Denmark’s second city is first for culture

Aarhus is Denmark’s second largest city and located on the East Jutland coast. Known for its great care of preserving Denmark’s past as well as being a modern and vibrant university city, Aarhus is both old and young at heart, with a unique range of attractions for a long weekend.

With Viking roots going back over 1300 years, it is arguably one of Denmark’s oldest big cities. The history of the Vikings can be uncovered at the Moesgård Museum (moesmus.dk) located just outside the city. On 24 and 25 May an entire Viking market is to be recreated in the city centre and work is also about to commence on a new riverside project to excavate more Viking remains in the centre of the city.

For more living history visitors can step back to the early 1900’s with a visit to one of Denmark’s 5 star attractions, Den Gamle By, The Old Town (dengamleby.dk). This stunning collection of authentic Danish buildings was originally started in 1914 and now comprises 75 buildings, which have been brought from all over the country, and are complemented by staff dressed in traditional costumes.

Visitors of all ages can get a genuine insight into the workings of a Danish market town by wandering through the various houses, gardens, shops and workshops with the opportunity to buy bread from the traditional baker’s shop and look for authentic antiques in the old antique shop.

The children’s museum is also a treasure trove of fascinating toys and it’s possible to watch the restoration work that continues to preserve these ancient buildings. There are also plans to add a collection of buildings from the 1970’s which is due to open in 2010.

For a more modern outlook, venture to the new ARoS Art Museum (aros.dk). Opened in 2004, this striking modernist white building, constructed as a cube, has attracted a new kind of visitor to the city. With the largest collection of art outside Copenhagen, spanning some 300 years, it appeals to those both interested in contemporary international, as well as traditional Danish works of art.

On the roof of the museum work is underway for a new sculptural installation called ‘Sky Space’ by the Danish ArtistOlafur Eliasson. In addition to this art ‘Powerhouse’, Aarhus’s smaller modern galleries showcase an inspiring collection of works from world-renowned to young contemporary artists.

One of the few women’s museums can also be found in centre of Aarhus and a visit to this fascinating exhibition reveals the world through Women’s eyes and focuses on how women’s lives and work has changed and what they have accomplished in the past 200 years (womensmuseum.dk).

No weekend away is complete without some good shopping and there is plenty to buy in the shops along the picturesque cobbled streets of the Latin Quarter where numerous small specialist shops sell anything from contemporary designs to street fashion and retro chic. Alternatively, meander along newly-renovated pedestrianised high street "Strøget" that stretches from the railway station to the Cathedral.

Wanting a rest from sightseeing and shopping? The trendy redeveloped area, along the canal flowing through the city centre, is the place to go. With plenty of restaurants and bars offering waterfront outside seating, locals and visitors alike can easily spend a few hours each day savouring delicious local cuisine whilst watching the world drift by.

Whilst most sights are easily explored on foot, more cycle-minded visitors may want to try one of the 400 free citybikes (aarhusbycykel.dk) and take advantage of Aarhus’s relatively flat and spacious surroundings. Following the cycle routes its easy to reach the outskirts of the city where Brabrand Lake, Marselisborg Woods and Ballehage Beach provide a pleasant contrast to the city.

Those in search of more watery pursuits should head to the port area of Aarhus, which is Denmark’s largest container ship harbour. Following the success of the Tall Ships Race last year, the city is hosting the Youth Sailing World Championships from 10-19th July (www.youthworlds2008.org). Young people from 60 nations will be taking part in the competitions to be held in the Bay of Aarhus.

Turning up the volume on your time away, Aarhus hosts The Spot Festival (spotfestival.dk) from 6 – 7 June 2008. With over 100 up-and-coming bands from all over Scandinavia participating in a weekend of rock, pop and metal. Alternatively in August/September, check out one of the biggest cultural events in Scandinavia: The famous Aarhus Festival (aarhusfestuge.dk). During a 10-day period from 29 August, the city turns into a stage for music, dance, theatre, and exhibitions. The theme for this year’s festival is ‘Open City’ and a full programme will be available online as of late June (hoteloasia.dk).

Getting There

Ryan air offers regular flights from Stansted to Aarhus in less than two hours and Sterling has direct daily flights from Gatwick to Billund from where there is an easy 90 minute bus transfer which takes visitors directly into the city (sterling.dk). Aarhus also offers a good range of accommodation from international hotels to private bed and breakfast accommodation and hostels.

In June 2008, the 65 bed roomed Hotel Oasia will open its doors for the first time to offer distinctly Nordic designed rooms with clean lines and discreet luxury. A one night stay costs from £140 per room per night based on two sharing (hoteloasia.dk).

For more information on Aarhus go to Visitaarhus.dk.

For more information on the region log on to Visiteastjutland.com.

For more details on Denmark visit Visitdenmark.com.