One Day Trip: Suggestion #1 - Aarhus

We have been talking about suggesting some one day trips for all of you (we = Marie and I, don't worry, she'll start posting stuff soon)!

The first and most obvious one day trip is to Aarhus, which is in Jylland (also because I'm going there this weekend).

A little about Aarhus

Aarhus is Denmark's "second capital" (or the capital of Jylland, you could say). Being the second largest city in Denmark, it's got an urban feel to it like Copenhagen, but Aarhus is no mini-Copenhagen. It's very different!

The city is parted by an "å" (I know those of you who went to the Danish course-introduction know what this is). In Aarhus, most of the stuff that's happening is happening by the å. If you are looking for ___ bar or ___ restaurent, any inhabitant of Aarhus will tell you that it's right next to the å - and they are right!

The å in Aarhus. Or, pronounced in the local dialect, Aarhusiansk, "åÅÅÅååen".

The centre of Aarhus is very central. The shops, cafés (they are really nice!) and bars (even more nice) are very, very close together.

There is a university centre just outside of the citycentre, so the vibe in Aarhus is very young and the night life is busy!



ÅåååÅÅÅåen!


Going to Aarhus

There are a couple of ways to go to Aarhus - by bus or by train. The bus (Line 888) is usually the cheapest. Find your tickets here:  http://www.abildskou.dk/en/

The bus departs from Valby Station (a couple of stops by s-train from Copenhagen Central Station). It's relatively quick (approx. 3½ hours, the ferry included). This usually costs 250 kroner each way, unless you book well in advance (a so called "red" departure"). Bring your student card.

The other way is by DSB train from the Central station. This is usually about 350 each way, unless you have a Wildcard (see my post about Wildcard) and, again, book well in advance. If you're lucky, you can get tickets for 199 each way, and maybe even 49 - if you don't mind sitting in the hallway. Look for the "orange tickets" on the DSB webpage.

Aarhus Station is in the city centre and there's a cheap hostel (approx. 200/person/night) 10 minutes outside of town by bus: http://www.aarhus-danhostel.dk/en.aarhus-danhostel.dk/index.html

The bus is easy to use and a bit cheaper than in Copenhagen!


Skolegade

The important stuff first. Since you're definately going to party with all the happy Aarhus people, we'll start with the bars!

Skolegade is a street where there is a bunch of bars and clubs. You can never go wrong here! My favorite is the Billabong Bar, a surfer bar with an Australian atmosphere and a Volcano-drink with fire (just ask in the bar!). It's laidback, but there are also crazy places in this central street in Aarhus!

Outside Skolegade

There are also bars outside of Skolegade!

Some of my favorites here are:

Bodegaen
Right next to the å, there is a pub! And it's a nice one with young people, table fussball and darts. Relatively cheap beer! Address: Åboulevarden 33, 8000 Aarhus
(couldn't find any photos of it, so just believe me!)

Rarbar
A new favorite of mine. My sister showed me this nice and very different bar (compared to my other favorite). Their tequila-lime shots are excellent! Address: Jægergårdsgade 71


"Rarbar" means "nice bar"

Kurts Mor

Last, but not least, there is the pub "Kurts Mor" ("Kurt's Mom"). It's smokey and a bit shabby, but in a good way. Cheap bottle beer! A must to experience a true Danish bodega! Young students  saying SKÅL with drunken sailors and the like!  Address: Fredens Torv 7, 8000 Aarhus


The only photo, I could find. But it sums it up pretty much, I guess.

Social Club

A nightclub! Ok, I never went there, but there's an hour of free beer if you bring your student card (from 23-00) and drinks for 10 kroner (from 01-02) - how come I never went there?!??! Open from 23. Admission is free before 01:00 with your student card. (you must be 20+). Address: Klostergade 34, 8000 Aarhus

Cultural sights

After drinking a lot of beer friday night, you want to have a nice and easy saturday! How about some cultural experiences? Aarhus is a rich cultural city. Except from the examples I've mentioned, the City Hall is worth having a look at. Some people think it's one of the finest examples of Danish Design! Stroll around town and see the different parts (the older part and the newer part around the å).

ARos

Aros is a must! It's Aarhus' museum of modern art and the place where you can meet the "Boy" sculpture! The exhibitions change relatively frequently. Remember, it's closed on mondays! Entrance is 80 kroner if you bring your student card!

Two of the best artworks include the Olafur Eliasson sculpture on top of the building: Your Rainbow Panorama. It's definetely worth taking a tour around the rainbow and see the city of Aarhus change colours! The view is impressive.






Beautiful!

The other one is the "9 Rooms" permanent exhibition in the basement. In every room you get a new, unique sensation and atmosphere. I'd go to Aros just to see them (I saw them twice!).

-


These two are among my favorite rooms! You have to spend at least 10 minutes in the last one, it's changing!

ARoS Aarhus Kunstmuseum
Aros Allé 2, 8000 Aarhus

Den Gamle By

Those of you who did the tourist trip to Frilandsmuseet in the introduction week will have seen something like Den Gamle By (the old town). The concept is the same: Old houses from all over Denmark put together to form an old town in another town. It's idyllic and pretty and a great way of seeing some of the old Danish culture. There is also a new town in the old town with houses and stuff from the 50's-70's!

Entrance is between 80 and 100 kroner, depending on which day you go there. Check the calendar and events on the webpage here: http://www.dengamleby.dk/the-old-town/




Den Gamle By
Viborgvej 2, 8000 Aarhus

Tivoli Friheden

Of course Aarhus has its own tivoli! It's called Friheden and is found just outside of town. Remember to check the calendar for open-days and program. Entrance is 80 kr (and the webpage is right here: http://en.friheden.dk/)



Tivoli Friheden
Skovbrynet 5, 8000 Aarhus 


I'm looking forward to go and hoping some of you plan a trip sometime too!

All the best,
Nanna