Salling ROOFTOP, Aarhus
Sky-high city park, glass-floored skywalk and stylish café-bar rolled into one panoramic rooftop above Aarhus’ main shopping street.
Perched atop the Salling department store on Søndergade, Salling ROOFTOP is Aarhus’ elevated urban playground: a free-access roofscape blending 360-degree city views, glass-floored skywalks and lush rooftop gardens with cafés, bars and event spaces. Spread across terraces and the verdant Roofgarden, it offers everything from quiet corners with blankets and lounge furniture to DJ nights, concerts and social dining. Come for coffee, cocktails or classic Danish dishes – and stay for some of the most cinematic city vistas in Denmark.
A brief summary to Salling ROOFTOP
- Søndergade 27, Aarhus, Aarhus C, 8000, DK
- +4587786000
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-7 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-7 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-7 pm
- Thursday 10 am-7 pm
- Friday 10 am-7 pm
- Saturday 10 am-6 pm
- Sunday 10 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Aim for late afternoon on a clear day for warm light over the harbor and city rooftops; you can stay through sunset while still catching the last café orders.
- If you are wary of heights, ease into the skywalk by first standing on the solid edges and only then stepping onto the glass section when you feel comfortable.
- Bring a light layer even in summer; being high and exposed can make it breezy, though blankets and some heaters are often available near seating areas.
- Plan extra time to explore the Roofgarden levels; it is larger than it first appears and hides swings, sculpture benches and quieter pockets of greenery.
- Food is popular at peak meal times; arriving a bit earlier or later than lunch and dinner rushes increases your chances of finding a prime-view table.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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On foot from Aarhus H railway station
From Aarhus H, allow about 10–15 minutes’ walking time through the compact city centre to reach the Salling department store on Søndergade, where the rooftop is located. The route is flat and fully paved, suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, and you simply use the store’s lifts to access the rooftop during opening hours. As walking is free and distances are short, this is the most straightforward option for most visitors arriving by train or regional bus.
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City bus within central Aarhus
Several city bus lines stop within a 5–8 minute walk of Søndergade, including services running along Park Allé and Banegårdsplads. Typical journeys within the inner city take 5–15 minutes, and single adult tickets usually cost in the range of 20–25 DKK depending on zones and purchase method. Buses run frequently throughout the day, but services are less frequent late at night and on some holidays. All buses are low-floor, making them accessible for wheelchairs and prams.
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Light rail (Aarhus Letbane) to central stops
If you arrive by light rail, use central stops such as Skolebakken or Aarhus H and plan for a 10–15 minute walk through the pedestrian streets to the department store. Travel time on the light rail from outer districts into the centre is typically 10–25 minutes, with standard tickets broadly aligned with city bus fares, often around 20–30 DKK for short journeys. Trains run regularly during the day, though evening and weekend frequencies can be reduced, so check departure times if returning late.
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Car and nearby parking garages
Driving into central Aarhus, expect 10–25 minutes’ travel from most suburban areas, longer in rush hour when congestion is common around key junctions. There is no dedicated rooftop parking, so you will need to use nearby multi-storey garages such as those close to Bruun’s Galleri or other central car parks within walking distance of Søndergade. Short-stay parking in central garages typically costs around 20–30 DKK per hour, with some offering daily caps; height restrictions and tight ramps can affect larger vehicles, and spaces fill more quickly on busy shopping days.
