{"id":124575,"date":"2022-05-07T11:27:41","date_gmt":"2022-05-07T09:27:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.voyages-d-affaires.com\/?p=124575"},"modified":"2025-03-24T09:39:15","modified_gmt":"2025-03-24T08:39:15","slug":"aarhus-hygge-affaires","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.voyages-d-affaires.com\/en\/aarhus-hygge-affaires","title":{"rendered":"In Aarhus, the 'hygge' spirit permeates the business world"},"content":{"rendered":"

On a caf\u00e9 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. \"Hygge<\/strong>A 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\u00a0We 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<\/em>\" says Pia Lange Christensen, Managing Director of Visit Aarhus, the tourism promotion agency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Denmark's youngest and most dynamic city<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Aarhus is on a roll. Today, the city appears to be the best alternative to Copenhagen<\/strong> 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<\/strong> and over a million in its metropolitan area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The new symbol of Aarhus is being built: the Mindet 6 Tower on the edge of the harbour will be the tallest structure in Denmark at 144 metres and 38 storeys (Photo: C.F. M\u00f8ller Architects)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Its geographical location is very favourable. Aarhus is located along the north-east coast of Jutland, the most central province in Europe. Denmark<\/a>. The city is in fact equidistant from Hamburg and Copenhagen<\/strong>. The port of Aarhus is the leading port in Denmark, with a market share of 56% for container traffic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 Aarhus<\/strong>It 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aarhus, capital of the sectors of the future<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\u00a0We 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.<\/em>\" says Pia Lange Christensen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u00c5boulevarden runs alongside the River Aarhus in the city centre and is home to a number of restaurants and caf\u00e9s (Photo: Luc Citrinot)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Raising the profile of Aarhus in France<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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. \"\u00a0Our 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 tourism<\/strong>Our promotional efforts are focused on these four markets. As well as France and Italy, with their huge potential.<\/em>\" explains Pia Lange Christensen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong> or Brussels<\/strong>. And then there's this small city with its undeniable charm. And with a cost of living well below that of Copenhagen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 caf\u00e9s, vegetarian or exotic restaurants, designer or vintage boutiques line the streets. Another place to stroll in the city centre is \u00c5boulevarden, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The panorama from the \"Rainbow\" at ARoS (Your rainbow panorama, Olafur Eliasson, 2006 - 2011, ARoS Aarhus Art Museum)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

In terms of culture, Aarhus has benefited from its title of european capital of culture 2017<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or simply watch Aarhus live, from a rooftop terrace or in its old streets. And chat to your neighbours. Hygge oblige...<\/p>\n\n\n\n