The Old Town: Denmark’s Living History Museum in Aarhus
Explore centuries of Danish urban history in a unique open-air museum, where original buildings, period actors, and hands-on experiences bring the past to life.
The Old Town in Aarhus is an immersive open-air museum that brings centuries of Danish urban life to life. Set across atmospheric cobblestone streets, the museum features over 75 meticulously reconstructed historical buildings from across Denmark. Visitors can explore authentic shops, homes, workshops, and even interact with costumed interpreters, providing a vivid window into Danish history from the 16th to the 20th centuries. It’s a must-visit for history lovers and families alike, offering hands-on exhibits and period ambiance.
A brief summary to The Old Town
- Viborgvej 2, Aarhus C, Aarhus C, 8000, DK
- +4586123188
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit in the morning for a quieter, more atmospheric stroll before group tours arrive.
- During December, the museum’s Christmas market and decorations are a major seasonal highlight.
- Purchase tickets online to avoid queues at the main entrance, especially on weekends.
- Some activities and shops operate seasonally or only during holidays, so check the event schedule before your visit.
- Bring comfortable shoes, as the cobblestone paths can be challenging for strollers and those with limited mobility.
Getting There
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Walking
From the lively cafés and residential streets at the southern edge of Trøjborg, it’s a pleasant walk of about 15–25 minutes through leafy parks and alongside university buildings. The sprawling, timbered rooftops of The Old Town appear ahead as you approach Aarhus Botanical Garden—simply head towards this popular green landmark and the museum's historic gatehouses will come into view.
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Public Transport
Local city buses from Trøjborg depart regularly toward central Aarhus, with stops near Aarhus Botanical Garden. From the bus stop, it's a short walk following the signs to The Old Town's entrance. Single tickets are typically 24–28 DKK per adult. Buses run frequently during the day, but evening service is less regular.
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Taxi
Taxis from Trøjborg to The Old Town generally take less than 10 minutes, subject to traffic, and cost around 70–110 DKK. Drop-off points are close to the main entrance, but during busy weekends parking congestion may slightly extend arrival time.
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Driving/Parking
Visitor parking is available near Aarhus Botanical Garden, adjacent to The Old Town. Parking fees average around 15–20 DKK per hour. Spaces can be limited on holidays and weekends; alternative paid parking is available in nearby municipal lots.
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
0.5 km
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
0.8 km
Denmark's national gallery fuses historic masterpieces with contemporary Nordic art in a striking architectural setting at the heart of Copenhagen.
Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden
0.8 km
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
1.6 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.
Nordisk Film Cinemas Trøjborg
2.0 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
2.0 km
Experience the vibrant community spirit of Aarhus at Trøjborg Beboerhus, a hub for cultural events, workshops, and local gatherings.
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.
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
0.1 km
Discover the harmonious blend of Danish landscape design and university life at University Park, Aarhus – a peaceful green haven in the city’s academic core.
Møllen i botanisk have Århus
0.2 km
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
0.3 km
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
0.3 km
Historic hilltop observatory in Aarhus offering hands-on astronomy, guided stargazing, and a unique glimpse into Denmark’s pioneering scientific past.
Stenpartiet
0.3 km
Experience the harmonious fusion of classic Danish modernist architecture, tranquil lakes, and lively student culture at the sprawling Aarhus University Park.
Aarhus Culture Walk
0.5 km
Discover Aarhus' oldest neighborhood, Latinerkvarteret, where historic charm meets modern culture in a vibrant blend of cafés, boutiques, and artistic venues.
Botanical Garden
0.5 km
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
0.7 km
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
0.7 km
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
0.7 km
Discover Aarhus’ charismatic Latin Quarter—a labyrinth of cobbled streets, lively cafés, creative boutiques, and historic charm at the city’s vibrant core.
Klostertorvet
0.8 km
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
Møf blends seasonal Nordic cuisine with modern creativity in central Aarhus, offering an authentic taste of Denmark in a stylish and inviting setting.
Den Lille Kro
0.5 km
Experience authentic Danish cuisine at Den Lille Kro in Aarhus - where tradition meets taste in a cozy setting.
Gastro & Vino
0.6 km
Discover exquisite Danish cuisine and thoughtfully paired wines in an intimate, backyard setting at Gastro & Vino, one of Aarhus’s most celebrated culinary gems.
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
0.7 km
Discover Bardok in Aarhus—a contemporary small-plates restaurant known for inventive cuisine, social dining, and a lively riverside atmosphere in the city center.
SYV NI 13
0.7 km
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
0.9 km
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
0.9 km
Nordic-inspired, organic dining in Aarhus’ historic Latin Quarter, with a focus on sustainability, seasonal menus, atmospheric interiors, and local flair.
