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The Old Town Aarhus

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The Old Town Aarhus (Denmark)

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Den Gamle By, also known as The Old Town in Aarhus, is the world's first open-air museum dedicated to urban history and culture. Established in 1909, it has since grown into one of Denmark's most visited attractions. The museum consists of over 75 historic buildings brought from 24 different towns across the country and reassembled here to create a cohesive townscape. The site is divided into three chronological sections: a town before 1900, a neighborhood from 1927, and a modern quarter reflecting life in 1974. Visitors can explore authentically furnished homes, shops, and workshops, and interact with actors who bring the daily routines of past eras to life. From a historic pharmacy to a 1970s electronics store, the museum gives a fascinating journey through the social and technological development of Danish urban society.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

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Rain mm655247445573828669857367

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The open-air museum Den Gamle By is open, showcasing historic buildings from across Denmark. All buildings are walkable, many accessible inside.
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Typical hours
Typically open daily from April to October, with limited weekend hours in winter. Exact times vary seasonally.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the grounds, but flash may be prohibited in some interiors. Drones are not permitted on the museum grounds.
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Time needed
Allow at least two to three hours for a tour of the museum. Families with children could spend a whole day here.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with the ARoS Art Museum and the Botanical Garden in Aarhus. Aarhus city centre is also within walking distance.
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Getting there
The museum is in central Aarhus, about a 15-minute walk from the main train station. Parking garages are available nearby.
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Insider tip
Use combo tickets with the ARoS Museum for discounts. Attend the historic craft demonstrations that take place regularly.

Geography

Population
285,273 (2024)
Coordinates
56.15540, 10.18730

Facts

  • The museum officially opened at its current location on July 23, 1914.
  • The oldest building in the museum dates back to the mid-16th century.
  • Over 500,000 people visit the site in Aarhus every year.
  • The '1974' quarter was completed in 2013 and includes 12 buildings.
  • The 'Borgmestergården' was the first building saved and moved in 1909.
  • The museum houses national collections of clocks, toys, and textiles.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

The Old Town Open Air MuseumThe Old Town Open Air Museum<1 km · WExplore →
ARoS Aarhus Art MuseumARoS Aarhus Art Museum1 km · EExplore →
SkjoldhøjSkjoldhøj2 km · WExplore →
Marselisborg ForestMarselisborg Forest4 km · SExplore →
Egå BroEgå Bro7 km · NEExplore →
NorsmindeNorsminde15 km · SExplore →
Rude StrandRude Strand19 km · SExplore →
KnebelKnebel20 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town The Old Town Aarhus (10)

Cereshaven🌳 park

The park in Aarhus Municipality is a green area. It is located by the waterfront.

Åparken🌳 park

The park in Aarhus Municipality stretches along the river. It is a popular recreational area.

Åbne Scene

The open-air stage in Aarhus features performances under the sky. It is part of the cultural scene.

Den Gamle By G.M. Holsts Købmandsgård🏛 museum

The merchant's farmstead in the open-air museum Den Gamle By shows a historic shop environment.

Theater Catapult

The theatre in Denmark is a stage for contemporary plays. It is located in Aarhus.

Mellemrummet

The gallery in Aarhus exhibits changing art shows. It is a space for creative projects.

Jazzbar Bent J🏛 museum

The jazz bar in Aarhus is a museum and venue. It is dedicated to jazz music.

Vandmøllen

The house in Den Gamle By in Aarhus is a historic watermill. It displays milling technology.

Købstadsmuseet Den Gamle By🏛 museum

The open-air museum in Aarhus shows historic town buildings. It depicts life in past centuries.

Cantina

The gallery in Aarhus presents contemporary art. It serves as an exhibition space.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is 'The Old Town' (Den Gamle By)?
An open-air museum in Aarhus with buildings from different eras of Denmark.
Which eras are shown?
From the 16th century to the 1970s, different town districts are reconstructed.
Can you go inside the houses?
Yes, many houses are authentically furnished and can be visited.
Are there restaurants there?
Yes, there are historical inns and a bakery with traditional pastries.
When is the museum open?
It is open all year round, usually from 10:00 to 17:00.
The Old Town Aarhus: where is it located?
The Old Town Aarhus is located in Denmark.
The Old Town Aarhus: what is there to see?
Highlights include Cereshaven, Åparken, Åbne Scene.
The Old Town Aarhus: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
The Old Town Aarhus: why is it worth visiting?
Den Gamle By, also known as The Old Town in Aarhus, is the world's first open-air museum dedicated to urban history and culture.
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