Custom Walk in Aarhus, Denmark by crl_ab4bc created on 2024-09-30

Guide Location: Denmark » Aarhus
Guide Type: Custom Walk
# of Sights: 9
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Share Key: QH5VS

How It Works


Please retrieve this walk in the GPSmyCity app. Once done, the app will guide you from one tour stop to the next as if you had a personal tour guide. If you created the walk on this website or come to the page via a link, please follow the instructions below to retrieve the walk in the app.

Retrieve This Walk in App


Step 1. Download the app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" on Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Step 2. In the GPSmyCity app, download(or launch) the guide "Aarhus Map and Walking Tours".

Step 3. Tap the menu button located at upper right corner of the "Walks" screen and select "Retrieve custom walk". Enter the share key: QH5VS

1
Fatter Eskil

1) Fatter Eskil

Fatter Eskil is a vibrant and iconic live music venue located in Aarhus. Renowned for its rich musical heritage, Fatter Eskil hosts over 400 concerts annually, making it a cornerstone of Aarhus's live music scene. With a capacity to accommodate 150 guests, this intimate venue features live music five nights a week, showcasing an eclectic mix of genres including pop, rock, soul, blues, jazz, funk, and reggae.

Nestled in the heart of Aarhus, Fatter Eskil is surrounded by the city's historic cafes and pubs, adding to its charming and lively atmosphere. The venue's courtyard, which is covered, provides a cozy space for smokers and socializers alike to enjoy drinks served from the bar while listening to live performances.

Fatter Eskil is closed on Sundays and Mondays but remains a bustling hub for music lovers and regular visitors the rest of the week. Each night at Fatter Eskil offers a different musical experience, with typical pop and rock performances on Wednesdays and a mix of electro and reggae on other nights. The venue's friendly ambiance and diverse musical offerings attract a loyal crowd, including musicians and rock enthusiasts, cementing its reputation as a beloved spot for live entertainment in Aarhus.
2
Aarhus Theater

2) Aarhus Theater

The Aarhus Theater in Aarhus stands as a remarkable example of the Jugend style, reflecting the architectural elegance of the late 19th century. This iconic structure was built in the 1890s following a civic initiative. Designed by the distinguished architect Hack Kampmann, who is also noted for other significant buildings in Aarhus like Marselisborg Slot, the theater was officially inaugurated on September 15, 1900.

Aarhus Theater has been a listed landmark since 1990, preserving its historical and architectural significance. The building captivates with its ornate Jugendstil façade, which invites visitors into a world of cultural richness and artistic splendor. Once inside, the grandeur continues with luxurious decorations including glittering chandeliers, gold-adorned ceilings, and lavish interiors that maintain their original allure, reinforcing the theater's status as a cultural powerhouse in Denmark's second-largest city.

The theater features four stages, collectively accommodating up to 1200 seats, and showcases a variety of performances that highlight its commitment to the arts. Notably, the façade of the theater is adorned with a ceramic mosaic by Karl Hansen-Reistrup, depicting a scene from Ludvig Holberg’s play "Maskerade," a nod to Holberg's legacy as the father of Danish comedy. This choice of decoration underscores the theater's function and its cultural heritage.

The theater's promenade is embellished with stucco scenes from notable Danish musical comedies, enhancing the thematic continuity of Danish theatrical tradition. Additionally, the theater's connection to local heritage is symbolized under its balcony, where the town arms of Aarhus are displayed, featuring maritime and protective symbols that reference both the city's history and its maritime location.

Interestingly, while initial plans by Kampmann included decorating the theater’s roof with classical motifs, these were ultimately replaced by more gothic elements, such as a troll/dragon/gargoyle/devil figure. This element became a topic of local intrigue and speculation, particularly regarding Kampmann’s intentions, though such rumors are often discounted given his extensive work on the neighboring cathedral.
3
Bispetorv (Bishop's Square)

3) Bispetorv (Bishop's Square)

Bishop's Square is a city square near Aarhus Cathedral. It is also located near other well known attractions in Aarhus like the Aarhus Theatre, the Viking Museum and the Latin Quarter neighborhood. It is a wide, open square with plenty of room to roam on the cobbled ground or take advantage of shade from the trees along the southern wall.

