Short break: Aarhus

From its cosmopolitan feel and world-class galleries to its enticing nature and bikefriendly streets, Denmark’s second city is the ideal short break, says Lyn Hughes

Culture, entertainment and good looks – Denmark’s second city has all the ingredients for an ideal getaway

Are you going to Legoland?” asked the immigration officer to the child in front of me. The affirmative was almost shouted by the little girl, who was clearly excited despite the late hour. It suddenly dawned on me why the delayed flight to Billund Airport had been packed full of families. And why, once we were through to landside, they all melted away to hotels near the original Lego factory, while only five people got on the bus to Aarhus.

Denmark’s second city, deserves more visitors in its own right. It might not have the Pirate Boats or Frog Hopper rides of Legoland, but this compact coastal destination does offer the right combo of culture, entertainment and good looks to make the ideal short break.

Decanting from the airport bus (it’s a 90-minute journey into the city), the first thing that struck me was the sheer numbers of bicycles sitting in racks along the streets. The second thing was that the majority of bikes were unlocked. Apparently, the number of bicycles per head here are the highest in Denmark, and Aarhus certainly prides itself as a bike-friendly city. My hotel overlooked one the main roads and yet the view the next morning revealed more bikes than cars – it was the quietest city rush hour I’d ever seen.

But, in case you’re wondering whether Aarhus would be too sleepy for you, fear not. This former European City of Culture offers world-class galleries and museums, festivals and music. It’s a university city too, giving it a vibrancy and cosmopolitan feel. Open-air cafés line the canal that snakes through the city centre, while foodies are spoiled for choice with some of Denmark’s best restaurants.

If city life becomes too much, the surrounding forests, lakes and the coast beckon. Aarhus dubs itself ‘Denmark’s capital of nature for a reason’. I wasn’t surprised when one guide told me she was a former student at the university who had been drawn back to make Aarhus her home: “Why would I leave?”

ASK A LOCAL

“Take a walk in the Latin Quarter in the evening for a drink and food. A trip out to Moesgaard Museum is great fun and can be combined with eating at Skovmøllen, a wonderful restaurant in the woods.

Lukas Dalsgaard Hughes, teacher

Step back in time Den Gamle By’s ‘Old Town’ was the first open-air museum of its kind