Steno Museum, Aarhus
Interactive science, medical history and a cosy planetarium, all set in Aarhus University’s leafy park with a fragrant medicinal herb garden on the doorstep.
Steno Museum is Aarhus’ hands-on gateway to science, medicine and astronomy, set amid the green lawns and yellow-brick buildings of Aarhus University Park. Inside, interactive exhibits trace everything from atoms to the universe, historic medical instruments, and the story of public health in Denmark, while a cosy planetarium brings the night sky indoors. Outside, a fragrant medicinal herb garden planted with hundreds of species links modern science to centuries of healing traditions, making this a family-friendly spot where curiosity is very much encouraged.
A brief summary to Steno Museum
- C. F. Møllers Allé 2, Aarhus, Aarhus C, 8000, DK
- +4587155415
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Budget
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
- Thursday 9 am-4 pm
- Friday 9 am-4 pm
- Saturday 11 am-4 pm
- Sunday 11 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Plan around 1.5–2 hours to combine the main exhibitions, a planetarium show and a quiet break in the medicinal herb garden.
- Check the current schedule for planetarium shows in advance; seats are limited and presentations are usually in Danish.
- Bring a light jacket or layer – indoor areas are comfortable but the herb garden and university park can feel breezy.
- Families should look out for school-holiday activities and simple hands-on experiments that younger children can try independently.
- Have some cash or a card ready for the separate planetarium ticket if you want to add a show to your visit.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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City bus
From central Aarhus, use one of the city bus lines serving the University Park area and alight near C. F. Møllers Allé; the ride typically takes 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. Buses run frequently during the day, and a single adult ticket usually costs around DKK 20–30 when bought via the regional ticket app or from ticket machines. Stops are a short walk from the museum entrance on mostly level pavements, making this a convenient option in most weather.
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Bicycle
Aarhus is very bike-friendly, and the route from the city centre to the university campus usually takes 10–15 minutes by bicycle along dedicated lanes. You can rent a bike through local bike-share schemes or rental shops for roughly DKK 100–150 per day, with helmets often available for an additional small fee. The approach involves gentle slopes but no demanding hills, and bike racks are available near the museum and around the park.
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Taxi
A taxi from the central railway station or the pedestrian core to Steno Museum generally takes 8–15 minutes, depending on traffic around the ring roads. Fares within central Aarhus typically range from about DKK 120 to 200 for this distance, with surcharges in the evening or on weekends. Taxis can drop passengers close to the entrance, which is useful for visitors with limited mobility or in poor weather.
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Walk from central Aarhus
If you enjoy walking, reaching the university area on foot from the city centre usually takes around 20–30 minutes at a moderate pace. The route passes through urban streets and then into the green spaces of University Park, with gentle inclines rather than steep climbs. Surfaces are mostly paved, so ordinary footwear is sufficient, but allow extra time in winter or wet conditions when paths can be slippery.
Steno Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Steno Museum
Where science, medicine and stories meet
Steno Museum is Aarhus’ dedicated museum of science and medicine, created by bringing together earlier collections on medical history and the history of science. Housed on the Aarhus University campus, it explores how discoveries have changed everyday life – from the first X-rays and penicillin to nuclear physics and space exploration. The focus is less on abstract theory and more on the human stories behind ideas, inventions and the people who worked with them. As you move through the permanent galleries, you trace a timeline of scientific progress. Cabinets of instruments, models and early lab equipment sit alongside modern displays about DNA, public health and digital technology. The themes range widely – astronomy, physics, chemistry, geography and the life sciences – but are tied together by clear explanations and engaging set-ups that invite you to experiment a little as you go.Hands-on exhibits and curious objects
One of the museum’s strengths is its interactive approach. Many installations are designed so you can try things yourself: testing gravitational principles, playing with mirrors and optics, or exploring how the body responds to different stimuli. These smaller experiments are built into the exhibitions, so children and adults can learn by doing rather than just reading labels. Alongside the hands-on elements are evocative historical displays. Old surgical instruments and medical devices offer a glimpse of treatment methods from earlier eras, sometimes prompting a shiver when you imagine them in use. Other sections look at cartography, timekeeping and early measuring devices, underlining how closely everyday technologies are linked to scientific breakthroughs. The result is a compact but varied collection that rewards slow wandering.Astronomy under the domed planetarium
