THE REGION

LOVELY TO SHARE reat experiences enhance quality of life and whether you are looking for beautiful natural surroundings or a big- city getaway, you will find a wide array of possibilities for G pampering, entertainment, mindfulness and connecting with a unique community in the Aarhus Region.

Being ’s second city, and white beaches frame the Aarhus is the centre of a region magnificent and ever changing filled with dynamic and creative landscape with lakes, streams, cities, unique countryside forests, hills and an endless scenery with a beautiful number of breathtaking lookout national park not to mention points. world-class art and cultural The city holding the prestigious activities. And we are happy to THE AARHUS REGION title as European Capital of share it all with you. Culture 2017 has led to the In the cities of the region, cultural scene in Aarhus and historical surroundings set the the Aarhus Region being at perfect scene for a creative its strongest ever. This attracts and vibrant town life with visitors from all over the world exciting attractions, shopping and puts Aarhus in the lead and ample opportunity to get as Denmark’s number one a taste of based tourist attraction outside on fresh, locally produced of in terms ingredients. of geography and tourism turnover. Furthermore, the region holds amazing natural scenery as far as the eye can see: 360 km of unspoiled, blue coastline FACTS ABOUT THE AARHUS REGION

Population: 824,339 (2018)

Total area: 5,925 square kilometres

Coastal line: 360 kilometres

Total number of municipalities: 8 Aarhus, Favrskov, Norddjurs, , , , Syddjurs and Viborg visit to the Aarhus Region will not be complete without at least one visit to one of the fascinating museums in and around WORLD-CLASS Aarhus. The region’s rich selection of museums makes it a hot MUSEUMS A for world-class cultural and historical experiences.

Three of Danmark’s most The Danish Manor & Estate frequently visited museums are Museum was founded in 1930 found in Aarhus: Den Gamle and represents the research By – The Museum – is and presentation of the history an attraction of unquestionable of Danish manors. Museum international format with its 75 Østjylland is one of Denmark’s historical buildings, gardens, largest local history museums with homes, shops and workshops. exhibits about the regional history Secondly, ARoS Art Museum, and culture in the cities of , which is one of the largest art and Randers. museums in Northern and In the glass city of Ebeltoft, is famous for the iconic rainbow Glasmuseet Ebeltoft exhibits on its top. And thirdly, Moesgaard comtemporary, international glass Museum, an international culture- art work created by artists from historical gem that allows you to 40 different countries, while the get close to the people of the past Women’s Museum in Aarhus holds and the present. fascinating exhibits about the The region holds more than 70 cultural history of gender. different museums: Museum Throughout the region, you will Jorn in Silkeborg, Skovgaard find lots of exciting and fun Museum in Viborg and Randers museums presenting anything Kunstmuseum present impressive from posters and paper cuttings collections of renowned Danish to life as a scout, piggy banks and artists and temporary special Elvis Presley. exhibits. Gammel Estrup - ut in the big world, Denmark is famous for the high quality of life experienced by the population and for the country’s concept of hygge. A large number of visitors come to Aarhus and the O Aarhus Region to get a taste of the Danish lifestyle and a sense of QUALITY OF LIFE understanding for the reason why the Danish people is among AND ”HYGGE” the happiest in the world.

Visitors are thrilled to be greeted ReThinker Volunteer Program in an informal, relaxed and can be found in the streets of welcoming atmosphere whether Aarhus, ready to greet visitors they are shopping in the cosy and provide help and advice. You streets and tempting stores in will know the ReThinkers on their one of the cities around the distinctive orange jackets. This region, are enjoying a meal dedicated focus on hospitality at one of the numerous local and high quality has brought restaurants, are having a break international recognition to at a nice café or enjoying the Aarhus from leading travel guides spectacular panoramic view of such as Michelin and Lonely Aarhus at Salling Rooftop. One in Planet, media such as CNN, Le five in Aarhus are students, which Figaro and The Guardian not to provides the city with a unique mention the international travel young vibe, a happening night website Travel Lemming; here, a life and an abundance of creative jury consisting of the world’s top hubs in the big city. travel bloggers awarded Aarhus with the ’Emerging Destinations Characteristic for the Aarhus Award 2020’. Region is its feel of authenticity and intimacy in everything you encounter, and all year round, 2,000 volunteers from the eing founded by more than 1,200 years ago, Aarhus is one of the oldest cities in the , and the cultural heritage from the Vikings has left its obvious mark on the region, B which from the year 800 until 1050 was the centre of the Viking Empire.

