Are you visiting Aarhus before Summer University? Then feel free to use this page as inspiration on what to do or see in Aarhus during your stay!
Besides our planned social programme, we have some recommendations for you on what to see in Aarhus. Often referred to as the smallest big city, Aarhus boasts a vibrant atmosphere and a great location. With forests and beaches close to the city centre, it's a perfect escape on warm days. Aarhus is also home to multiple architectural landmarks, both old and new. As we can't schedule activities at all of these amazing places, we've created a guide for you and your classmates.
As you will soon find out, Danes are very fond of bicycles. Even during the winter, you will see most Danes using their bikes as a means of transport. However, the local bus network is well developed and the yellow city buses will take you all over the city. If you bring your own car, you will be able to find parking both in the city centre and on campus. Whilst parking on campus is free but time-limited, you will need to pay on the streets outside of campus. Once you find your parking space, you need to locate the closest parking meter in order to pay for a parking ticket. Please note the parking fines are expensive in Denmark.
If you need to get somewhere fast and easily, you can always call one of the city taxis although they are quite expensive compared to other countries. However, they are safe, reliable, and comfortable.
Aarhus Taxa: +45 89 48 48 48 - they also have an app you can order a taxi from. Read more about it here.
DanTaxi: +45 86 16 47 00 - they also have an app and a website you can order a taxi from. Read more about it here.
For fun and easy transportation in Aarhus it is possible to rent an eco-friendly electric scooter running up to 20 km/h. The red/orange scooters are placed all over town and are easily accessible. Download the Voi Scooter app to your phone to get started and look up where the closest electric scooter is located. It costs 30 DKK to unlock the scooter and 1,5 DKK/minute. You can leave the scooter on almost any sidewalk in the city for the next one to pick it up. Be aware that it is mandatory to wear a helmet when riding a motorized scooter in Denmark.
Donkey Republic is an even more flexible bike rental offer as you pay by the minute. The orange bikes are situated all over Aarhus. Download the Donkey Republic bike app to look up the closest bike(s). Unlock the bike using the app and pay after finishing the ride. The price for 30 minutes = 15 DKK, 2 hours = 50 DKK, 1 day = 100 DKK and 2 days = 175 DKK. You can end the ride and leave the bike in any of the Donkey-spots.
You can also rent a bike for a full month here in Aarhus for only DKK 179 (with student discount) + a sign up fee. This prices includes service if it breaks down. In case this happens, they will come to you and swap it to a new one, thus their name Swapfiets. After placing the order, the bike will be delivered to you. Please note that the minimum contract period is one month with one month notice. Read more about it here.
If you choose VOI, Donkey Republic or Swapfiets you will need to study the Danish traffic rules. You can read more about essential bike equiptment, helmets, and the traffic regulations here.
The city bus network of Aarhus is well developed. The yellow city buses can take you all over the city – from 05:00 to 00:00. There are also night buses on Fridays and Saturdays. Midttrafik is the bus company that runs the yellow buses and on their website you will find the timetables for the different bus routes. One-way tickets can be bought from a ticket machine in the bus for DKK 26 (in cash) or via the Rejsebillet app. The machines only take coins.
If you would like, you can purchase a one month pendler card in the Rejsebillet app. This will allow for you to travel in most of Aarhus for 435 kr. Before purchasing your ticket, make sure that your accomodation and the location of your courses are within the zones you choose.
To go from the central train station to Nobelparken by bus, you can go by these buses:
Bus 12 towards Mejlby
Bus 16 towards Elev or towards Mejlby
Bus 18 towards Lystrup
Bus 100 towards Hornslet
Bus 118 towards Randers
Bus 123 towards Rønde or towards Ebeltoft
Bus 200 towards Hinnerup
It is also possible to ride the new light rail train. The light rail ticketing works the same way as in the buses and you can also use the Rejsebillet app for it. To go from the central train station to Nobelparken take the L2 towards Lisbjerg and get off at "Aarhus Universitet"
For planning your journey in Aarhus, or for travelling within Denmark, the website Rejseplanen.dk provides an excellent tool (similar to Google Maps).
If you have a day or weekend off, you might want to explore other parts of Denmark. For further inspiration, see VisitDenmark. You can either take a bus or train when getting around in Denmark. To check train departure times, you can visit the websites of DSB, Arriva, or Rejseplanen. Flixbus is a cheaper alternative to the train with an additional discount for students. Please visit Flixbus for departure times.
Note: If you wish to receive a student discount, it is very important that you bring a certificate of enrollment from either AU or your home university with you as they will check your credits on the bus and train.
You can take the train or bus to Copenhagen's Central Station in 3-3.5 hours. The train leaves for Copenhagen twice per hour. As the capital of Denmark, Copenhagen has a lot to offer. Take a tour on the canal, visit the Little Mermaid and the Queen's Palace, or take a stroll through Tivoli. Or simply just walk around and see all the city has to offer. Read more about it here.
You can take the train or bus to Odense in 1.5 hours. The train leaves for Odense twice per hour. The historic city of Odense is the birthplace of famous writer Hans Christian Andersen. Visit his childhood home or enjoy the cobblestone streets with small colorful homes that look like they belong on the pages of a storybook. Read more about Odense here.