Salling ROOFTOP location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Any Weather
Discover more about Salling ROOFTOP
A Rooftop City Square Above Søndergade
Sitting high above Aarhus’ main shopping street, Salling ROOFTOP transforms the top of a classic department store into an open-air city square in the sky. Here, the bustle of Søndergade softens into a hum, replaced by the clink of coffee cups, low music and the rustle of plants in the wind. Access is free, and you step directly into a series of terraces that together feel like an elevated park, complete with views that sweep from the cathedral spire and ARoS’ rainbow ring to the harbor cranes and distant forested hills. The rooftop is divided into distinct zones: café tables near the serving counters, cushioned lounge areas for lingering with a drink, and quieter corners where blankets and low seating encourage you to sink in and simply watch the city drift by below.Glass Skywalks and Panoramic Vistas
One of the rooftop’s signature features is the glass-floored skywalk, projecting dramatically above the pedestrian street. Standing 27 metres over the shoppers below, it delivers a mild shot of adrenaline along with postcard-worthy photos, especially when you dare to look straight down through the transparent floor. Those who prefer a gentler experience can stick to the broad terraces and railings, which provide uninterrupted 360-degree views without the vertigo. Daylight hours show off the red-brick rooftops and modern skyline, while late afternoons bring warm, slanting light over the harbor and bay. In winter, the rooftop becomes an excellent vantage point for seasonal decorations, with the glow of lights stretching along the streets and squares beneath you.Roofgarden: A Park Suspended in the Air
In extension of the main terrace, the Salling Roofgarden adds a softer, greener character. Laid out over several levels, it weaves together trees, shrubs, roses and aromatic herbs into an elevated city park. Curving paths thread between planting beds, while imaginative sculptural benches invite both contemplation and playful climbing. Here you find sky swings for children and adults, shaded nooks for reading, and vantage points that frame the skyline through branches and foliage. The plantings are designed to offer changing textures and colours across the seasons, so the garden feels alive whether you visit in spring bloom, high summer or crisp autumn.Café Culture and Nordic Flavours
Food and drink are an integral part of the experience. The rooftop café and bar serve a menu that leans into modern Danish comfort: open-faced smørrebrød on dense rye, crisp fish fillets, burgers, salads and brunch plates, alongside pastries and cakes. Drinks range from carefully poured coffee and homemade lemonades to wine, beer and classic cocktails, often sourced through Salling’s own wine and food departments. You can drop in for a simple coffee with a view or make a meal of it, settling at café tables or in lounge seating under heaters and blankets on cooler days. In the warmer months, the rooftop becomes an al fresco dining room, with long, bright evenings stretching over the rooftops.Events, Atmosphere and Architectural Accolades
Beyond everyday café life, Salling ROOFTOP functions as an event venue. Stages and open areas host talks, food events, and a regular programme of concerts and DJ sets, especially on Friday afternoons in the warmer months when the after-work crowd filters up for music and drinks at altitude. The design, combining skywalk, zen-like garden zones, bar and bistro, has earned architectural recognition and helped cement the rooftop as one of Denmark’s most visited urban attractions. Despite its popularity, the space offers enough corners that you can usually find a spot that suits your mood: lively near the bar, relaxed in the garden, or quietly contemplative by the railings, watching Aarhus unfold in every direction.Practical Details and Who It Suits
The rooftop follows the department store’s opening hours, typically from morning until early evening, with slightly shorter hours on weekends. Entry to the roof and gardens is free; you pay only for what you eat and drink. Dogs are not allowed, but the space is lift-accessible through the store, making it manageable for most visitors with limited mobility. Families appreciate the swings and open air, couples drift toward the more secluded seating with panoramic views, and solo travellers find it an easy, low-effort way to get oriented in the city. Whether you treat it as a quick viewpoint stop or linger for a long lunch above the streets, Salling ROOFTOP offers one of Aarhus’ most distinctive urban experiences.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Agnete og Havmanden
0.4 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
0.4 km
A bronze sculpture celebrating the female form in Aarhus's cultural heart.
Frederiks Plads
0.5 km
A vibrant, contemporary city square where modern architecture, open green space, and urban life converge in the heart of Aarhus near Frederiksbjerg.
Møllen i botanisk have Århus
1.0 km
Historic mill at the heart of Aarhus's verdant botanical sanctuary, blending heritage with living gardens.
Greenhouses in the Botanical Garden
1.1 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.
Steno Museum
1.3 km
Explore the Steno Museum in Aarhus, where science and history come alive through engaging exhibits and interactive experiences.
Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden
1.3 km
Explore contemporary art at Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden, Aarhus' premier gallery showcasing local and international talent.
Botanical Garden
1.4 km
Experience Denmark's artistic heritage and international masterpieces at SMK, Copenhagen's dynamic national gallery housed in landmark architecture beside the Kings’ Garden.
Folkehuset Trøjborg
1.4 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.
University Park, Aarhus
1.6 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.
Nordisk Film Cinemas Trøjborg
1.9 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
1.9 km
Experience the vibrant community spirit of Aarhus at Trøjborg Beboerhus, a hub for cultural events, workshops, and local gatherings.
Udsigtspladsen
2.0 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
2.1 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
2.7 km
Historic plaza overlooking Aarhus Bay, gateway to royal heritage and astronomical discovery.
Unmissable attractions to see
Strøget
0.0 km
Aarhus’ 850‑metre pedestrian high street, where shops, cafés and everyday city life line a car‑free spine between the central station, riverfront and cathedral.
Flodhesteungen Frederikke
0.2 km
A small granite hippo resting in the middle of Frederiksgade, Flodhesteungen Frederikke adds a playful, tactile pause to the busy streets of central Aarhus.
Flodhestefontæne
0.2 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.
Mural - The Seagull Kiss
0.2 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.