The provided shelter in Bjerringbro, Gudenådalens for the largest Viking naval base in Museum displays impressive any of the Nordic countries, and Viking finds from the local area. today, numerous ruins, mounds, Every year in July, modern day wrecked ships and well-told Vikings meet at Moesgaard myths help bring the story of the Museum in Aarhus for the largest Vikings’ seafaring adventures to Viking gathering seen in any of the life in the entire region. Nordic countries to fight mano a mano with arms and shields. A visit to the Viking Museum WILD VIKINGS in Aarhus is like travelling back to the Viking city of Aros, and ool wind blowing through your hair, the smell of heather, birds singing and nothing but captivating scenery as far as the eye can NATURE AT ITS VERY see. The exceptional landscape displaying indelible traces from C the glacial period holds wonderful countryside experiences and a FINEST journey 10,000 years back in time, when massive glaciers pushed sand, rubble and clay over the area. Back then, the ice formed the magnificent and diverse landscape filled with lakes, streams, forests, hills and breathtaking lookout points.

On your hike through the unique landscape Denmark’s perhaps most beautiful At a secluded location in the formed by vast glaciers in Bjerge landscape unfolds in the Lake with sand dunes, white National Park, you may very well see wild District between Silkeborg and sandy beaches, open spaces horses and grazing cattle on the warm and Skanderborg along Denmark’s everywhere you look. Northern sunny pastures. The dramatic landscape longest stream, Gudenåen (158 Europe’s largest desert, the island surrounding Hald Sø and the heather km) and the lakes surrounding the of , is one of Denmark’s national treasure, Himmelbjerget. most beautiful islands and a must- covered Dollerup Bakker near Viborg With its 147 metres it is one of the see for any nature lover. are the absolute gems of Danish glacial highest locations in the country geology. Should you be in the mood for and it has an iconic tower as its exploring the myriad of organisms landmark. that can be found here on Earth West of Viborg, the world’s and go on a journey back in time largest limestone mine, Mønsted through the Danish landscape Kalkgruber, awaits you for an dating back from the glacial period exciting experience exploring the and up until today, the Natural underground caves and the award- History Museum in Aarhus has winning natural resort surrounding exactly what you are looking for. the mine. n Denmark, you are never more than 50 km away from the sea, and it is hard to resist the temptation of going to the beautiful coastline in the Aarhus Region. Here, you will find wide, white, BY THE I sandy beaches with dunes as well as serene inlets framed by impressive limestone cliffs. The 360 km coastline is pure heaven VEDSEA for beach goers, fossil hunters and nature lovers alike. HAVET The beaches encircling the frolicking in the sea. In Ebeltoft, you peninsula of have can sign on the popular museum shallow waters and are absolutely ship Fregatten Jylland, which is the ideal for children. Several of the world’s longest wooden ship and beaches are Blue Flag certified, tells the tale of the Danish Navy. The large number of marinas along the east which is your guarantee for clean All the way down the coast, you coast ooze of charm and a cosy atmosphere, water and well-equipped facilities. will find ample opportunities to and you can find tasteful culinary experiences If you are feeling like a swim in get active in and on the water, eating fresh fish on the Grenaa harbour or at Aarhus, jump in the water at the and the area’s perfect fishing dinner in Ebeltoft with a view of the inlet and Harbour Bath designed by world- conditions make it an obvious the magical sunset. renowned architect Bjarke Ingels. favourite spot for anglers. Aarhus Naturepark is a - with its beautiful bay - has unique natural resort, where the become internationally known inlet forms the Gudenå delta as a first-class yachting area, and and freshwater from the stream we are all in for a spectacular runs into the salty water of the experience when the yacht race Kattegat. The Ocean Race pays a visit to the region in 2022. From the shore along Aarhus Bay, you can look for the sailing routes of the vikings far away in the horizon and hope to get a glimpse of seals and harbour porpoises o you like to go hiking, running or cycling, the amazing terrain in the area is everything you have been looking for. Marked up OUTDOOR AND ACTIVE running and bike trails stretch for hundreds of kilometres through D the idyllic scenery of the Aarhus Region. Go down the historic HOLIDAYS hiking trail, Hærvejen – either by bike or on foot – and feel the atmosphere on this historic, Danish pilgrim trail.