The square was renovated in 2016 to create a public space that is used for concerts and gatherings. Prior to this, the square was used as a parking lot. However, it holds a much more important a place in the history of Aarhus.

In the late first century, Bishop's Square was a pagan burial site. Later, it was the seat of the Diocese of Aarhus. Aarhus Cathedral was built near the burial site, which turned the area into a spot that was largely dominated by the clergy. The land was purchased by the city of Aarhus in 1881.

An archaeological dig of the site in the 1960s uncovered many items from the Viking Age and they are now displayed in the Viking Museum near the square.

Bishop's Square is home to a statue of King Christian X atop a horse. During the German occupation of Denmark, Christian became a popular symbol of resistance. He used to ride daily through the streets of Copenhagen unaccompanied by guards and people stood and waved to him. The large statue is located in the grassy area northwest of the open square.
4
Latinerkvarteret (Latin Quarter)

4) Latinerkvarteret (Latin Quarter)

Latin Quarter is a neighborhood in the inner city of Aarhus. It is the oldest part of the city with a history that dates to the 14th century. The oldest houses and buildings in the Latin Quarter were built in the 16th century. One of these is Juuls Gard, which is one of the oldest buildings in the city.

Latin Quarter includes the main square of Pustervig Torv and several streets around the square. The name of the neighborhood was chosen in the 1990s due to the area's resemblance to Paris's Latin Quarter.

The quarter has a large number of shops, cafes and restaurants. It is also known for its active nightlife and entertainment venues. There are a number of small stages throughout the Latin Quarter where live music plays in the evening. Visitors will also find a number of galleries, studios and public art displays.
5
Åboulevarden (River Boulevard)

5) Åboulevarden (River Boulevard)

River Boulevard is both a street and a promenade that runs along the Aarhus River. The street runs east to west from Vester Alle to Europaplads. At 975 meters (nearly 3200 feet) long, it is a popular thoroughfare used by pedestrians.

The history of River Boulevard dates to 1477. King Christian I allowed the development of the area near the river. Homes were built and later, in 1674, the alley that ran along the street was widened. River Boulevard itself was built in stages from 1898 to 1934.

A portion of the Aarhus River was briefly paved to provide room for a wider street and parking. Work to uncover the river began in 2005 and was completed in 2015. A new recreational space was created to celebrate the reopening of the river.

The eastern area of River Boulevard is the most popular for locals and visitors. This section of River Boulevard has a large number of bars and cafes with outdoor seating.
6
Møllestien (The Mill Path)

6) Møllestien (The Mill Path) (must see)

The Mill Path is a historic street in Aarhus. It is a cobblestone street with buildings constructed between 1870 and 1885. However, the street itself has been used in Aarhus since the 13th century.

The name "Mill Path" refers to the Aarhus Mill, which was first mentioned in 1289. The mill was located where the former Aarhus Main Library now stands at the western end of the street.

Sadly, the beautiful homes built in the late 19th century mostly fell into disrepair by 1925. The healthy soil that created an excellent basis for farmland because marshy and tenants were unable to maintain upkeep of the homes. Most of the street remained uninhabitable through 1960 when a renovation plan for the street was put together.

Students and artists moved into the neighborhood during the late 20th century. They painted many of the homes in bright colors, giving it the charm that is seen today. Renovations on the street led to many buildings being removed and replaced with modern structures. What is left is interesting architecture that is a favorite among the visitors to Aarhus.
7
Ridehuset (Riding House)

7) Ridehuset (Riding House)

The Riding House (Ridehuset) in Aarhus, stands as a historic and cultural beacon in the heart of the city. Originally constructed between 1876 and 1877, this impressive structure was initially built as an equestrian exercise hall for the local dragoon, part of the Vester Allé Kaserne, a military barracks. After the military facilities were decommissioned in 1969, Ridehuset was transferred to municipal ownership and transformed into a vibrant cultural venue in the early 1970s.

