Den Gamle By – The Old Town, Aarhus

Walk through four centuries of Danish town life in a reconstructed open‑air city of timbered houses, vintage shops and lived‑in streets at Den Gamle By.

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The Old Town

Set within Aarhus’ Botanical Gardens, Den Gamle By (The Old Town) is a renowned open‑air museum where entire streets, squares and houses from across Denmark have been reconstructed to show four centuries of urban life. Wander cobbled lanes past half‑timbered merchants’ homes, peer into 1920s shops and 1970s flats, and meet costumed interpreters bringing crafts, kitchens and workshops to life. It is one of Denmark’s most immersive introductions to the country’s town culture and everyday history.

A brief summary to The Old Town

Viborgvej 2, Aarhus C, Aarhus C, 8000, DK
+4586123188
Visit website
Duration: 3.5 to 6 hours
Mid ranged
Mixed
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Monday 10 am-5 pm
Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
Thursday 10 am-5 pm
Friday 10 am-5 pm
Saturday 10 am-5 pm
Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

Allow at least 4–5 hours to explore; the site is extensive and many interiors, side streets and small exhibitions are easy to overlook if you rush.
Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestones and uneven surfaces, and dress in layers; much of your time is outdoors in changeable Danish weather.
Check current ticket prices and any family or student discounts in advance, as entrance fees and seasonal opening hours can change during the year.
Plan meal or snack breaks at the on‑site bakeries and cafés; they add to the atmosphere and help pace a full‑day visit, especially with children.
If you enjoy photography, visit early or on weekdays to find quieter corners for shots of empty streets, shopfronts and period interiors.

Getting There

City bus from central Aarhus

From central Aarhus, use the city bus network toward Viborgvej; frequent services link the central station area to the stop closest to Den Gamle By in about 10–15 minutes. A single adult ticket on local buses typically costs around 20–30 DKK depending on zone and purchase method. Buses run throughout the day, but evening and weekend frequencies are lower, so check the timetable if you plan to leave late.
Walking from Aarhus city centre

If you are staying in the central districts near the main shopping streets or the cathedral, you can reach Den Gamle By on foot in roughly 20–30 minutes. The walk is mostly on paved city pavements with some gentle inclines as you approach the Botanical Gardens. Surfaces are suitable for most visitors, though wheelchairs and strollers may find some sections slightly uphill.
Bicycle within Aarhus

Aarhus is bicycle‑friendly, and Den Gamle By lies a short ride from many central hotels. Expect a 10–20 minute journey from the inner city using marked cycle lanes on main streets. Rental bikes and city bikes are widely available at daily rates usually starting around 80–120 DKK, with e‑bikes costing more. Bike racks are located near the museum entrances, but cycling is not allowed inside the museum streets.
Taxi from central areas

Taxis from central Aarhus or the main railway station typically reach Den Gamle By in 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic. Daytime fares for such a short urban journey usually fall in the range of 100–180 DKK, with higher prices in evenings and on weekends. Taxis drop passengers near the entrance; from there, access to the ticket office and main streets is on foot over level or gently sloping ground.

The Old Town location weather suitability

Any Weather
Clear Skies
Cold Weather
Mild Temperatures
Hot Weather
Rain / Wet Weather

Discover more about The Old Town

A reconstructed town in the heart of Aarhus

Den Gamle By, literally “The Old Town”, is an open‑air museum laid out like a full Danish market town, tucked beside the leafy Aarhus Botanical Gardens. Instead of a single historic street, you step into an entire townscape built from more than 70 original buildings moved here from around Denmark. Cobblestone alleys, crooked timber façades and courtyard gardens create the feeling of walking through a living settlement rather than a traditional gallery. Founded in the early 20th century as one of the world’s first open‑air museums focused on town culture, the site has grown into a detailed portrait of Danish urban life. Workshops, stables, small docks and mills are arranged much as they would have been in their original locations. The result is a place where architecture, objects and atmosphere combine to tell the story of everyday people across four centuries.

Timber houses and trades from the 1600s and 1800s

The oldest quarters evoke the era of Hans Christian Andersen, with tight clusters of half‑timbered houses leaning towards one another over narrow lanes. Here you wander past merchant mansions, modest dwellings and small gardens, each furnished with period interiors. Kitchens are laid with copper pots, bedsteads are piled with quilts, and storerooms brim with tools and barrels. Traditional trades are a major part of this district. Blacksmiths’ forges, workshops, tobacco barns and mills show how a pre‑industrial town functioned. Many of the largest buildings, such as the grand mayor’s house and a merchant’s mansion, were once prominent landmarks in their original cities before being dismantled and re‑erected here, stone and beam carefully numbered and reset.