Take in the diverse scenery and passing through Bækkelund; here, An active holiday has to be charming villages along the large roots and sudden drops are packed with great experiences, Himmelbjerg trail in the Lake a part of the experience. and everywhere in the region you District or the beautiful barge can find an activity that will get The Aarhus Region is a hot spot pulling trail of the river Gudenåen your heart rate up. On land, the for water lovers, as well. The entire going from Randers to Silkeborg. countryside offers the perfect family will love a rare countryside On the Djursland peninsula, the setting for testing yourself whether experience canoeing across the Mols Bjerge Trail with its route you want to go hiking, running or Silkeborg lakes, and whether you through Mols Bjerge National cycling. And out on the water, the fancy a swim, a fun experience Park is indisputably in the Premier clean, clear water in inlets, streams, in a sea kayak or windsurfing, League of hiking trails. lakes and even in the sea is an kitesurfing or Stand Up Paddling, invitation to go sailing, surfing or The unequalled MTB-trails in the you can do all of this along the rowing. vast, hilly forests throughout the coast from Norsminde in the entire region attract mountain South to in the bikers from everywhere. In the North. forests around Denmark’s Outdoor Capital, Silkeborg, any MTB-cyclist can find a trail just right for her or him. Furthermore, by Hald Ege close to Viborg, technique and balance can be tested on the trail he largest amusement park in any of the Nordic countries, , is located right here in the centre of Djursland. Here, you get to play in an enormous waterworld, go on T Denmark’s largest and longest rollercoasters not to mention more than 60 rides with hours and hours of excitement, speed and fun for people of all ages.

On top of its 40 thrilling rides wild life live in their amazing and Denmark’s tallest free fall surroundings. tower with a 45-metre drop, At AQUA Akvarium & Dyrepark Tivoli Friheden in the very heart near Silkeborg, Denmark’s secret of Aarhus presents an extensive treasures found in nature can event programme with theatrical be seen along with some of the performances and concerts animals we all know but have featuring celebrity artists. Are you looking for a fun place to go never seen: playful otters, badgers for a lovely day with the entire family, Face your fears at the aquarium in underground caves and the great animal parks and amazing in Grenaa when ferocious giant pikes. amusement parks of the Aarhus the sharks bare their scary teeth Region are sure hits every single time. and do not miss having close encounters with the more than 250 fascinating and colourful marine animal species in the WILD centre’s basins. And while you are at Djursland, even more wild EXPERIENCES animals and activities can be found at Ree Park Safari as well FOR THE as , where polar bears, brown bears, wolves ENTIRE FAMILY and all sorts of other Scandinavian he Aarhus Region is a gastronomic centre of excellence that pays tribute to fresh, locally produced ingredients, homemade specialities and great taste. Together, impassioned chefs and T unstoppable spearheads within and fishery have FROM developed a culinary culture with high quality and food as an MICHELIN exquisite experience for the palate as well as the soul as its STARS TO centres of gravity. In recognition of these of food at the largest food festival STREET tremendous efforts, the region has in any of the Nordic countries, been awarded the honourable Food Festival in Aarhus. This event title of European Region of attracts the finest chefs, suppliers FOOD Gastronomy. and foodies for a festival revolving around gastronomy and food At restaurants and cafés across culture – and of course, the iconic the region, you can taste, enjoy best-hotdog championship. and experience tantalising dishes made from organic and In the House of Food at the Green sustainably produced ingredients. Museum near Auning at Djursland, And there is something for every you have the unique chance to taste: whether you prefer casual embarque on a journey of culinary ”fine dining” at a Michelin-star history and prepare food in the restaurant, an intimate dinner original kitchen quarters dating at the local inn, mouthwatering back to the 17th century fireplace smørrebrød or informal street food and up to the floral kitchen of the enjoyed at long tables, perhaps 1960’ies. making new friends.

Every year in early September, food lovers can explore the world estivals are part of the Danish culture, and all over the Aarhus FESTIVALS Region, the authentic sense of community and the festival culture is blooming, presenting exciting experiences within AND THE F music, art, literature and much, much more. SENSE OF One of the largest and most well- visit. In Viborg, the city reenacts COMMUNITY renowned art and culture festivals Snapstinget, which is a tradition in Northern Europe is actually dating back centuries that brings Aarhus Festival and every year on together locals and visitors for the last Friday in August, the event cultural and sporting events, is declared open by the Danish concerts, games and festivities Queen Margaret. This marks the for all of ten days. And lastly, FESTIVALER OG beginning of ten days of musical thousands of people pay tribute entertainment, dancing, theatrical to diversity when Aarhus Pride fills FÆLLESSKAB performances, children’s events the streets of Aarhus with parades and fun happenings. and events.