Sankt Clements Torv
0.2 km
Compact, historic and constantly in motion, Sankt Clemens Torv is the everyday crossroads between cathedral, Viking past, riverside cafés and modern shopping Aarhus.
Sherlock Holmes Pub
0.2 km
Discover Aarhus’ charismatic Latin Quarter—a labyrinth of cobbled streets, lively cafés, creative boutiques, and historic charm at the city’s vibrant core.
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.
Viking Museum
0.3 km
Walk where Vikings founded Aarhus 1,200 years ago in this underground museum beneath the city center.
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.
Kunsthal Aarhus
0.3 km
Free contemporary art in a light-filled modernist space, showcasing international and Danish artists since 1917.
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.
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.
Aarhus Cathedral
0.4 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 Culture Walk
0.4 km
Discover Aarhus' oldest neighborhood, Latinerkvarteret, where historic charm meets modern culture in a vibrant blend of cafés, boutiques, and artistic venues.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant L'øst
0.1 km
Modern Nordic bistro flavors and relaxed hotel comfort meet at Restaurant L’øst, a casual yet polished dining room in the very centre of Aarhus C.
Restaurant Dauphine ApS
0.2 km
Restaurant Dauphine in Aarhus blends Nordic ingredients with French culinary flair, offering a refined tasting menu and expertly paired wines in a stylish, intimate setting.
Tir Na nÓg - Irish Gastropub
0.2 km
A multi-room Irish gastropub in central Aarhus, blending cosy pub dining, live music and big-screen sport with Irish warmth and Danish hygge under one lively roof.
Pho C&P
0.2 km
Authentic Vietnamese street food in a cozy Aarhus hideaway—exceptional quality, reasonable prices, reservations essential.
KöD Aarhus
0.2 km
Riverfront steakhouse in central Aarhus, serving premium cuts, generous sides and bold wines in a warm, low-lit setting made for slow, sociable dinners.
Restaurant MellemRum
0.2 km
Restaurant MellemRum in central Aarhus offers creative Danish and European cuisine, served in a stylish, relaxed setting on Fredens Torv in Aarhus C.
Raadhuus Kafeen
0.2 km
Aarhus's most authentic Danish kitchen, serving generations with generous portions and timeless Nordic flavors.
SYV NI 13
0.2 km
Skyline social dining on the 19th floor of Aarhus’ TRÆ building, where minimalist Nordic plates, global flavours and harbour views come together over shared menus.
Bardok
0.2 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.
Restaurant Klokken Aarhus
0.3 km
Taste the heart of Aarhus at Restaurant Klokken, where traditional Danish cuisine meets warm local hospitality in a historic city center setting.
Restaurant ET
0.3 km
Stylish French dining by the Aarhus river, blending Parisian tradition with Danish seasonal produce and a world-class wine list in the heart of Indre By.
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.
Bone's Aarhus
0.3 km
Canal-side American BBQ in central Aarhus, serving spareribs, steaks, burgers and a generous salad and soft ice bar in relaxed, family-friendly surroundings.
Grappa Aps
0.3 km
Modern Italian kitchen and wine bar on Aarhus’ lively riverfront, serving pizzas, pasta and antipasti from brunch to late evening in a warm, social setting.
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
Salling Aarhus
0.0 km
Flagship Aarhus department store where fashion, food, design and a panoramic rooftop terrace with glass skywalk and city views all meet under one central roof.
Mrs. P Coffee & The
0.0 km
A cosy Aarhus specialty shop where aromatic coffee, fine teas, chocolates and wines come together in beautifully curated gifts and everyday indulgences.
Femilet
0.1 km
Scandinavian lingerie boutique in central Aarhus, offering personalised fittings, comfortable essentials and cosy nightwear in a calm setting on busy Søndergade.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.1 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
0.2 km
Discover Danish porcelain heritage at Royal Copenhagen Aarhus, a refined destination for iconic tableware, handcrafted designs, and timeless design inspiration.
Epic Panda
0.2 km
Cozy underground game store in central Aarhus, blending packed shelves of board games and card games with a friendly, late‑night community play space.
Bahne
0.2 km
A bright Scandinavian lifestyle store in central Aarhus, blending fashion, homeware, gifts and wellness in a calm, design-led setting on busy Søndergade.
UNIQ
0.2 km
Compact, curated vintage in the heart of Aarhus, blending sustainable fashion, Scandinavian style and an easygoing boutique atmosphere on lively Frederiksgade.
Plakaten
0.2 km
Long‑standing Aarhus poster boutique on Sankt Clemens Torv, blending curated art prints with expert framing services in the heart of the city’s main shopping street.
