On a café terrace, at a hotel reception, in the streets, it only takes a few minutes for a conversation to start almost immediately with someone. The people of Aarhus have a reputation for cultivating, perhaps more than anywhere else, a friendly atmosphere. "HyggeA Danish word that evokes well-being, comfort and intimacy. A joie de vivre that makes this city so attractive to travellers, including those on business.
" We were named the happiest city in the world after Helsinki. And it's true that Aarhus' relaxed atmosphere is an asset. Visitors generally feel at home here" says Pia Lange Christensen, Managing Director of Visit Aarhus, the tourism promotion agency.
His office by the port of Aarhus is the quintessence of 'Hygge'. Bright green paint on what looks like a temporary structure made of containers. And it contrasts with the comfort of the Scandinavian-style offices and living spaces.
Denmark's youngest and most dynamic city
Aarhus is on a roll. Today, the city appears to be the best alternative to Copenhagen to many entrepreneurs. In France, we might wonder why this is, as Aarhus is still relatively unknown. But the facts speak for themselves for this city of nearly 340,000 inhabitants and over a million in its metropolitan area.
Its geographical location is very favourable. Aarhus is located along the north-east coast of Jutland, the most central province in Europe. Denmark. The city is in fact equidistant from Hamburg and Copenhagen. The port of Aarhus is the leading port in Denmark, with a market share of 56% for container traffic.
Aarhus is considered the country's youngest city, with almost 35% of its population aged between 18 and 34. Its demographic growth is one of the fastest in the country, with some 15,000 new residents added in the space of a decade. This dynamism is stimulated by the presence of theUniversity of AarhusIt is considered by many Danes to be the best in the country. It welcomes almost 40,000 students, with beneficial effects on all sectors of the new economy.
Aarhus, capital of the sectors of the future
Research and development, design, renewable energies, high technology, fashion and architecture: on average, some 1,500 new businesses are created every year. A dynamic that translates into more than 20,000 jobs created over a decade.
" We are indeed an attractive city for the creative and research industries. But we are also the centre of Danish agriculture. Most of the big names in agribusiness, such as Arla and Lurpark, are based in the region." says Pia Lange Christensen.
To support this breeding ground for talent, the city has created five centres of excellence scattered across the city. These 'Innovation Districts' focus on health, agriculture, high-tech, creative industries and renewable energies. In this area, Aarhus has also set itself the goal of becoming completely CO2-neutral by 2030.
Raising the profile of Aarhus in France
Perhaps the only weakness of this city, which is so attractive to live in, is its lack of notoriety among travellers, particularly French-speaking travellers. " Our main international markets are Germany, Norway and Sweden because of their proximity. We also have a significant number of Dutch visitors. With the recovery in post-pandemic tourismOur promotional efforts are focused on these four markets. As well as France and Italy, with their huge potential." explains Pia Lange Christensen.
From France, Aarhus is more accessible than ever. It's just over an hour's drive from Billund international airport, with direct links to Paris or Brussels. And then there's this small city with its undeniable charm. And with a cost of living well below that of Copenhagen.
The centre is compact, easy to explore on foot and has everything you could wish for in a European city. The historic city nestles behind the cathedral along Rosensgade, Klostergade and Volden. It's known as the Latin Quarter (Latinerkvarteret), with its maze of narrow cobbled streets, passageways and Renaissance houses in pastel, white or even anthracite. Small cafés, vegetarian or exotic restaurants, designer or vintage boutiques line the streets. Another place to stroll in the city centre is Åboulevarden, in the stretch between Magasin (an elegant department stores') and Place de l'Europe, where you'll find restaurants and bars lining the banks of the River Aarhus.
In terms of culture, Aarhus has benefited from its title of european capital of culture 2017. It has some outstanding museums. ARoS, the city's fine arts museum, has one of the finest collections of modern art in Northern Europe. The museum is renowned for its 'rainbow' sculpture. There is also the Moesgard Museum, devoted to anthropology, whose contemporary architecture is set against the surrounding forests. Finally, the very surprising Den Gamle By Museum (Old Town Museum) recreates an old town with authentic historic houses. You can even discover a 70s district with its shops. An excellent place for incentive activities.
Or simply watch Aarhus live, from a rooftop terrace or in its old streets. And chat to your neighbours. Hygge oblige...
AARHUS GUIDE
How to get there
There are several direct flights fromAir France and Vueling from Paris CDG and Orly to Billund. Air France serves Billund airport up to twice a day, Vueling three times a week. Ryanair also operates flights to Brussels-Charleroi. Possibility of landing directly at Aarhus airport via Copenhagen or London-Stansted.
Stay
Scandinavian luxury and comfort embodied in Comwell Aarhus Dolce by Wyndham. All rooms have a superb view of the city... (Værkmestergade 2, 8000 Aarhus C- Tel. +45 70 274 274 – https://comwell.com/en/hoteller/comwell-hotel-aarhus). Boutique spirit, design and sustainability for thehotel Oasiaa three-star hotel in the heart of the city (Kriegersvej 27 - Phone: +45 87 32 37 15- Tel. www.hoteloasia.com). For tighter budgets, the youth hostel BOOK1 Design Hostel. In fact, this former municipal library from the 1950s has been transformed into a Scandinavian-style establishment, perfect for business travellers as it offers single rooms. Bar, lounge, meeting rooms and a hearty breakfast are all part of the experience (Møllegade 3A, Mølleparken - Tel. +45 88 30 15 00 - www.brochner-hotels.com/book1-designhostel).
Eat
The restaurant Klokken Aarhus near the port offers inventive Scandinavian cuisine at reasonable prices for Denmark, including lunch menus (https://restaurantklokken.dk/klokken-aarhus/). The quintessence of new Danish cuisine, Nordisk Spisehus is recommended by Michelin. Lunch costs from €12 and a four-course meal from €65. Reasonable prices for excellent quality (https://www.nordiskspisehus.dk/en/). For reasonably-priced food, there are coffee shops - not to be confused with cafés, which are restaurants - offering sandwiches and pastries in a relaxed atmosphere. Try them in the Quartier Latin or in the Frederiksbjerg district...
Photos: the Book1 bar (LC), Den Gamle By museum (LC), Quartier Latin (LC), Salling rooftop (Phototop-Visit Aarhus), cathedral (LC) and Moengaard Museum (Moengaard).
Three must-sees in Aarhus
- Have a drink or a snack on the incredible rooftop of the Salling department stores'. This huge roof terrace overlooking the city centre is spread over several levels and includes a winter garden with a bar and café, as well as several lounge areas where you can enjoy a delicious meal or a refreshing cocktail. Musicians and DJs perform every Friday at the "Fredag på Toppen" event from 5pm to 7pm.
- Always a rooftop this time offering a 360° panorama of the city through the prism of the rainbow. On the roof ofARoS, the fine arts museumThis work of art by Danish/Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson takes the form of a large circular glass footbridge, 52 metres long and 150 metres wide. You can stroll along it or sit on the lower floor and watch the visitors while sipping a coffee... A little tip: the museum is open until 9pm and is generally empty after 7pm.
- The remarkable Aarhus Cathedral (Aarhus Domkirke) boasts superb Gothic architecture and splendid medieval frescoes adding a splash of colour to the dazzling white walls.
Find out more
The Aarhus Tourist Office website offers a wealth of tips for exploring the city interactively (https://www.visitaarhus.com/aarhus-region/plan-your-trip).
French Consulate: see the Embassy of France in Denmark in Copenhagen. https://dk.ambafrance.org/Contacter-les-services-de-l-Ambassade
Economic information on Aarhus at https://businessaarhus.dk/eng/about-aarhus/
