Located on the eastern peninsula of Jutland and the largest city in the East Jutland Metropolitan area, Aarhus is the second largest city in Denmark and the chief port of the country. Known as Arus or Áŕoss according to Nordic Chronicles during the Middle Ages, the city got its name from the small river at the mouth of which the city is situated. Â means a small river and Oss means mouth, hence Áŕoss means situated at the mouth of a small river or a city located on a river delta. Through the years and by the 20th century, the name developed to Aarhus.
Its establishment is probably earlier than 770 AD, which makes it the oldest Scandinavian city. The Bishopric goes back to 951 while archeological discoveries are from the Viking era some 1300 years ago. The city’s strategic location provided it trading opportunities with Germany, the Baltic countries and the greater peninsula of Jutland along with the smaller islands surrounding it. Aalborg, until the late 19th century was the largest city, after which Aarhus developed at remarkable speed, due to the industrial revolution, to become the largest city in the Jutland peninsula.
Some of the prominent tourist attractions in Aarhus include the 13th century Aarhus Domkirke, the tallest in Denmark and the second tallest in northern Europe. The Old Town, which is not actually the old town of Aarhus, but a collection of old buildings from various cities in Denmark, displayed at the town square. Church Vor Frue Kirke, the City Hall Aarhus Radhus, the Arhus Teatre, the largest theatre in Aarhus, Marselisborg Slot, the summer palace of the Danish royalty and the Aarhus University are some of the other places of interest.
Museums include the main Aarhus Arts Museum, Moesgard Museum, which houses relics from the past and the Viking Museum among others. Also of interest are the Botanical Gardens, the Tivoli Friheden, an amusement park and Den Permanente a much sought after beach that gives brilliant views of Helgenaes and Samso from across the Aarhus Bay. Although the city is well-equipped with all the facilities of a very large city, it is not a metropolis and is sometimes called the ‘small big city’. It is also fondly referred to as ‘The City of Smiles’.
Photo by H. C. Steensen provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by pillboxs provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by Stig Ekelund provided courtesy of Panoramio.com