Looking to plan the perfect 2-day Copenhagen to Aarhus itinerary? I can help you with that! On my many trips to Copenhagen, I made the journey via train to Aahrus!
Denmark is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe! I have been fortunate enough to visit Denmark four times over the past couple of years.
On my second trip to Copenhagen, I decided to check out the coastal town of Aarhus! I enjoyed my visit so much I know I had to write about everything there is to do there!
Aarhus is an idyllic small Danish city sitting seaside on the country’s northeast coast.
This is the kind of destination you only need a few days to visit. It’s compact, quaint, safe, and stylish! The type of place that is ideal for a weekend trip.
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Planning Your Itinerary to Aarhus
The perfect itinerary is all about planning. Allowing yourself time to get to your destination and not be too rushed is key.
Why bother going if it is going to be stressful and annoying?
So before we get to the itinerary in Aarhus, first, we must plan how you get to Aarhus!
Going To Aarhus by train from Copenhagen
The journey time via the train from Copenhagen to Aarhus is around 3 hours and 20 minutes.
I would recommend traveling by train rather than a flight from Copenhagen. The high-speed train is more enjoyable than the hassle of flying.
I always recommend getting your train tickets ahead of time. The main train companies in Denmark are all associated with DSB.
The train departs from Copenhagen several times a day. I would recommend you start your train journey around 8 am.
Departing from Copenhagen at 8 am will get you to Aarhus by train before lunchtime.
Plan to take 30 minutes to get yourself checked into your hotel, then into the city center of Aarhus.
Copenhagen to Aarhus Ferry
You could also travel to Aarhus by ferry! The Aarhus to Copenhagen ferry is the fastest way a car. It will take in total of about 3 hours to reach Aarhus.
The cost ranges from 199 DKK – 599. The ferry has a nice cafeteria where you can buy food and drinks while enjoying the sea views.
Without a car, you will need to take a bus (Kombardo Expressen) provided by Molslinjen, the Ferry Operator.
The bus tickets range between 49 DKK to 180 DKK depending on how far in advance you book.
*The site to book the bus didn’t appear to have an English translation, so add a Google Translate feature to your web browser.
Book Ferry Tickets with Molslinjen
📲 Downloadable Map of Aarhus
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My favorite restaurants, bars, hotels and top sights are all saved and ready to use!
Day 1 Aarhus Itinerary
Now that you have arrived in Aarhus from Copenhagen, it’s time to plan your day. Choose the best day itinerary items from the suggestions below.
Morning: Breakfast at La Cabra
Start your day in Aarhus with a great cup of coffee at La Cabra. It’s a cozy spot in the city center where they roast their own beans.
The coffee here is amazing – I loved it! It’s a simple, friendly place that’s perfect for relaxing and getting ready for a day of exploring.
Self-Guided Murder Mystery Walking Tour in the Center of Aarhus
This mystery-solving self-guided tour starts in the center of Aarhus. Inspired by World War II events. Walk around the city as a member of the Danish resistance to carry out a secret mission!
The game is over when you solve the mystery fulfilling your mission! If you are interested in World War II history, this is the perfect itinerary idea for you!
🚶♀️ Self Guided Mystery Tour: Check Rates & Availability!
Afternoon: Lunch at Langhoff & Juul
This cozy café and restaurant is just a stone’s throw away from Den Gamle By.
They offer a fantastic selection of organic and locally sourced dishes that truly capture the essence of Danish cuisine.
I enjoyed a peaceful and delicious meal here, surrounded by its charming and rustic decor.
It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch before or after exploring the wonders of Den Gamle By.
Den Gamble By
Ever wonder what it would be like to live in a different time period? You can experience this here at Den Gamble By!
Den Gamble By means “The Old Town” in English. This open-air town museum is extraordinary. It is located in the Aarhus Botanical Gardens.
Spend a half-day strolling around real-life enactments of life before the 1900s, during the 1920s, and 1970s!
Evening: Dinner at The Food Market
Food Market of Aarhus
I travel to eat and where better to eat in Aarhus than the Central Food market?
Aarhus Street Food Market is a unique place where you can try street food from over 30 kitchens!
The market itself is in an old converted bus station, a very cool space. It is open daily from 11:30 am to 9:00 pm!
Since food is my favorite part of traveling, I would try to hit both markets during my stay!
Aarhus is a wonderful destination if you want to see more of Denmark!
Day 2 Aarhus Itinerary
I am a big fan of traveling to take pictures of the world’s architecture.
There is no shortage of impressive buildings and landscapes in Denmark. The Danish have beautiful churches that are perfect for photographing.