Over the summer, the region presents a large variety of musical festivals such as Denmark’s second largest festival, , in the middle of the beautiful Bøgeskoven near Skanderborg, the NorthSide Festival and the Spot Festival in Aarhus. For the jazz fans, the River Boat Jazz Festival in Silkeborg and Aarhus International Jazz Festival are most certainly worth paying a hen it comes to creating quality of life for the masses through , Aarhus and the Aarhus Region is an example to follow with the city’s rich blend of classical buildings and modern, W innovative high quality architecture with room for everyone.

Over the years, world-renowned and functions for every generation. and award-winning architects And that is far from all: You can have found inspiration in the area go on an architectonic time travel and created buildings of high from the majestic in amenity value – ranging from Viborg soaring 42 metres up into ARCHITECTURE iconic castles and manor houses, the air to the modern Moesgaard town halls, churches and Museum which has been built to modern structures shaped as into the hills just South of Aarhus. THAT MAKES A icebergs, an art museum with a Its diversity and sense of quality rainbow on top, the world’s largest have put the Aarhus Region on DIFFERENCE FOR seawater harbour bath and a the architectonic global map. PEOPLE library with a cornucopia of spaces n the green Aarhus Region, you will find a wide variety of wonderful parks and gardens worth a visit. Tucked in between the royal castle Palace and the Aarhus Bay just South PARKS AND I of central Aarhus, the serene park is a beautiful spot with cherry trees blooming in May and June, and when the WONDERFUL members of the royal family are not staying at the castle, you are actually able to go very close to the house and into the royal GARDENS gardens.

Here, you can experience the holds historical, botanical art Queen’s rose garden and the experiences. In the very heart of Aarhus, the Botanical sculptures around the castle. Do Around Gammel Estrup - the Garden appears as a green oasis close to you like feeding wild animals and Danish Manor & Estate Museum – The Old Town Museum – and getting very close to them? You - on Djursland, you can enjoy a in the Greenhouses you can explore the then have to bring your family to symmetrical garden laid different climate zones and their beautiful the Deer Park to see deer, fallow out according to 18th century flowers and impressive plants. deer and wild boars. ideals, and today the garden even A walk through Denmark’s has beautiful perennial beds along largest oak tree park, the Aarhus with the authentic orangeries. University Park, is an outstanding And if you are all about unique, architectural treat, and the exotic experiences, the tropizal university has even been named Randers Regnskov invites you one of the most beautiful in for a truly tropical adventure universities in the world. in lush, green surroundings, roaring waterfalls and a rich In Silkeborg, the Sculpture Park wildlife counting species from five by the Art Centre, Silkeborg Bad, continents. long with the rest of the world, the Aarhus Region has a strong focus on sustainability and on initiating activities that support UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Being a A green region, sectors and industries in the Aarhus Region come together to carry out projects on energy efficiency, the reduction of food wastage and organic production.

With these initiatives, we more about the consequences contribute to promoting locally of climate changes and future produced products and support conditions for humans as well as partnerships between local for nature. suppliers and restaurants. Furthermore, we recommend Today, a large number of green choices for your holiday artists put particular focus on such as cycling trips and hikes in climate and at Energimuseet the Danish countryside. in Bjerringbro you can learn SUSTAINABILITY AND UN’S SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS AARHUSCARD – YOUR FAST TRACK TO GREAT EXPERIENCES With an AarhusCARD, you will have free and unlimited access to a long list of museums and attractions, discounts in many of the city’s stores, free parking and unlimited transport on busses and Letbanen within the entire Aarhus Region – shuttle to and from Aarhus and Billund airports as well.

The AarhusCARD comes in four different varieties with unlimited access to great experiences for either 24, 48, 72 or 120 hours.

Please visit www.aarhuscard.com for more information on the AarhusCARD.

WE WOULD LOVE TO SHARE OUR BEAUTIFUL REGION WITH YOU – AND WE CANNOT WAIT TO SEE YOU!

www.visitaarhusregion.com