Traditions and culture in Aarhus

Some commentators have suggested that Aarhus' rich history dates back some 1,300 years, which would make it the oldest large city in Scandinavia.

Its location on the eastern coast of Jutland has seen it become the main port in Denmark, meaning it has always enjoyed fruitful trade with Germany and the Baltic countries.

Aarhus only began to truly develop its own identity in the late 19th century, when it began to expand and eventually surpassed Aalborg as the biggest city on the peninsula in the 1920s.

This was motivated by the mass movement of the locals from rural to urban areas during the industrial revolution, as the city became increasingly important for its connections.

Aarhus still bears the scars of German imperial campaigns in the 17th century, with fortifications towards the south serving as a reminder, while Swedish troops have also attempted to occupy it historically.

Things to do in Aarhus

Anyone who intends to book flights to Aarhus for a holiday will be greeted by a fascinating combination of a buzzing, cosmopolitan city vibe and small-town charm.

There are plenty of tourist attractions to take in, including Den Gamle By, an open-air museum village featuring a collection of 75 original Danish buildings which date from 1597 to 1909.

Architecture lovers will also find themselves at home exploring Aarhus Cathedral, the Concert Hall, the University Park and the remarkable Grisebronden (pigs' well) statue in Town Hall Square.

As you would expect with a holiday in a major city, there are a number of cinemas and theatres, while travellers can also take a sauna at Badeanstalten Spanien or go for a day's horse racing at Jysk Vaeddelobsbane.

There are literally hundreds of eateries in Aarhus - ranging from kebab shops to smart restaurants - while the city is full of cafes serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

There is a strong student population which ensures that the nightlife is particularly vibrant, although prices are higher than elsewhere in Denmark.

Weather in Aarhus

Anyone considering securing a hotel in Aarhus will be interested to know that the winter months tend to be long, dark and chilly, with February being the coldest month.

Temperatures hover around freezing, although it can get even colder than that in the mountains and sand dunes to the north of the city.

By contrast, the summers are remarkably warm and pleasant (when they finally arrive in June) and most people holiday in the city during this period, enjoying the 17C average temperature and long days.

Destination checklist for Aarhus

Aarhus has a population of 237,551.

The city is one hour ahead of GMT.

The currency in Aarhus is the Danish krone.

The official language spoken is Danish.

The city's international dialling code is +45.