Salling ROOFTOP
0.9 km
Sky-high views, stylish cafes, green terraces, and urban energy combine on Salling ROOFTOP, Aarhus’ essential spot for panoramic perspectives and sociable citylife.
Kolo
0.9 km
Discover Kolo in Aarhus - where local ingredients meet innovative cuisine for an unforgettable dining experience.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Magasin Aarhus
0.8 km
Experience the stylish pulse of Aarhus at Magasin, a landmark department store with historic roots, Nordic design, fashion, gourmet eats, and city-center charm.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.8 km
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
0.9 km
Discover Danish porcelain heritage at Royal Copenhagen Aarhus, a refined destination for iconic tableware, handcrafted designs, and timeless design inspiration.
Weekday
0.9 km
Experience Scandinavian street style and innovative fashion at Weekday Aarhus, a contemporary hub for trendsetting men’s and women’s clothing in vibrant central Aarhus.
Magpie Lane Vintage
0.9 km
Aarhus’ go-to vintage boutique for unique, handpicked fashion finds and classic accessories in an inviting, sustainability-focused setting.
& Vintage
0.9 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.
LÏST Store
1.0 km
Discover unique women's fashion in Aarhus' charming Latin Quarter at LÏST Store.
Jooma Aarhus
1.0 km
Discover unique Danish crafts and gifts at Jooma Aarhus, nestled in the historic Latinerkvarteret.
Bruuns Galleri
1.2 km
Bruuns Galleri: Aarhus’ premier city-center shopping mall, blending top brands, Danish design, dining, and urban life in a vibrant architectural landmark.
Luna Hvid
1.3 km
Discover handcrafted elegance at Luna Hvid, Aarhus' premier hat boutique in the historic Latin Quarter.
Aarhus Antik
1.5 km
Discover Danish heritage at Aarhus Antik, a charming antique store in Aarhus' Frederiksbjerg district.
Ancher
2.0 km
Discover holistic wellness at Ancher, Trøjborg's premier health and beauty destination in Aarhus.
SecondLux
2.1 km
Browse handpicked sustainable fashion and unique vintage finds in a welcoming consignment boutique at the heart of Trøjborg’s independent scene.
Mols Haven
19.0 km
Experience the freshest local produce at Mols Haven in Knebel, Denmark.
Molsløbet
19.3 km
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
0.3 km
Discover the heart of Aarhus nightlife at Hjorten, a lively bodega with local brews and a vibrant atmosphere for all visitors.
Mundhæld
0.4 km
Discover the charm of Mundhæld, a cozy bar in Aarhus offering a delightful selection of craft beers and a unique ambiance for every traveler.
S'vinbar
0.7 km
Experience the charm of Aarhus’ Latin Quarter at S’vinbar, where curated wines, welcoming staff, and Nordic coziness invite wine lovers and explorers alike.
Die kleine Bierstube
0.7 km
Experience German hospitality in Aarhus at Die kleine Bierstube, featuring a vast beer selection, authentic schnitzel, and the city’s most convivial Bavarian-inspired atmosphere.
Tir Na nÓg - Irish Gastropub
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant spirit of Ireland at Tir Na nÓg, Aarhus' premier Irish gastropub featuring live music, delicious food, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Oops - Bar, lounge og Rombar i Århus
0.8 km
Discover Oops Bar in Aarhus - a vibrant cocktail haven blending style and comfort with an exquisite drink menu and light bites.
Fairbar
0.8 km
Experience the perfect blend of bar and cafe culture at Fairbar in Aarhus, offering a cozy ambiance and a diverse drink menu.
Heidi's Bier Bar Aarhus
0.8 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.
Two Socks Ginbar
0.8 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.
Waxies
0.8 km
Experience classic Irish hospitality, live music, and a vibrant pub atmosphere at Waxies, Aarhus’ favorite gathering spot in the heart of Central Jutland.
Hornsleth Bar Aarhus
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Hornsleth Bar Aarhus, a premier destination for cocktails and dancing in the heart of the city.
Annalise's Bar
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Annalise's Bar, where cozy ambiance meets creative cocktails and friendly service.
Barstart
0.9 km
Discover Barstart, Aarhus' premier cocktail bar offering vibrant drinks, small plates, and a unique Tarantino-themed ambiance for an unforgettable night out.
Clemens Bar
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Clemens Bar, where friendly vibes and delicious drinks await every night.
Vinstuen
0.9 km
Experience the cozy charm of Vinstuen, a beloved bar in Aarhus, offering refreshing drinks and a welcoming atmosphere for all.