Morning: Breakfast at Great Coffee
Located a short stroll from the Aarhus Cathedral, you’ll find ‘Great Coffee’.
This quaint café is a true gem for coffee aficionados.
I stopped by here and was impressed by their expertly crafted espresso and cozy atmosphere.
It’s a small place, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in quality and charm.
The perfect spot to start the day before visiting the cathedral.
Aarhus Cathedral
The Cathedral of Aarhus is the tallest church in Denmark! This Cathedral has a height of 96 m and 93 m in length. Be sure to get your wide-angle lens ready for these photos!
The journey time to walk from the central train station in Aarhus to the Cathedral is only 11 minutes.
Afternoon: Lunch
For a great lunch by Aarhus Harbor, check out ‘Nordisk Spisehus’.
They have a mix of Nordic and other flavors, and the food is really good. Plus, you get to enjoy views of the harbor while you eat.
It’s a nice, relaxing place to eat after exploring the area.
Aarhus Harbor
If you are visiting a coastal town, you must check out its coastal attractions! Aarhus has a very unique and impressive harbor with lots to do.
This most iconic harbor has a few must-see attractions. The most famous is known as the Iceberg Building.
You might have guessed; it’s a cluster of buildings all shaped like an iceberg.
It is a unique apartment building complex worthy of some photographs.
Also in the harbor is the “Havnebadet,” meaning harbor bath. This is a must if you are visiting in warm weather months.
Pack that bathing suit and sunscreen. I, unfortunately, visited in winter.
Evening: Dinner at Restaurant Frederikshøj
After a fun day at Tivoli Friheden, head to ‘Restaurant Frederikshøj’ for dinner.
It’s not far from the amusement park and offers a cozy, elegant dining experience. The menu is full of delicious choices, blending traditional Danish cuisine with a modern twist.
I had a wonderful meal there – the food is a fantastic spot to enjoy a relaxed and tasty dinner.
Tivoli Friheden
As the sun dips below the horizon on our second day in Aarhus, we’re not winding down just yet.
The night awaits us at Tivoli Friheden, a magical amusement park that truly comes alive as the stars emerge.
Imagine the thrill of rollercoasters and the sweet scent of cotton candy under a blanket of twinkling lights – it’s the perfect way to end our two-day adventure with a bang.
So, let’s lace up our comfy shoes, let our hair down, and dive into an evening of unbridled fun.
Tivoli Friheden at night is an experience that’s not just a ride, but a memory to treasure.
Wrapping up 2 days in Aarhus
So now it is time to say goodbye to Aarhus! I hope you enjoyed my guide to the best things to do in the small city.
Other activities that you could choose to squeeze into your itinerary would be: Aros Aarhus Art Museum, Moesgaard Museum, Dokk1, Marselisborg Palace and Gardens.
Thinking of traveling solo? Explore all this blog has to offer with itineraries for these European Destinations!
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Really great guide and I love that you included different options. I also really like your overall blog look/feel and how everything is on theme, even down to your photo editing! I’ll definitely be saving this guide!
I really love the edits on your photos. They all have a pink tint – and it matches your blog! Anyways, thanks for the tips! Hoping to visit Copenhagen in the near future. Now I’ll have to add Aarhus to the list!
I have been thinking of travelling to Copenhagen, so this itinerary is perfect for me 🙂 I hope I can visit it soon. It looks so beautiful!
Aarhus looks amazing to visit in the snow! I am guessing you were wrapped up warm so you could walk around and see the gorgeous architecture and the coast. I love the mix of exploring outside, then getting cozy to chow down on tasty food.
I have to admit though, the Havnebadet sounds like a bad idea in winter!
I’ve never been to Copenhagen but would love to go someday! I tend to plan my travels around food so I’d absolutely be up for that food market! <3
Copenhagen is one of the best cities in the world! If you have more questions, feel free to reach out!
How fun! I’ve visited Copenhagen but never Aarhus! It sounds like a wonderful addition to any Copenhagen trip. I especially love how the food markets sound, and the snow is truly beautiful!
I can’t wait to go to Copenhagen – my parents went years ago and I fell in love with their photos. I’d really love to go for a Christmas market (although I know it will be quite cold, but as a Canadian I think I can handle it haha!). Thank you for the tips!
This is a place I’d like to visit one day. I love real-life enactments so would be all over DEN Gamble. The photos in the winter are wonderful. Such a treat to see snow on a blog post.
Saved for later! I hope I get to go next summer, I’m dying to visit 🙂 great article!
The central food market is permanently closed according to Google. 🙁
You are so right! What a major bummer! The Aarhus Street Food Market is still going strong! Thanks for updating me on the central market so I can revise it! Have so much fun in Aarhus!