Salling ROOFTOP, Aarhus

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.