Aarhus stands out as a city that combines old-world charm with modern creativity. Its small size makes it perfect for exploring on foot, whether you’re captivated by Viking relics, inspired by colorful street art, or eager to enjoy scenic harbor views. Tours like the Street Art and Rooftops of Aarhus give art lovers a chance to see vibrant murals and enjoy panoramic city views, all with a knowledgeable guide. Meanwhile, history buffs will appreciate the Time Travel in Aarhus tour, which offers a hands-on look at Denmark’s past in the open-air museum of Den Gamle By. For a more relaxing experience, the Harbor Cruises provide a unique perspective on the city’s architecture and maritime heritage from the water. Whether you want a quick snapshot or an in-depth exploration, there’s something in Aarhus for every type of traveler.
Quick Overview
Aarhus shines with a variety of walking tours, including cultural, historical, and street art explorations. For a taste of the city’s urban art scene, the Street Art and Rooftops of Aarhus is highly recommended. History enthusiasts will enjoy the interactive Time Travel in Aarhus or the comprehensive Aarhus Walking Tour: From Viking Village to Metropolis. For a relaxed maritime experience, the Harbor Cruises and the Self-Guided Audio Tour offer scenic and engaging ways to see the city from the water and land respectively.
1. Street Art and Rooftops of Aarhus, Denmark
At number 1, this 2-hour walking tour immerses you in Aarhus’s thriving street art scene. You’ll explore murals, graffiti, and local artists, learning about their messages and styles. The tour includes visits to up to three rooftops for panoramic views of the city and its landmarks—an experience not to be missed. The small group size (10 people or fewer) ensures an intimate atmosphere where asking questions is encouraged. Tour guide Mariana is praised for her knowledge and charm, making the experience both informative and fun. This tour is ideal for art lovers wanting a closer look at Aarhus’s urban creativity. With reviews rating it a perfect 5/5, it’s clear that this tour offers a vibrant, insider’s glimpse into Aarhus’s creative pulse.
Bottom Line: Perfect for art enthusiasts or anyone interested in seeing Aarhus from a fresh perspective, especially with great city views from the rooftops.
2. Aarhus Walking Tour: From Viking Village to Metropolis
Number 2 on our list is a 3-hour guided walk through the evolution of Aarhus—from its Viking roots to its modern facelift. This tour covers the city’s most beautiful spots while narrating the story of its explosive growth. Your guide Roberto shares insights into the city’s development, including its ancient streets and contemporary architecture. Reviews highlight Roberto’s engaging storytelling and the authentic feel of the tour, with travelers noting it’s highly insightful and well paced. The tour includes stops at key locations like the Viking Museum and the Latin Quarter, making it a solid choice for those interested in history and culture. The value at $30 per person makes it accessible, especially for travelers wanting a broad overview.
Bottom Line: A balanced mix of history, culture, and city sights — perfect for first-time visitors eager to understand Aarhus’s story.
3. Historical Walking Tour in Aarhus
Number 3 is a 2-hour tour emphasizing Aarhus’s historical sites. It’s an excellent introduction, especially for first-timers or those limited on time. The tour includes landmarks like the Aarhus Cathedral, City Hall, and even the Viking stave church at Moesgaard Viking Museum. Guide August is praised for sharing interesting facts at a comfortable pace, keeping the tour engaging. Reviewers appreciate the local insights and the ease of morning or afternoon scheduling. The best part? At just under $23, this tour offers a lot of value for those wanting a quick yet comprehensive look at the city’s past.
Bottom Line: A concise, informative tour ideal for visitors with limited time wanting to see key historic landmarks.
4. Aarhus: Harbour Cruises with Local Guide
Number 4 is a relaxed 75-minute harbor cruise perfect for seeing Aarhus from the water. The cozy ship provides a comfortable setting to learn about the city’s architecture, art, and maritime history. Your guide shares stories about landmarks like DOKK1 and the Marina, making it more than just a boat ride. Available at $25 per person, it’s a great value, especially for those who love scenic waterside views and informative commentary. Children will enjoy the onboard activities, and accessibility is good with wheelchair-friendly access and toilets.
Bottom Line: For a peaceful, scenic break from city walking, this harbor cruise offers a unique perspective and relaxing atmosphere.
5. Aarhus Craft BeerWalk
Number 5 is a 2.5-hour guided BeerWalk through Aarhus’s craft beer scene. For around $57, you get to taste world-class Danish craft beers in open-air settings, with stories about Aarhus’s growth and brewing culture. The tour starts at Bro Cafeen, moves through the Latin Quarter, and ends at Mikkeller bar, blending local history with beer tasting. Reviewers note it’s a social, relaxed experience—not a pub crawl—making it ideal for those wanting a more leisurely way to explore and bond.
Bottom Line: Perfect for beer lovers who want a cultural and social experience, blending local stories with excellent brews.
6. Guided Harbor Cruise: Aarhus Harbor Cruise
Number 6 is a 70-minute guided cruise showcasing modern architecture and iconic landmarks like DOKK1 and Toldboden. For just $24, it’s an efficient way to see the city’s waterfront and learn about its development from your guide. The cruise is family-friendly and relaxing, providing a scenic overview of Aarhus’s harbor area. The expert commentary adds depth, making it more than just a boat ride.
Bottom Line: An accessible, scenic tour for anyone interested in urban development and harbor views.