Within the museum complex, the planetarium is an atmospheric highlight. In the darkened dome, guided shows use digital projections to take visitors on journeys through galaxies, planets, black holes and seasonal constellations. Presentations are typically in Danish, but the visual experience is rich enough that non-speakers can still enjoy the sense of travelling through space. The planetarium schedule changes with themes such as the Solar System, deep space or special full-moon evenings. Seating is raked and cosy, making it a relaxing way to rest in the middle of a museum visit while still engaging with big questions about the universe. On cloudy days, it is one of the best places in Aarhus to get a clear view of the night sky.The medicinal herb garden as a living textbook
Step outside and the museum continues into the open air with a structured medicinal herb garden. More than 300 historic healing plants are arranged in beds that reflect different traditions and uses, from monastery medicine to modern pharmacology. In spring and summer, the garden is full of colour and scent, offering a tranquil contrast to the indoor galleries. Signs explain how specific plants have been used for ailments across time, linking botany, folklore and pharmaceutical science. Benches and seating nooks encourage you to pause with a packed lunch or a notebook. Even visitors with only a passing interest in plants often find themselves tracing familiar herbs from kitchen to clinic, realising how many medicines started life as leaves and roots.Designed for families and inquisitive minds
Families are a core audience here, and much of the museum is pitched at mixed-age groups. School holidays often bring extra activities, workshops or themed events, while standard exhibits are laid out so younger visitors can reach levers, buttons and peep-holes. Clear bilingual information in Danish and English makes it accessible to international visitors as well. A small shop extends the experience with science-themed games, books and souvenirs that encourage further exploration at home. Combined with the wider university park – ponds, lawns and other nearby museums – Steno Museum works well as part of a half-day in this academic quarter of Aarhus, especially for anyone with a curious streak.Part of Aarhus’ wider science landscape
Steno Museum belongs to the group of Science Museums associated with Aarhus University, alongside sites such as the greenhouses in the Botanical Garden and the Ole Rømer Observatory in Højbjerg. Together they form a network devoted to making science approachable and tangible. Here, the emphasis is very much on “science at eye level”: complex ideas presented through concrete things you can see, touch and discuss. Whether you are drawn by astronomy, medical history or simply the pleasure of understanding how everyday technologies came to be, the museum offers a compact, thoughtful snapshot of scientific culture in Denmark. Its blend of historic objects, modern interpretation and green outdoor space makes it distinctive within the city’s museum scene.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden
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Explore contemporary art at Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden, Aarhus' premier gallery showcasing local and international talent.
Folkehuset Trøjborg
0.7 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
1.0 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
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant community spirit of Aarhus at Trøjborg Beboerhus, a hub for cultural events, workshops, and local gatherings.
Udsigtspladsen
1.3 km
Experience breathtaking city, harbor, and bay vistas from one of Aarhus C’s most beloved scenic viewpoints, perfect for relaxation and panoramic photography.
Rådhusparken
1.6 km
An elegant city park at Aarhus’ core, Rådhusparken blends iconic architecture, sculptures, and tranquil green spaces right beside the city hall.
Den Svangre
1.6 km
A bronze sculpture celebrating the female form in Aarhus's cultural heart.
Agnete og Havmanden
1.6 km
Discover the poetic fusion of Danish folklore and modern sculpture at Aarhus’ Agnete og Havmanden, a landmark bronze fountain embodying myth and emotion.
Frederiks Plads
1.8 km
A vibrant, contemporary city square where modern architecture, open green space, and urban life converge in the heart of Aarhus near Frederiksbjerg.
Tivoli Friheden
3.2 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
4.0 km
Historic plaza overlooking Aarhus Bay, gateway to royal heritage and astronomical discovery.
Marselisborgmonumentet
4.0 km
Standing tall in Mindeparken, Marselisborgmonumentet honors Danish World War I volunteers with solemn beauty, monumental sculpture, and panoramic bay views near Aarhus.
Mindeparken
4.0 km
Aarhus' Mindeparken: Where history, remembrance, and recreation meet in a stunning parkland setting by Marselisborg Palace, offering bay views and tranquil gardens.
Unmissable attractions to see
Naturhistorisk Museum Aarhus
0.2 km
Denmark’s second-largest natural history museum, blending immersive wildlife dioramas, Danish ecosystems and cutting-edge research in a compact, campus setting.
University Park, Aarhus
0.4 km
A graceful bowl of lawns, oaks and yellow-brick buildings, University Park is the tranquil green heart of Aarhus University and a serene pause within the city.
