Aarhus - summer in the city

Fancy a break in a cool city by the sea? Head for Aarhus, the capital of Jutland and Denmark’s second largest city. It is a university city with a genuine buzz, great canal-side restaurants and brilliant shopping. In the summer months it has the added bonus that after a day of sightseeing and fun it is easy to get to the beach for a refreshing swim in the Bay of Aarhus.

Sounds good? The only question is really what dates to choose, since there is just so much going on in Aarhus this summer.

Here are just a few examples:

Tall Ships Race 5 - 8 July
Get a taste of Europe’s glorious maritime past by watching and stepping on board some of the magnificent Tall Ships that, for the first time, will be anchoring in Aarhus before casting off for the Tall Ship’s Race 2007. Some 100 ships from 25 countries will be creating a new silhouette across the popular Aarhus harbour area.

A couple of the highlights are the 117 meter long Russian ship Sedov, possibly the largest sailing ship in the world, which will arrive in Aarhus with a crew of 320. Representing the UK is The Lord Nelson, a ship that offers a very unique opportunity as the ship has been specially designed and built to take both able-bodied and physically disabled people who get a chance to work side by side.

The entire harbour area will be full of life and entertainment and the sound of live music can be enjoyed every afternoon. There will be special activities for children and all the family, most of them free. Saturday 7 July is the big party day with a huge fireworks display and concert with Bryan Adams and Danish star Tomas Helmig. More on Tsr07.dk

International Jazz Festival 14 - 21 July
For the 19th year running, the sound of Jazz will be heard from venues all over the city. All genres of Jazz will be represented and a selection of more than 200 concerts to be choosing from. Full programme soon available on Jazzfest.dk

The Aarhus Viking Moat 28 - 20 July
Are you a real Viking? Find out what it is like to be a true Viking at the annual Viking Moat. Hundreds of Vikings from near and far, annually gather at the Mosegard Museum south of Aarhus. In addition to viewing the permanent historical collections going back to the Iron and Bronze ages, including the Grauballe Man – a 1000-year old bog body the Moat Includes a colourful and festive market where you meet craftsmen at work and warriors showing of their horse riding skills. Moesmus.dk

How can I get there? It’s easy.

Ryanair is offering low fares from Stansted directly to Aarhus Airport twice a day. The airline also offers direct flights Dublin-Billund in the heart of Jutland, from where there is a coach connection to Aarhus (approx. 1½ hours ride). Ryanair.com

Sterling Airlines are offering a connection from Gatwick to Billund in the heart of Jutland, with a coach transfer to Aarhus after each flight (approx. 1½ hours ride). Sterling.dk

Wishing to get together with friends or family and take your own car? DFDS Seaways offer direct sailings throughout the year from Harwich to
Esbjerg (approx. 2 hours ride). Dfds.co.uk

For more information on Aarhus, take a look at Visitaarhus.com

For more on Denmark including hotel booking, go to Visitdenmark.com