7. Time Travel in Aarhus
Number 7 combines history, culture, and hands-on fun in a 5-hour tour centered around Den Gamle By (Old Town). This interactive shore excursion visits 75 Danish structures, uncovering centuries of Danish life. The guide Maria is highly praised for her engaging storytelling, making history accessible for all ages. The tour offers theme-based exhibits and an immersive experience for $158.35. Reviewers note how it’s perfect for families and those with a keen interest in cultural history.
Bottom Line: For an in-depth, family-friendly experience, this tour provides a comprehensive look at Danish cultural evolution.
8. Aarhus Private Transfer from Aarhus (AAR) Airport to City centre
Number 8 is a practical private transfer service ideal for travelers arriving at Aarhus Airport. For $231.52, up to three people can enjoy a comfortable, hassle-free journey directly to the city center. It’s perfect for avoiding long taxi lines and starting your trip smoothly, especially if you have luggage or arrive late at night.
Bottom Line: A reliable, time-saving option for arriving travelers wanting comfort and convenience.
9. Explore Aarhus in 60 minutes with a Local
Number 9 offers a one-hour personalized introduction to Aarhus. You’ll see city parks, historic neighborhoods like Latinerkvarteret, and enjoy views from the Salling Rooftop. The guide shares local tips on places to eat and drink, helping you get your bearings in a short time. The small group of around six travelers ensures an engaging experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for first-time visitors on a tight schedule who want a quick, curated tour with local insights.
10. The Ancient Viking Stronghold of Aros: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
Number 10 is a budget-friendly self-guided audio tour priced at just $11.99. It covers Aarhus’s Viking past, including the Viking Museum and the historic neighborhoods, all narrated by a historian. The flexible format means you control your pace, making it easy to combine with other sightseeing. Reviewers mention it’s a good value for covering a lot of ground with clear, interesting commentary.
Bottom Line: Best for budget-conscious travelers who enjoy self-paced exploration of Viking history.
11. Aarhus City Highlights Private Tour
Number 11 is a customizable private tour lasting 2.5 hours. Led by a specialist in religious studies, it covers Viking sites, churches, rooftop views, and local eateries. Highlighting hidden gems and local food, this is tailored for those wanting a personalized experience. The review scores a perfect 5/5, confirming its quality.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a bespoke, in-depth experience with a knowledgeable guide.
$53 per person
12. Jewels of Aarhus – Guided Walking Tour
Number 12 highlights the charms of Aarhus’s old city in a 2-hour walk. It features Art Gallery PS, Møllestien street, Vadestedet, and Aarhus Cathedral. With many free sights and beautiful streets, it’s great for budget-conscious travelers wanting a taste of the city’s architecture and atmosphere. It’s highly rated for its relaxed pace and scenic stops.
Bottom Line: An excellent, low-cost way to see Aarhus’s most picturesque neighborhoods.
$252.40 per person
13. Aarhus: Insta-Perfect Walk with a Local
Number 13 is a 1.5-hour tour designed for social media fans. Led by a local, you’ll visit Instagram-worthy spots like the waterfront, cobblestone streets, and the cathedral, capturing beautiful photos. Reviews highlight its personalized insights and trendy spots, making it perfect for anyone wanting social media content.
Bottom Line: Great for photographers and social media lovers wanting an aesthetic tour.
14. Aarhus: 1 or 1.5 Hour Boat Rental
Number 14 offers a self-guided boating experience with no license needed. For $76 per group, you can captain your own boat around Aarhus Harbor, choosing your route and sightseeing at your own pace. It’s a fun, active way to see the harbor area and learn navigation skills, with positive reviews for ease of use and staff friendliness.
Bottom Line: Ideal for groups or families who want to enjoy personalized waterside exploration.
15. Surprise Walk of Aarhus with a Local
Number 15 is a speedy 1.5-hour tour, perfect for busy schedules. Your local guide takes you past Dokk1, the cobblestone streets of Møllestien, and the cathedral, sharing insider stories and recommendations. Reviewers love its personalized approach and off-the-beaten-path feel.
Bottom Line: A quick, personalized tour for travelers wanting a taste of Aarhus’s hidden treasures.
16. Guided Walking Tour in Aarhus
Number 16 is a 2-hour cruise-port walk that covers main sights like the Aarhus Theatre, Cathedral, and Latin Quarter. It’s a straightforward introduction, highly rated for its smooth pacing and informative commentary. It’s best suited for cruise travelers wanting a condensed but meaningful city overview.
Bottom Line: A dependable, well-paced tour for short visits or cruise days.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Aarhus
Choosing among these options depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. For art lovers, the Street Art and Rooftops offers a vibrant peek into Aarhus’s urban murals. If history is your focus, consider the Time Travel in Aarhus for a comprehensive look at Danish life over centuries. For those eager to see the city from the water, the Harbor Cruises provide scenic views and interesting stories.
Travelers on a tight schedule or arriving by cruise should look at the Explore Aarhus in 60 Minutes or the Guided Walking Tour. Budget-conscious visitors will find value in the shorter tours, while families or groups wanting a personalized experience might prefer the Private City Highlights.
Book early, especially in peak seasons, and consider combining a walking tour with a harbor cruise if you want a full day exploring both land and sea. Many tours offer flexible timing, so pick what best suits your trip’s rhythm.
Aarhus has a rich mix of history, art, water views, and local flavor. Whether you want a quick snapshot or an in-depth adventure, these tours help you uncover what makes Aarhus a truly engaging city. Pick what suits your interests, and don’t forget to book ahead—Aarhus’s best tours fill up quickly.