Museum of Ancient Art, Aarhus
0.6 km
Compact, scholarly and free to enter, Aarhus’ Museum of Ancient Art offers a calm, campus-side encounter with Greek, Etruscan and Roman worlds.
History Hunts med Hvem.nu
0.7 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
0.8 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.
AU Garden
0.8 km
Elegant royal gardens, seasonal Changing of the Guard, and public parkland by Aarhus Bay—Marselisborg Castle unites Danish history, art, and serene landscapes in one regal retreat.
Ismael
0.8 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.
Klostertorvet
0.8 km
Intimate cobbled square in central Aarhus where monastic history, café life and city shopping streets meet in a relaxed, atmospheric urban pocket.
Our Lady Church
0.8 km
Dokk1 is Aarhus’ iconic harborside library and cultural center—where award-winning design, vibrant community life, and panoramic waterfront views combine.
Greenhouses in the Botanical Garden
0.8 km
Step into Aarhus’ luminous Greenhouses, where four climate zones, towering tropical plants and Danish landscapes outside create a calm, free botanical escape all year.
Møllen i botanisk have Århus
0.9 km
Urban beach escape south of Aarhus city center, offering clean sands, gentle waters, and year-round access beside forest and royal palace grounds.
Latinerkvarteret
0.9 km
Aarhus’ oldest quarter: cobbled lanes, medieval houses, indie shops and café terraces creating a compact, bohemian neighborhood just behind the cathedral.
Stenpartiet
0.9 km
A compact rock garden in Aarhus’ Botanical Garden, where stone, slope and hardy plants create a miniature mountain landscape rich in texture and quiet detail.
Botanical Garden
0.9 km
Free tropical greenhouses and Danish gardens in Aarhus's verdant heart, open year-round.
Lille Torv
0.9 km
Aarhus Waterfront: a vibrant coastal promenade fusing striking modern architecture, rich maritime heritage, and lively urban culture along the city’s scenic bay.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Komfur
0.7 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.
Den Lille Kro
0.7 km
Authentic Danish comfort food in a timeless neighbourhood setting, where tradition meets quality ingredients.
Gusto
0.7 km
Honest sourdough pizza, natural wines and warm, late-night buzz in the heart of Aarhus’ Latin Quarter.
Kolo
0.7 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.
Langhoff & Juul
0.7 km
Nordic-inspired, organic dining in Aarhus’ historic Latin Quarter, with a focus on sustainability, seasonal menus, atmospheric interiors, and local flair.
Gastro & Vino
0.7 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.
Faour
0.8 km
Authentic Palestinian falafel and mezze in a cozy Aarhus hideaway—budget-friendly, vegetarian-focused, and genuinely delicious.
L'estragon
0.8 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.
Slap Af
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant culinary scene at Slap Af in Aarhus – where exquisite dishes meet expertly crafted cocktails.
Le Basilic
0.8 km
Experience authentic French cuisine in the heart of Aarhus's Latin Quarter at Le Basilic.
Restaurant Olive
0.8 km
Neighbourhood-style bistro in central Aarhus with classic comfort cooking, intimate candlelit tables and the rare bonus of bring-your-own wine at moderate prices.
Møf
0.8 km
Inventive new Nordic cuisine, inspired by local ingredients, served in a lively and intimate setting in central Aarhus.
Keyser Social
0.8 km
Creative Asian–Nordic social dining in the heart of Aarhus, where multi-course sharing menus, refined cocktails and warm urban design turn dinner into an evening-long experience.
Bernth & co
0.8 km
Artisanal restaurant blending heritage craftsmanship with contemporary Nordic cuisine in central Aarhus
Lupo
0.9 km
Big‑hearted Italian dining on Frue Kirkeplads, where homemade pasta, good wine and a lively, sociable room turn an evening in central Aarhus into its own celebration.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Røde Kors Butik Krydsfelt
0.6 km
Curated Red Cross thrift in central Aarhus, where unique second-hand fashion, long-hours self-service and a social mission turn browsing into feel-good shopping.
Salvation Army thrift store
0.6 km
Charity-run thrift haven in central Aarhus, where ever-changing second-hand finds and small prices support the Salvation Army’s wider social work.
Stakbogladen A / S - Study books in Aarhus
0.7 km
Campus bookstore at Studenternes Hus in Aarhus, specialising in curriculum titles, academic literature and study essentials for the city’s university community.
