Den Gamle By Travel Guide – Discover Aarhus' Living History Museum

Welcome to Den Gamle By, one of the most captivating attractions in Denmark. Nestled in the heart of Aarhus, this open-air museum offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience Danish life from the 1600s to the 20th century.
 

With cobbled streets, historic houses, costumed interpreters, and interactive exhibits, Den Gamle By is more than a museum—it's a living, breathing city of the past.

As your tour guide today, I’ll show you how to make the most of your visit, with local insights, hidden highlights, and historical context.

🗺️ Where Is Den Gamle By?

📍 Location: Viborgvej 2, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark

🚶‍♂️ 5–10 min walk from Aarhus city center and ARoS Art Museum

🌳 Located in the Botanical Gardens of Aarhus

🧠 What Is Den Gamle By?

Den Gamle By (translated as “The Old Town”) is a pioneering open-air museum that reconstructs urban life in Denmark through different time periods. It's not just one time period—it includes townscapes from the 1600s, 1800s, and 1900s, each filled with historically accurate shops, homes, workshops, and public buildings.

Quick Facts:

First opened in 1914

Home to 75+ historic buildings relocated from towns across Denmark

Staffed with actors portraying blacksmiths, bakers, merchants, and townspeople

Covers three major time periods: 1864, 1927, and 1974

🏛️ It’s the world’s first open-air museum of urban history.

📜 History of Den Gamle By

Founded by Peter Holm, a museum curator who wanted to preserve disappearing Danish urban architecture, Den Gamle By was inspired by the idea that history is best experienced—not just observed.

Holm began by moving a merchant’s mansion from Aarhus to the museum site, then slowly expanded the collection with buildings from across Denmark, including homes, shops, and public institutions.

Over time, the museum has grown to include not just physical structures, but living interpretations of the past—from cobblers handcrafting shoes to schoolteachers giving 1920s lessons in Danish.

🕰️ What to See in Den Gamle By

Den Gamle By is divided into three immersive sections representing different centuries.

🏠 1. The 1864 Quarter – Life in the Mid-19th Century

Step into a Danish market town from the 1800s:

Timber-framed buildings with flower boxes and creaky floors

A working blacksmith’s forge, apothecary, brewery, and bookbinder

Horse-drawn carriages clattering through cobblestone streets

Costumed townspeople sewing, baking, and gossiping

Don’t Miss:

The Mayor’s House – elegantly furnished with period decor

The schoolhouse – try writing with ink and quill

The olden-day bakery – yes, you can taste warm pastries made from 19th-century recipes

🕯️ This area is lit by candlelight in winter and has a truly authentic feel.

🧳 2. The 1927 Quarter – Modernization and Jazz Age Vibes

Witness Denmark’s transition into the modern world:

Functioning radio shop, watchmaker, and photography studio

A 1920s telephone exchange

A jazz-era tearoom with live music on weekends

Homes decorated with electric lights and early consumer goods

Try This:

Dress up in 1920s attire for a vintage photo shoot

Buy vintage candy at the old-fashioned sweet shop

Visit a family’s apartment and hear about their lives from actors playing real characters

🎷 This area brings the Roaring Twenties to life—Danish style.

📺 3. The 1974 Quarter – Daily Life in the Post-War Era

Newer to the museum, this district reflects urban life during the 1970s:

A fully recreated apartment block from 1974

Retro record stores, fashion boutiques, and political posters

Iconic items like Legos, lava lamps, and old TV sets

Rooms set up as they were left—perfectly preserved time capsules

Look Out For:

The women’s collective house – highlighting gender equality movements

A 1970s classroom – complete with slide projectors and funky wallpaper

Kids' play areas with old-school Danish toys

📻 Expect to feel nostalgic—whether you lived through it or not!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Interactive Experiences and Activities

Den Gamle By isn’t just for watching—you become part of the history.

🔨 Hands-On Workshops:

Print your own old-style newspapers

Try typesetting, wood carving, or weaving

Bake traditional Danish rye bread or cookies

🧑‍🏫 Living History Tours:

Led by actors in period costume

Ask questions, hear personal stories, and join daily life

Ideal for children and history enthusiasts alike

🎭 Special Events:

Christmas in the Old Town – A magical, candlelit market with 19th-century charm

Easter and Harvest Festivals – Featuring local music, costumes, and food

Night Tours – After-dark tours lit by lantern, full of ghost stories and folklore

🧃 Where to Eat and Drink

Den Gamle By offers period-inspired eateries and cozy cafés.

🍽️ Recommended Spots:

Restaurant Gæstgivergården – Traditional Danish cuisine like herring, smørrebrød, and pork roast

1920s Tea Room – Vintage setting with tea, cakes, and jazz ambiance

Bakery – Grab a warm cinnamon bun made from original 19th-century recipes

1974 Café – Casual fare with retro décor and classic Danish sandwiches

🍻 Try a local Aarhus beer or old-fashioned soft drink at the tavern-style bar.

🛍️ Shopping at Den Gamle By

You’ll find several museum shops offering unique souvenirs:

Handmade crafts, ceramics, and textiles

Reproduction toys and historic games

Local food specialties like jam, mead, and herbal teas

Books and guides on Danish history and culture

🛒 The shops reflect the era they’re located in—so each one is a different experience.

🧭 Practical Information for Visiting

📅 Opening Hours:

Open year-round, including holidays

Typical hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Extended hours during events (e.g., Christmas or summer)

🎟️ Tickets:

Adults: approx. DKK 160 (~€21)

Children under 18: Free

Family and group discounts available

Combo tickets with other Aarhus attractions offered

🌐 Website:

https://www.dengamleby.dk – Check for updated hours, ticket prices, and events

🚍 How to Get There

Walking: 10–15 minutes from Aarhus Central Station

Bus: Take bus lines 3A, 14, or 17 to Viborgvej/Den Gamle By

Car: Parking available nearby

Bike: Easily accessible by bicycle; parking stands at the entrance

🗓️ Best Time to Visit

Spring & Summer – Lush gardens, open-air activities, and extended hours

Autumn – Fewer crowds, beautiful fall colors

December – Christmas Market transforms Den Gamle By into a festive fairy tale with lights, food, and music

🧳 Sample Itinerary: A Perfect Day in Den Gamle By

Morning

Arrive at 10 AM

Start in the 1864 district with fresh pastry from the bakery

Talk to the blacksmith and apothecary

Midday

Lunch at Restaurant Gæstgivergården

Explore the 1927 quarter: shop, school, and tea room

Afternoon

Dive into the 1974 zone for some retro nostalgia

Join a guided tour or workshop

Visit the museum shop and end the day with a snack

⏳ Budget 3–4 hours minimum; history lovers can easily spend a full day.

🎯 Why You Should Visit Den Gamle By

Den Gamle By is not just a museum—it’s a time-travel adventure that lets you walk through the very fabric of Danish life across centuries. It blends education, culture, entertainment, and hands-on learning in a way that’s both fun and deeply meaningful.

Whether you're a solo traveler, a family with kids, or a history buff, Den Gamle By promises a memorable journey into Denmark’s soul—full of stories, sights, sounds, and smells that will stay with you long after you leave.