Where?

Aarhus, the second largest city in
Denmark.

Why now?

Aarhus has been named Europe’s Capital of Culture for 2017, so
this contemporary-cool city is the place to go for a weekend break.
Following in the footsteps of other Scandi cities such as Copenhagen
and
Stockholm, Aarhus is known for its vibrant and forward-thinking
culture with eye-catching architecture, impeccably clean streets
and healthy grub left, right and centre.

When to go?

In the winter, daylight can break for as little as seven hours
so head here in the early summer where relatively warm weather
(15°C) allows plenty of walks through the city. July and August
might find you fighting the tourists as this is peak holiday season
– visit in May or June to avoid the crowds.

Who to take with you?

A coffee, food or art lover is the ideal companion. The city is
packed with independent coffee houses and perfect brunch spots for
watching the world go by. In the north of the city try La Cabra
Coffee Roasters, Bernth + Co or Pica Pica. If you’re looking for
something more central, head to Kjærs Kaffebar or the food market
for fresh salads, cocktails and burgers, enjoying in surrounds of
hanging lights and indoor plants.

Most likely to bump into?

Stylish locals and visitors looking for an alternative city
break, leaving the hoards of tourists behind in Copenhagen.

Don’t miss

See the city in a spectrum of colours at the ARoS Art Museum as you
wander through their rooftop skywalk. Situated high above the city,
the glass walls are splashed with vibrant hues to see the world in
technicolour. Walk along the waterfront to check out the new area
with an urban beach. Chill out on HAY furniture or join in with one of the group
activities such as volleyball, zumba or yoga. If you’re not feeling
up to sports, kick back with a cocktail and admire the new
developments along the waterfront such as ‘The Iceberg’ – built
sustainably by renovating an abandoned container terminal – which
was designed to reflect sea views while channelling the ethereal
beauty of an iceberg.

How to get there

The Aarhus airport, Tirstup, is located 40KM north of the city
and offers direct flights from London, Gothenburg,
Helsinki,
Oslo and Stockholm . Shuttle bus from the airport takes 50
minuted direct to downtown Aarhus. There are hourly train
departures to the north, south and west. From southern and central
Europe, the connections are via Hamburg or Flensburg. Travel time
from Hamburg to Aarhus is approximately five hours.