Located just south of the city center, adjacent to iconic structures like the Town Hall designed by Arne Jacobsen, and near the Aros Art Museum, the Riding House enjoys a strategic position that enhances its accessibility and appeal. This proximity to key transport links and other cultural landmarks makes it a focal point for residents and visitors alike.

Today, Riding House is no longer just a remnant of its military past but a dynamic multi-activity hall that serves as a hub for culture and the arts in Aarhus. The facility continues to host a diverse array of events including concerts, festivals, fairs, and community gatherings. Its large main room, measuring approximately 900 square meters, can accommodate up to 950 people, offering ample space for various large-scale events.

Beyond its functionality as an event venue, the Riding House is also a listed building, recognized for its historical significance and architectural value. This transformation from a military equestrian hall to a key cultural venue mirrors the broader urban and cultural development of Aarhus, underlining the city’s commitment to preserving its heritage while promoting contemporary cultural life. Whether for a concert, festival, or local community event, the Riding House offers a unique glimpse into the cultural heartbeat of one of Denmark's most vibrant cities.
8
Aarhus City Hall

8) Aarhus City Hall

Aarhus City Hall was completed in 1941 from a design by architects Arne Jacobsen and Erik Moller. It was designed to replace the Old City Hall, built in 1857, which is now home to the Museum of Women's History.

The building includes a 196-foot tall tower and a tower clock with a face that is almost 23-feet wide. The city hall is made with concrete plated with grey marble imported from Porsgrunn in Norway. Architectural details are completed on the exterior in copper that has since been covered in verdigris.

The entrance of the Aarhus City Hall is in the City Hall Park. The park includes a cobbled plaza and an avenue lined in linden trees. City Hall Square offers a fountain and a sculpture known as Ceres Bronden.

The interior of the city hall has oak parquet floors, patterned ceramic tiles, glass walls and a large number of brass and bronze accents. Visitors can take guided tours inside the city hall on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
9
Godsbanen

9) Godsbanen

Godsbanen (Goods Station) in Aarhus is a cultural hub that has been operational since 2012, situated at the site of the former Aarhus Goods Station, which served from 1923 to 2000. Located at the terminus of a broad sidetrack from the central railway yard of Aarhus, the site embodies a blend of historical architecture and modern cultural life. Realdania, in partnership with Aarhus Municipality, announced in December 2010 the transformation of a former goods station into a cultural center.

Originally, the goods station moved from Aarhus Central Station to Mølleengen by the Aarhus River in the late 1890s. Construction began in 1920 on Skovgaardsgade, led by architect Heinrich Wenck. The main building, completed in 1922, features Neo-Baroque architecture with a red brick facade and distinctive roofline. By 1925, the site had added warehouses and a functional shunting yard, undergoing several modifications over the years.

Renovation of the site started in 2009, leading to the refurbishment of the warehouses and the construction of a new building linking them. This collection of old and new structures officially opened as Godsbanen Cultural Centre on March 30, 2012. It hosts a diverse range of cultural activities, including theater, dance, music, film, art exhibitions, printing, workshops, festivals, and business networking events, catering to the cultural needs of both the local community and the surrounding regions.

A central feature of Godsbanen has been its dining facilities, which have undergone several changes in ownership and concept since its opening. The most recent, Spiselauget, like its predecessors, focuses on sustainability and uses organic, seasonal, and local produce. This aligns with the cultural center's broader commitment to community engagement and environmental responsibility.

Today, Godsbanen stands as a testament to successful urban regeneration, blending historical preservation with contemporary cultural innovation, making it a key landmark in Aarhus's cultural and architectural landscape.
Create Self-guided Walking Tour