So ein Ding - Vintage
0.7 km
Small basement vintage shop in central Aarhus with Berlin–New York inspired second-hand fashion, retro 70s flair and handpicked, affordable pieces for men and women.
All Time Vintage
0.7 km
Compact, curated and characterful, All Time Vintage brings sustainable style and one-off wardrobe finds to the heart of Aarhus’ Nørregade neighbourhood.
PRAG
0.7 km
Colourful vintage fashion in the heart of Aarhus, where curated second-hand style meets relaxed, student-city energy on lively Nørregade.
Magpie Lane Vintage
0.7 km
Aarhus’ go-to vintage boutique for unique, handpicked fashion finds and classic accessories in an inviting, sustainability-focused setting.
S.T. Valentin
0.7 km
Contemporary menswear boutique in Aarhus’ Latin Quarter, blending Scandinavian simplicity, quality footwear and attentive styling in an intimate setting.
Vintage Divine
0.7 km
Authentic vintage fashion from the 1920s–1970s, expertly curated and restored in central Aarhus.
Darling Inspire
0.7 km
Intimate Aarhus clothing boutique in the Latin Quarter, where Danish design, slow fashion and a calm studio-like atmosphere invite unhurried browsing.
Ganni
0.8 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.
Munthe Market
0.8 km
Where timeless fashion finds new purpose through conscious curation and circular design.
RAINS Store Aarhus
0.8 km
A sculptural, minimalist flagship where Danish rainwear design meets gallery-like interiors in the heart of Aarhus’ main shopping district.
Balsalen
0.8 km
Atmospheric courtyard boutique in central Aarhus, where carefully curated interiors, lifestyle finds and Nordic design create a calm little universe behind Guldsmedgade.
Badstue Rock
0.8 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Die Rote Zone
0.6 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at Die Rote Zone, Aarhus' go-to bar for cocktails and craft beers in a lively and stylish atmosphere.
Annalise's Bar
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Annalise's Bar, where cozy ambiance meets creative cocktails and friendly service.
S'vinbar
0.7 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.
Theos Bar
0.8 km
Experience the cozy charm of Theos Bar in Aarhus, where delightful drinks and a warm atmosphere await every visitor.
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.
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.
SLM Aarhus
0.8 km
Discover the lively spirit of SLM Aarhus, a welcoming gay bar offering themed nights and a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Aarhus.
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.
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.
Erlings Jazz- & Ølbar
0.9 km
Intimate Aarhus neighborhood bar mixing live jazz, candlelit charm and 14 rotating craft beers on tap in a relaxed, grown-up atmosphere.
Hjorten
0.9 km
Discover the heart of Aarhus nightlife at Hjorten, a lively bodega with local brews and a vibrant atmosphere for all visitors.
Vesterlauget
0.9 km
Cozy madbodega on Vestergade serving simple Danish comfort food, strong coffee and great beer in a relaxed, communal bar-restaurant setting.
Cirkuskroen
0.9 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Cirkuskroen, a charming bar offering a perfect blend of drinks and local culture.
V58
0.9 km
Courtyard-hideaway bar and music spot in central Aarhus, blending crafted cocktails, Mediterranean flavours and intimate live performances late into the night.
El Loco
0.9 km
Discover El Loco, a vibrant bar in Aarhus, known for its lively atmosphere, affordable drinks, and unforgettable nightlife experience.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Cafe Paradis - Den Sidste
0.7 km
Unleash your nightlife experience at Cafe Paradis - Den Sidste, Aarhus' top destination for dancing, cocktails, and unforgettable memories.
DCD STUDIO
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant rock music scene at DCD STUDIO in Aarhus, where electrifying performances and a lively atmosphere await every visitor.
equalclub
0.9 km
Discover the thriving nightlife of Aarhus at Equal Club, where music, dance, and unforgettable experiences come together.
Bernhardt Natklub
1.0 km
Discover Aarhus' premier nightlife destination at Bernhardt Natklub, where cocktails and beats create unforgettable memories.
ZenZa Cocktailbar
1.2 km
Discover Aarhus' vibrant nightlife at ZenZa Cocktailbar, where expertly crafted cocktails and lively atmosphere await you.
Rustik Bar & Natklub - Aarhus
1.2 km
Dive into the pulsating nightlife of Aarhus at Rustik Bar & Natklub, where vibrant music and an electric atmosphere await.
KLUB22
1.3 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at KLUB22 in Aarhus, where electrifying music and vibrant atmosphere await.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Scenic
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
- Parks & Gardens
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
