A Walk through Historical Arhus
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Port
Arhus, Denmark
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Activity Level
Strenuous
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$79.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Discover Århus' heritage on a walking tour through the Old Town. Along the way, your guide recounts the city's history, from its founding sometime in the 7th century to the present day. Århus is likely the oldest city in all of Scandinavia -- its bishopric dates to the 9th century and the city is mentioned in the Icelandic sagas.
Your first stop is at Århus Cathedral. The cathedral's construction began in 1190 and was eventually completed in the 16th century. It is Denmark's longest and tallest church -- its restored bell tower stands 310 feet tall, while the church is more than 300 feet long. The interior boasts frescoes from the 14th and 15th centuries as well as a 16th-century altar carved by Lübeck master Bernt Notke. You will have approximately 10 minutes here should you choose to visit the inside of the cathdral independantly.
Next, you'll stroll through the Latin Quarter -- the city's oldest district. See the 18th-century merchant houses and courtyards that were part-dwelling, part-warehouse. It was here that the city's industrialization commenced -- a process that would bring Århus to prominence as Denmark's largest port and second-largest city.
It's a short walk to the Church of our Lady -- once part of a Dominican monastery and built in the 15th century over the crypt of a Romanesque church (1060). Traces of frescoes line the walls and don't miss the magnificent altarpiece by Claus Berg (c 1520). Walk down some of the many narrow streets and pass the AROS Art Museum, which dates back to 1859. However, its modern additions include the Rainbow Walk, opened in 2004.
Continue to the Town Hall of Århus, designed by famous Danish architect Arne Jacobsen. It is covered in Norwegian Marble and is a good impression of Danish architecture and design. Your guide will introduce you to the life of Arne Jacobsen, whose furniture is quite famous around the world.
On your way back to your ship, you'll stop by the impressive DOKK 1 -- a new library and service center for the people of Århus.
Your tour ends with a short walk back to the pier. Inside church visit(s) may not be possible if religious services are being held.