Modernity arrives in the 1920s streets

Moving into the 20th century, the scene shifts to wide pavements, shopfront windows and the hum of early modern life. The 1927 quarter is lined with a hardware store, bookshop, soap house, post office and telephone exchange. Overhead, wires and streetlights mark the transition to a more industrialised and connected society, while vintage cars and signage add splashes of colour. Inside the shops you find shelves stacked with enamelware, tins and packaging designed from original examples. Offices are set up as if the clerk has just stepped out, with ledgers open and inkwells ready. Together, these details show how the rhythms of everyday life changed when mass‑produced goods, advertising and new technologies arrived in Danish towns.

Stepping into the 1970s and recent decades

One of Den Gamle By’s most distinctive features is its leap into living memory. The 1974 neighbourhood recreates a Danish urban district from the welfare‑state era, complete with apartments, a kindergarten, hairdresser, and radio and TV store. Interiors reveal different ways of life, from nuclear family flats to shared student housing and bohemian homes, all fitted out with patterned wallpaper, record players and familiar furniture designs. Further on, exhibits from the late 20th and early 21st centuries explore how city life has continued to evolve. Here you encounter more contemporary streetscapes and displays that frame the museum’s older quarters within a broader story of changing housing, work and leisure. It is a rare chance to see your own era treated as carefully as distant centuries.

A living museum of sounds, smells and seasons

Den Gamle By is designed to engage all the senses. In many seasons you may meet staff in historical dress baking in wood‑fired ovens, chopping wood in courtyards or serving behind shop counters. The smell of fresh bread drifts from the bakery, horses’ hooves clatter on stone, and gardens shift with the Danish seasons. Smaller museums and exhibitions are woven into the town, including collections dedicated to posters, toys and seasonal traditions such as Christmas. Cafés and old‑style eateries offer a chance to sit with coffee or cake while you watch daily life unfold in the streets outside. With so many layers of time side by side, the experience rewards slow wandering and plenty of curiosity.

Planning your visit for an unhurried day

The museum covers a sizable area with numerous interiors, so an unhurried visit often fills most of a day. Many travellers choose to focus on a couple of time periods, but it is also possible to follow the story chronologically from the 1600s to the late 1900s. Opening hours and ticket prices vary by season, with reduced schedules in the darker months and longer days in summer. Because the streets are largely cobbled and some interiors have steps or narrow doorways, movement between buildings can be uneven, though many outdoor areas are spacious. Whatever the route, Den Gamle By offers one of the most complete portraits of Danish town life, inviting you to slip in and out of centuries simply by turning a corner.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden

0.8 km

Explore contemporary art at Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden, Aarhus' premier gallery showcasing local and international talent.

Den Svangre

0.9 km

A bronze sculpture celebrating the female form in Aarhus's cultural heart.

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.

Herman Sallings Plads

1.2 km

Aarhus’s vibrant harborfront plaza, bridging the historic city and the modern waterfront, alive with urban energy, culture, and panoramic views.

Endless Connection

1.3 km

Experience the dynamic interplay of art and water at Aarhus's Endless Connection, an interactive fountain by Jeppe Hein.

Aarhus waterfront

1.3 km

Aarhus Waterfront blends urban vibrancy, Nordic design, and harbor heritage with panoramic sea views and lively promenades, making it a quintessential Danish experience.

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.

University Park, Aarhus

1.4 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.

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.

Udsigtspladsen

2.3 km

Experience breathtaking city, harbor, and bay vistas from one of Aarhus C’s most beloved scenic viewpoints, perfect for relaxation and panoramic photography.

Tivoli Friheden

2.4 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

Danish Poster Museum

0.1 km

A compact museum inside Den Gamle By where bold graphics, historic campaigns and global visual culture come together in hundreds of eye-catching posters.

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

Step into Aarhus’ luminous Greenhouses, where four climate zones, towering tropical plants and Danish landscapes outside create a calm, free botanical escape all year.

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

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.

Mølleparken

0.5 km

Compact yet characterful, Mølleparken is Aarhus’ riverside green room, blending mill-town history, public art, student life and festival energy in one urban pocket.

Møllestien

0.5 km

Pastel cottages, cobbled stones and climbing roses – a tiny historic lane where centuries of Aarhus history live behind colourful facades.

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

Free tropical greenhouses and Danish gardens in Aarhus's verdant heart, open year-round.

ARoS Aarhus Art Museum

0.6 km

Ten floors of Danish and international art crowned by a rainbow‑coloured skywalk, ARoS turns Aarhus’s skyline into part of a bold, immersive museum experience.

Kunsthal Aarhus

0.6 km

Free contemporary art in a light-filled modernist space, showcasing international and Danish artists since 1917.

Musikhuset Aarhus

0.7 km

Northern Europe's largest concert hall delivering world-class performances in stunning Scandinavian architecture.

Our Lady Church

0.7 km

Dokk1 is Aarhus’ iconic harborside library and cultural center—where award-winning design, vibrant community life, and panoramic waterfront views combine.

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

Intimate cobbled square in central Aarhus where monastic history, café life and city shopping streets meet in a relaxed, atmospheric urban pocket.

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.

Polished menswear boutique on historic Lille Torv, pairing curated designer labels with minimalist interior design and attentive, style-focused service.

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.

Discover Barstart, Aarhus' premier cocktail bar offering vibrant drinks, small plates, and a unique Tarantino-themed ambiance for an unforgettable night out.

Nightclubs & after hour spots

equalclub

0.5 km

Discover the thriving nightlife of Aarhus at Equal Club, where music, dance, and unforgettable experiences come together.

KLUB22

0.6 km

Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at KLUB22 in Aarhus, where electrifying music and vibrant atmosphere await.

Bernhardt Natklub

0.9 km

Discover Aarhus' premier nightlife destination at Bernhardt Natklub, where cocktails and beats create unforgettable memories.

Cafe Paradis - Den Sidste

1.0 km

Unleash your nightlife experience at Cafe Paradis - Den Sidste, Aarhus' top destination for dancing, cocktails, and unforgettable memories.

Rustik Bar & Natklub - Aarhus

1.0 km

Dive into the pulsating nightlife of Aarhus at Rustik Bar & Natklub, where vibrant music and an electric atmosphere await.

ZenZa Cocktailbar

1.1 km

Discover Aarhus' vibrant nightlife at ZenZa Cocktailbar, where expertly crafted cocktails and lively atmosphere await you.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

Discover The Old Town with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease and convenience.

Den Gamle By – The Old Town, Aarhus

A brief summary to The Old Town

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

City bus from central Aarhus

Walking from Aarhus city centre

Bicycle within Aarhus

Taxi from central areas

The Old Town location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of The Old Town

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about The Old Town

A reconstructed town in the heart of Aarhus

Timber houses and trades from the 1600s and 1800s

Modernity arrives in the 1920s streets

Stepping into the 1970s and recent decades

A living museum of sounds, smells and seasons

Planning your visit for an unhurried day

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden

Den Svangre

Agnete og Havmanden

Herman Sallings Plads

Endless Connection

Aarhus waterfront

Frederiks Plads

University Park, Aarhus

Folkehuset Trøjborg

Nordisk Film Cinemas Trøjborg

Trøjborg Beboerhus

Udsigtspladsen

Tivoli Friheden

Flagpladsen

Marselisborgmonumentet

Unmissable attractions to see

Danish Poster Museum

Møllen i botanisk have Århus

Greenhouses in the Botanical Garden

Museumsbroen

Stenpartiet

Mølleparken

Møllestien

Aarhus Culture Walk

Botanical Garden

ARoS Aarhus Art Museum

Kunsthal Aarhus

Musikhuset Aarhus

Our Lady Church

Sherlock Holmes Pub

Klostertorvet

Essential places to dine

Restaurant Malt - Mad, Øl & Vin

Møf

AmoRomA

Restaurant Amalfi

Den Lille Kro

Gastro & Vino

Lupo

Lydmar Restaurang

Bardok

SYV NI 13

Keyser Social

Tir Na nÓg - Irish Gastropub

Restaurant Dauphine ApS

Faour

Restaurant L'øst

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

1 + 1 Textil & Design

Darling Inspire

Vintage Divine

Epic Panda

Blue Caviar

Hørlyck Aarhus

CHANEL FRAGRANCE AND BEAUTY BOUTIQUE

SEPHORA MAGASIN AARHUS

& Other Stories

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