Den Gamle By – The Old Town, Aarhus

Step through cobbled streets and timbered houses into four centuries of Danish town life at Den Gamle By, Aarhus’ atmospheric open‑air museum.

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The Old Town

Den Gamle By, set within Aarhus’ botanical gardens, is a pioneering open‑air museum where entire historic buildings from across Denmark have been reassembled into a full townscape. Cobblestone streets, half‑timbered houses, working shops and period-costumed staff bring four centuries of Danish urban life to life, from Hans Christian Andersen’s era through the 1920s and 1970s to the early 21st century, making this one of the country’s most immersive cultural attractions.

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
Outdoor
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 four to five hours to explore multiple time periods, hidden courtyards and indoor exhibits without rushing.
Wear comfortable shoes; many streets are cobblestoned and you will walk on uneven historic surfaces all day.
Plan meal or snack breaks at the onsite bakery or cafés to experience traditional Danish treats in period settings.
Check seasonal opening hours and any special events in advance, as some themed areas and activities are not offered year‑round.

Getting There

City bus from central Aarhus

From central Aarhus, use one of the city buses that run along Viborgvej towards the western side of the centre; typical journey time from the main pedestrian area is about 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. Buses run frequently throughout the day, and a single adult ticket within the city zone usually costs around 24–30 DKK when bought on board or via local transport apps. Services operate year‑round, but timetables are slightly reduced in evenings and on some holidays.
Walking from Aarhus city centre

Den Gamle By lies just northwest of the compact city centre, and many visitors arrive on foot. From the heart of downtown it generally takes 15–25 minutes to walk at a relaxed pace, crossing through built‑up streets and then into the greenery of the botanical gardens. The route involves some gentle inclines and cobbled sections near the museum, so allow extra time if travelling with small children, pushchairs or limited mobility, and consider weather conditions, especially in winter when surfaces can be slippery.
Taxi within Aarhus

Taxis are easy to find around the railway station and main squares, and offer a simple option if you prefer a direct ride. Depending on where you start in the inner city, the journey to Den Gamle By typically takes 5–10 minutes in normal traffic. Fares within central Aarhus commonly fall in the 90–150 DKK range, varying with distance, time of day and waiting time at lights. Taxis run all year and are metered; card payment is widely accepted.

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 frozen in time

Den Gamle By, literally “The Old Town”, is not just an old quarter of Aarhus but a purpose-built open‑air museum where 75 historic buildings from around 20 Danish towns have been dismantled and rebuilt to form an entire market town streetscape. Half‑timbered houses lean over cobbled lanes, small squares open onto workshops and warehouses, and the whole ensemble is framed by the greenery of the surrounding botanical gardens. Founded in 1909 and opened to the public in 1914, it was the world’s first open‑air museum devoted to town rather than rural village life. The original nucleus was the Renaissance Mayor’s House from Aarhus, soon joined by grand merchants’ mansions and more modest dwellings relocating here piece by piece as urban development threatened them elsewhere.

Walking through four different eras

The museum is organised as a journey through time, and one of its great pleasures is simply wandering as the centuries subtly shift around you. In the oldest quarter, evoking the 1600s and 1800s, crooked timber façades, small-paned windows and horse-drawn vehicles create scenes reminiscent of Hans Christian Andersen’s Denmark. Here you can step into townhouses, artisans’ yards and small shops to see how tradespeople, merchants and the urban poor shared cramped courtyards. Move forward to the 1927 district and the mood changes: paved sidewalks, early cars, streetlights and advertising gables reflect a modernising city. Authentic interiors such as the hardware store, bookshop, soap factory and telephone exchange show how consumer goods and new technology transformed everyday routines between the wars.

From 1970s nostalgia to contemporary stories

A short stroll brings you to the 1974 neighbourhood, a striking contrast to the cobbles behind you. This quarter of apartment blocks, corner shops and a radio and TV store re-creates the atmosphere of late 20th‑century Denmark. Inside the flats you can peek into the lives of different households, from a tidy nuclear family to a shared hippie collective, complete with patterned wallpaper, vinyl records and period furniture. Some exhibits extend the timeline into the 21st century, using recreated homes and displays to explore how digitalisation, new family structures and changing consumer habits continue to reshape urban life. Rather than idealising the past, these installations invite you to compare generations and reflect on what has really changed and what feels familiar.

Living history, crafts and hidden collections

From spring onwards, costumed interpreters appear throughout the streets: a baker’s apprentice carrying trays of bread, a maid tending a stove, or a clerk tallying accounts in an office. They work with tools, recipes and routines drawn from historical sources, turning static settings into scenes you can observe, question and sometimes join. The smell of fresh pastries from the traditional bakery, the ring of a blacksmith’s hammer or the chatter in an old-style grocery animate the museum beyond its architecture. Behind the façades, a network of specialist museums and exhibits deepens the experience. There is a merchant’s mansion furnished to 1864 standards, a collection of Danish interiors across decades, and themed displays such as a poster museum. Many houses hide staircases to attics, basements or back gardens, encouraging you to explore at your own pace and discover quiet courtyards away from the main routes.

Planning your visit for a full day

The site is extensive, and it rewards unhurried exploration. With multiple time periods, side streets and indoor exhibits, a focused visit easily stretches into most of a day, especially if you pause in the cafés or sample traditional cakes from the historic bakery. Seasonal decorations add extra charm: in winter, for example, selected streets are dressed for historic versions of Christmas, while in warmer months gardens and kitchen plots are in full bloom. Because many surfaces are cobbled and historic interiors can have narrow thresholds, pace your visit if mobility is a concern and wear comfortable footwear. Information in English and other languages is widely available on signs and in leaflets, making it straightforward to understand the context of what you see even without a guided tour.

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

Taxi within Aarhus

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 frozen in time

Walking through four different eras

From 1970s nostalgia to contemporary stories

Living history, crafts and hidden collections

Planning your visit for a full 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

UNIQ

RAINS Store Aarhus

Magasin Aarhus