Aarhus Walking Tour: Guide to the Ancient Viking Stronghold of Aros

Take in the history and charming neighborhoods of Aarhus, the crown jewel of Jutland and one of Lonely Planet’s top 10 European destinations in 2016.

On this walking tour, I’ll introduce you to this ancient Viking settlement, once known as Aros, and show you how modern traffic signals demarcate where its boundaries once stood. I’ll also tell you about some of the changes it underwent as a result of the Reformation when, in the 1600s, the Danish Protestant army waged war with the Holy Roman Empire on German soil.

Our tour starts outside the impressive DOKK1 public library in Aarhus’ waterfront area. From there, I’ll tell you what life would have been like in the area’s historical neighborhoods, where you’ll have an opportunity to visit the Viking Museum. You’ll stroll down the city’s most beautiful street, Millers Street, lined with quaint, colorful houses. Our tour ends outside the tea room in the lush botanical gardens next to Den Gamle By, the Old Town, where people don period costumes and still work historical jobs.

Along with these heritage-rich sites, I’ll also show you some of my favorite spots including:

• The eye-catching Fountain of Endless Connection water feature
• Denmark’s longest basilica, the Aarhus Cathedral
• The Latin Quarter, where you can find boutique stores and local hangouts
• Aarhus’ first cathedral, the Church of our Lady, built in 1080
• Millers Park, where you can admire ARoS, the city’s internationally renowned art gallery

Give yourself at least an hour to get the most out of this tour and learn why Aarhus is loved by the people who call it home. I’ll show you plenty of places along the way which you can explore further. Keep your cameras ready, and imagination primed, as I show you ancient sites and modern highlights.