
LÏST Store
0.1 km
A calm, curated women’s fashion boutique in Aarhus’ Latin Quarter, blending Scandinavian simplicity, quality fabrics and timeless silhouettes on charming Volden.
Balsalen
0.1 km
Atmospheric courtyard boutique in central Aarhus, where carefully curated interiors, lifestyle finds and Nordic design create a calm little universe behind Guldsmedgade.
Jooma Aarhus
0.1 km
Discover unique Danish crafts and gifts at Jooma Aarhus, nestled in the historic Latinerkvarteret.
LAKOR Shop Aarhus
0.1 km
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.
Ganni
0.1 km
Compact slice of Copenhagen-cool in Aarhus’ Guldsmedgade, where playful Scandi fashion, bold prints and clean Nordic interiors meet in a relaxed boutique setting.
Sophies Tøjhus
0.1 km
A cosy central Aarhus boutique for colourful, Scandinavian‑inspired women’s fashion, perfect for a relaxed browse and a wardrobe refresh between city sights.
Panduro Hobby
0.1 km
A colourful craft haven in the heart of Aarhus, packed with DIY supplies, creative kits and ideas for makers of all ages on atmospheric Badstuegade.
Loppegal
0.1 km
Curated secondhand fashion and interiors in Aarhus’ Latin Quarter, where Danish design sensibility meets flea-market charm in a cosy, character-filled shop.
Weekday
0.1 km
Urban Scandinavian streetwear in a minimalist boutique, bringing Weekday’s clean-cut style and denim-focused collections to Aarhus’ atmospheric Guldsmedgade.
Monki
0.1 km
Bold, playful Scandinavian fashion on one of Aarhus’ cosiest shopping streets, mixing expressive statement pieces with easy everyday staples.
Mads Nørgaard
0.1 km
A Scandinavian multibrand fashion hub in Aarhus’ historic Latin Quarter, blending Mads Nørgaard classics with curated contemporary labels for men and women.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
PV (Pustervig) - Kaffe & Cocktails
0.1 km
Cosy central Aarhus hideaway where daytime coffee culture flows seamlessly into a warm, late-night world of candles, chatter and creative cocktails.
ÅBEN Aarhus
0.1 km
Contemporary craft beer, rotating taps and a relaxed neighborhood buzz in a minimalist taproom tucked into Aarhus’ historic Latin Quarter.
Hornsleth Bar Aarhus
0.1 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Hornsleth Bar Aarhus, a premier destination for cocktails and dancing in the heart of the city.
Two Socks Ginbar
0.2 km
Discover the enchanting ambiance of Two Socks Ginbar, a haven for gin lovers in the heart of Aarhus, Denmark, where expert mixology meets local charm.
Café Under Masken
0.2 km
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.
Heidi's Bier Bar Aarhus
0.2 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at Heidi's Bier Bar Aarhus, featuring a diverse selection of beers, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere for all.
Fairbar
0.2 km
Experience the perfect blend of bar and cafe culture at Fairbar in Aarhus, offering a cozy ambiance and a diverse drink menu.
Annalise's Bar
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Annalise's Bar, where cozy ambiance meets creative cocktails and friendly service.
Alberts - Cocktailbar i Aarhus
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Alberts Cocktail Bar in Aarhus, featuring innovative cocktails and a lively atmosphere perfect for socializing.
Ris Ras Filliongongong
0.2 km
Candlelit basement bar on Aarhus’ Mejlgade, blending an extensive beer selection with bohemian, living-room coziness and easygoing late-night conversations.
Mig og Ølsnedkeren
0.2 km
Experience the best of Aarhus's craft beer scene at Mig og Ølsnedkeren, where local and international brews await in a cozy atmosphere.
El Loco
0.2 km
Discover El Loco, a vibrant bar in Aarhus, known for its lively atmosphere, affordable drinks, and unforgettable nightlife experience.
Bar Smil Aarhus
0.2 km
Loud beats, cheap drinks and late-night energy in a compact bar-club right in the centre of Aarhus’ historic heart.
S'vinbar
0.3 km
Intimate Aarhus wine bar where more than 300 carefully chosen bottles, sunlit pavement tables and relaxed expertise turn Klostergade into a cosy vinous living room.
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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Quirky
- Unique
- Casual
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly