Aarhus is the second largest city in Denmark and a popular destination for international academic conferences. According to the Global Destination Sustainability Index, Aarhus is among the top ten destinations for international events worldwide.
Located on the east coast of the Jutland peninsula, Aarhus has a population of around 340,000. Aarhus is a university town, with the youngest urban population in Denmark, but it is also one of the country’s oldest cities, as it was founded in the Viking age. This mix of youthful energy and rich history is what makes Aarhus special.
There is plenty to see and to do in downtown Aarhus, all within walking distance. One of the most popular areas is Vadestedet, where cafés, restaurants and fashionable shops line the Aarhus River.
Another must-see is the Latin Quarter, a charming historic area in the heart of the city, filled with boutique shops, inventive restaurants and winding cobblestone streets. This is the place to discover independent dining, fashion and Danish design you won’t find on the high street.
In the last few years, Aarhus has seen the development of the new Aarhus Docklands district — an exciting and rapidly expanding neighbourhood alongside the former harbour.
Aarhus is surrounded by sea and forest. All around the city, you'll find ancient woodland and nature reserves, along with beaches and canals in every direction. In the heart of the city, green spaces offer quiet places to relax. Highlights include the Botanical Garden, Marselisborg Memorial Park and the University Park — just a few of the city's parks that are worth exploring.
For those who like to stay active, Aarhus offers plenty of running routes, bike paths, and both indoor and outdoor gyms, along with excellent places to swim. In the summer, you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the clean waters of the Aarhus bay, the Harbor Bath, Ballehage Beach, Den Permanente sea bath, or the swimming lanes north of Aarhus Docklands — all within easy reach of the city centre.
Aarhus is a paradise for foodies. With four Michelin restaurants, Aarhus is a world-class gastronomic destination. But did you know that the Michelin Guide doesn’t only rate restaurants – it also awards its trademark stars to exceptional attractions, museums, churches and resorts? Aarhus has an impressive number of stars in this category as well: The Old Town, Denmark’s highest-rated open-air historical museum, has three stars, while the ARoS Modern Art Museum and the Moesgaard Museum of history and ethnography each have two.