You can take the train or bus to Aalborg in 1.5 hours. The train leaves for Aalborg twice per hour. Aalborg is located right at the waterfront, which has received an architectural upgrade in recent years with buildings such as the Utzon Center and the House of Music. Aalborg is also famous for its dramatic street art around the city; one walking tour will take you through more than 50 pieces. Read more about what to do in North Jutland here.
Aarhus Docklands (in Danish: Aarhus Ø) is a new district in Aarhus, and it is famous for the amazing architecture. The construction of the district began in 2008, and since then, a lot of famous buildings have been created. You need to see “The Light House”, “The Iceberg” and much more!
Ballehage Strand
The Beach “Ballehage” is a nice natural beach that is located 4 km south of Aarhus. Ballehage is located near the popular attraction “Den Uendelige Bro”.
Address: Ballehage Strand, 8270 Højbjerg
Public transport: From Park Alle/Rådhuset (Aarhus C) you can take bus line 18 towards Mosegaard Museum. You must get off at the stop called “Bekkasinvej/Grumstolsvej”.
Bellevue Strand
The beach called “Bellevue” is a nice sandy beach. Bellevue is located in the northern part of the city about 4 km from Aarhus C.
Address: Bellevue Strand, 8240 Risskov
Public transport: From Park Alle/Rådhuset (Aarhus C) you can take bus line 12 towards Hjortshøj or you can take bus line 17 towards Studstrup. You will have to get off at the stop called “Bellevuehallerne/Nordre Strandvej”.
Den Permanente
The beach called “Den Permanente” is one of the most popular beaches in Aarhus. Den Permanente is located in the forest called “Riis Skov”, which is a nice place for walks or a picnic. Den Permanente is located only 2 km from Aarhus University.
Address: Salonvejen 1, 8240 Risskov.
Public transport: From Park Alle/Rådhuset (Aarhus C) you can take either bus line 12 towards Mejlby, where you will get off at the stop called “Stationsgade/Harald Selmers Vej”, or the Letbane towards Grenaa in which you will have to get off at the stop called “Risskov Strandpark”.
Tangkrogen
The beach called “Tangkrogen” is a nice and natural beach, which is located near the castle “Marselisborg” and it is also near the urban area called “Frederiksbjerg”, which is very cozy and charming.
Address: Tangkrogen/Strandvejen (Aarhus Kom), 8000 Aarhus.
Public transport: From Park Alle/Rådhuset (Aarhus C) you can take bus line 17 towards Solbjerg, or you can take bus line 18 towards Moesgaard Museum.
Havnebadet
On Aarhus Ø you will find the charming harbor bath called “Havnebadet” or “Bassin 7”. The harbor bath offers several different pools and you will also find different street food places and bars.
Havnebadet is located only 2,6 km from Aarhus University.
Opening hours: 10.00am - 6.00pm.
Price: Free
Address: Havnebadet, 8000 Aarhus C
Public transport: You can take the Letbane and get off at the stop called “Østbanetovet” and walk the rest of the way.
Petanque might not be the most popular game, but nevertheless it is a great activity to enjoy in the afternoon sun. On Ingerslev Boulevard at Frederiksbjerg, there are two petanque courts available for free! Join your friends and meet up for a fun game in the sun. Afterwards, you can grab a cup of coffee on the nearby cafées or buy an ice cream.
Address: Ingerslevs Boulevard 1, 8000 Aarhus C
Price: Free!
If the weather is nice and you would like to be outside, the race track is definitely recommendation! The atmosphere is cozy, and you can bring a packed lunch or maybe get a beer.
Address: Observatorievejen 2, 8000 Aarhus, Danmark
Time: Varying times for different races but you can find the plan here.
Price: approximately 100 kr for the race entrance
Marselisborg Forests
Marselisborg Forest is a 550 hectares (1,400 acres) forest to the south of Aarhus City. Marselisborg Forests runs along the coastline of the Aarhus Bay in a hilly terrain with steep slopes and deep gullies, especially at the shoreline. There are many traces of prehistoric activities here and the landscape have been covered by woodlands for thousands of years.
Riis Skov forest
Riis Skov is located in the northern part of Aarhus City. It is a small forest on around 80 hectares and is frequently used by all of Aarhus’ citizens to run in, walk in, buy a to-go coffee in and enjoy the beautiful view of Aarhus Bay and Aarhus Ø. Riis Skov is also the place for one of Aarhus’ most popular beaches, Den Permanente bathing establishment. It is the perfect place for walking with its paths and small hills! There are a lot of benches and places to take a rest too.
Tivoli is an amusement park with many different amusements. you can try 4D haunted house, 50m free fall, and so much more! on Fridays they have concerts wit different artists, most often from Aarhus!
You can read more here!
Every Sunday, the popular bar called Alberts has English open mic stand up. Most days of the week they have Danish open mics as well, however, Sundays are for the English crowd!
Time: Every Sunday 19.30 to 21.30 (Danish time). The doors open at 18.00 and when the bar is filled up, the doors close, so be there in advance.
Address: Store Torv 3, 8000 Aarhus C
We recommend taking a trip to the street marked at Ingerslevs Boulevard! Beside the amazing atmosphere, it contains lots of stalls with various of different food experiences. There is everything from flowers, fruits and vegetables to cheese and meat. But the best part is the newly baked bread, the creamy ice cream and the freshly brewed coffee.
Address: Ingerslevs Boulevard 1, 8000 Aarhus C
Time: Every Sunday from 09:30 to 16:00.
Price: Free
