Aarhus, Denmark

Aarhus, Denmark
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aarhus_waterfront.jpg
Author: Stan Shebs
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Aarhus is the second-largest city in Denmark. It is located on the eastern coast of Jutland Peninsula, in the geographical center of Denmark. The city covers 91 sq km (35.1 sq mi) and has a population of 250,000 (2011 estimate). The name Aarhus means "river mouth" or "river delta", in reference it the location of Aarhus at the mouth of the Aarhus River, technically just a stream.

Aarhus dates back to the Viking era, and is believed to be the biggest major city in Scandinavia. It was first mentioned around the 11th century, although it may have been around for several hundred years by then. Archaeologists believe that the heart of Aarhus city center was once a pagan burial ground. The city embraced Christianity at the turn of the 10th century, when it built its first church, the Church of the Holy Trinity.

Toldbod (Custom House), Aarhus
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aarhus_custom_house_1.jpg
Author: Stan Shebs
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Aarthus grew from its position on the eastern part of Jutland Peninsula into an important trading town. This was especially so during the Hanseatic period, when trade grew with Lübeck as well as with Amsterdam, Norway, England, France and Spain.

Today the harbour continues to be one of the main income generators for Aarhus. It is often regarded as the inofficial capital of Jutland, and plays an important role as the cultural center of the region.

Bruun's Galleri shopping mall in Aarhus
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bruuns_Galleri.jpg
Author: Nico-dk
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Visitors to Aarhus will find that most of the interesting sights are located within walking distance. Perhaps the only site a little farther away is its open-air museum, Den Gamle By (The Old Town), which re-creates the appearance of historic Denmark with period houses.

Visiting Aarhus

There are numerous trains connecting Aarhus with Copenhagen. The journey takes about three hours. The Aarhus Airport (AAR) gets flights by Ryanair from London Stansted, as well as from Copenhagen, Malaga, Gothenburg, Helsinki, Oslo and Stockholm.

Coming by road, take the E45 expressway to reach Aarhus. From Copenhagen, take the E20 expressway until it connects with the E45.

Den Gamle By period village, Aarhus
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Udsigt_fra_skolen_i_den_gamle_by.jpg
Author: Villy Fink Isaksen
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Sights & Attractions in Aarhus

ARoS Kunstmuseum
A cubic shaped structure housing the ARoS art museum houses an outstanding collection of works from the Danish Golden Age and Modernist eras.
Den Gamle By
This open-air museum is a period village with 75 houses representing historic periods in Danish history, from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century.
Domkirke
The Aarhus Cathedral is the longest cathedral in Denmark. The present building dates to the late 15th century, on the site of the original church built in 1201.
Kvindemuseet
The Women's Museum is a specialty museum that focuses on highlighting issues related to women past and present.
Moesgaard Museum
Museum of Danish prehistory with its star exhibits being the Grauballe Man, a preserved bog body, and the sacrificial weapons from Illerup Ådal.
Musikhuset
The Aarhus Concert Hall, opened in 1982, is the main cultural center of the city.
Rådhus
This is the modern city hall of Aarhus completed in 1947 in the Modern style.
Vikingmuseet
Museum devoted to documenting, interpreting and showcasing artifacts from the Viking era, with displays of archaeological excavations.
Vor Frue Kirke
One of the oldest stone churches in Scandinavia, the Vor Frue Kirke has an 11th century crypt.

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