Bog & idé - Aarhus, Svend A. Larsen
0.2 km
Classic city-center book and stationery store where shelves of novels, notebooks, games and gifts offer a cozy cultural pause in the heart of Aarhus.
BESTSELLER Rømerhus
0.2 km
Flagship BESTSELLER fashion house in a historic Aarhus icon, blending classic architecture, modern Scandinavian design and multi-brand style under one roof.
CHANEL FRAGRANCE AND BEAUTY BOUTIQUE
0.3 km
Luxury fragrance and beauty in the heart of Aarhus, with personalized consultations and CHANEL's complete cosmetic collection.
Magasin Aarhus
0.3 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.
SEPHORA MAGASIN AARHUS
0.3 km
A bright, modern Sephora on Magasin’s ground floor, bringing international beauty brands, fragrance and skincare to the very heart of downtown Aarhus.
Royal Vintage
0.3 km
Hidden down a quiet Aarhus lane, Royal Vintage offers a compact, carefully curated selection of pre-loved fashion for travellers who love slow, sustainable style.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Vinstuen
0.1 km
Experience the cozy charm of Vinstuen, a beloved bar in Aarhus, offering refreshing drinks and a welcoming atmosphere for all.
Barstart
0.2 km
Discover Barstart, Aarhus' premier cocktail bar offering vibrant drinks, small plates, and a unique Tarantino-themed ambiance for an unforgettable night out.
Oops - Bar, lounge og Rombar i Århus
0.2 km
Discover Oops Bar in Aarhus - a vibrant cocktail haven blending style and comfort with an exquisite drink menu and light bites.
SWAY
0.2 km
Central Aarhus bar with affordable drinks, attentive staff, and vibrant late-night atmosphere.
LouLou Aarhus
0.2 km
Glam cocktail bar and 23+ nightclub on Aarhus’ riverside strip, where playful décor, crafted drinks and a pulsing dance floor keep weekends going till dawn.
London
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at its premier cocktail bar, blending innovative drinks with a stylish ambiance for an unforgettable evening.
Bitter Bar
0.2 km
Experience the lively ambiance and innovative cocktails at Bitter Bar, a must-visit nightlife gem in Aarhus.
Rabalder Bar Aarhus
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Rabalder Bar, where creative cocktails and lively atmosphere await every visitor.
Waxies
0.2 km
Lively Irish pub and sports bar in central Aarhus, blending cosy wood‑panelled charm with live music, games and big‑screen sports late into the night.
Clemens Bar
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Clemens Bar, where friendly vibes and delicious drinks await every night.
Gedulgt
0.2 km
Discover Gedulgt: Aarhus's premier cocktail bar offering unique drinks and a lively ambiance for an unforgettable night out.
Herr Bartels
0.2 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Herr Bartels, a premier cocktail bar offering innovative drinks and a lively atmosphere.
Die kleine Bierstube
0.2 km
Cozy German-style pub on lively Frederiksgade, pouring classic Bavarian beers and serving hearty schnitzel in a wood-paneled corner of central Aarhus.
Flintstone Pub
0.2 km
Low-lit brun bar in central Aarhus serving inexpensive beers, Guinness and classic pub vibes in a laid-back, wood-paneled setting.
Der Kuhstall
0.2 km
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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Rustik Bar & Natklub - Aarhus
0.2 km
Dive into the pulsating nightlife of Aarhus at Rustik Bar & Natklub, where vibrant music and an electric atmosphere await.
ZenZa Cocktailbar
0.2 km
Discover Aarhus' vibrant nightlife at ZenZa Cocktailbar, where expertly crafted cocktails and lively atmosphere await you.
GBAR
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at GBAR in Aarhus, a welcoming dance club where everyone can enjoy an unforgettable night out.
Lounge 8000
0.3 km
Discover the best of Aarhus nightlife at Lounge 8000, where vibrant performances and a stylish lounge atmosphere await.
Bernhardt Natklub
0.3 km
Discover Aarhus' premier nightlife destination at Bernhardt Natklub, where cocktails and beats create unforgettable memories.
Hornsleth Bar Aarhus
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Hornsleth Bar, where innovative cocktails meet an energetic atmosphere.
equalclub
0.5 km
Discover the thriving nightlife of Aarhus at Equal Club, where music, dance, and unforgettable experiences come together.
V58
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at V58 in Aarhus, where live music meets an energetic atmosphere for an unforgettable night out.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Romantic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Art & Design
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Skyline
- Sunset Spots
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- TikTok-Friendly
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Cultural Heritage
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
