After a week or so exploring Copenhagen, I ventured up north to the second largest city in Denmark, Aarhus. I knew about Aarhus as the birthplace of the first La Cabra roastery and café which I wanted to check out. Apart from world renowned coffee, I later found many other attractions – from historic sites, to museums, to new architecture, to the sea.
How to Get There
It took about three and a half hours by the DSB train, and tickets can be easily reserved and bought online prior to your trip, fuss-free. The ride was generally smooth and comfortable in clean carriages, except that you would be seating facing a stranger on the opposite side, and unfortunately I also picked the wrong side and had to ride backwards on my ride back to Copenhagen.
Where to Stay
Through AirBnB, I booked a beach house by the harbour front, which offered a direct view of the ocean from its floor to ceiling windows. It is situated in the Aarhus Docklands, or Aarhus Ø, which is a newer district in Aarhus.
What to See
- Aarhus Docklands
The Aarhus Docklands is a combination of modern architecture and recreational activities, making it a dynamic neighbourhood. I had opportunities to stroll and run beside the waters and I couldn’t help but notice the uniquely designed buildings – one of it being the Isbjerget (Iceberg) which mimics the shape of an iceberg. There were also many locals indulging in water activities, and right by the harbour bath there was a bustling street lined with restaurants and bars.
2. Den Gamle By – 10am – 5pm daily
Den Gamle By is an open air town museum which showcases 400 years of Danish history through 4 neighbourhoods. Each neighbourhood represents a different period of time and it was an interesting experience to step into historic shops, gardens, houses and backyards.
3. ARoS Aarhus Art Museum – Tue – Fri 10am – 9pm, Weekends 10am – 5pm
For an indoor cultural activity, I explored the ARoS art museum which had 10 levels worth of exhibits. The most memorable ones were the five-metre tall huge and hyper-realistic sculpture of a boy by Ron Mueck, and the permanent Your Rainbow Panorama created by Olaf Eliasson, a circular walkway in glass in all the colours of the spectrum.
Where to Eat & Drink
- La Cabra
Quite literally what I went to Aarhus for! Read my full review here.
2. Monk – Bernhardt Jensens Blvd 75, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark, 7.30am to 5pm daily
Located in the Docklands is this cozy café that makes their own coffee while sourcing baked goods from Berta Bakery (yet another popular bakery in Aarhus).
I had both the Matcha Latte and Espresso with Milk to pair with the Bolle Med Ost (BMO) – the breakfast of champions in Denmark, referring to bun and cheese, and a banana bread. Both coffee and matcha were equally good, and I also loved the nuttiness and crisp of the sesame bun.
3. Jumbo Bakery at Ankersgade – Ankersgade 12, Aarhus, Denmark 8000. Weekdays 7.30am – 5pm, Weekends/Public Holidays 8am – 4pm
Jumbo Bakery at Ankersgade is the second location of Jumbo Bakery. Though slightly out of the way in a more secluded area, this outlet is also much bigger and more airy than the first, with relaxing vibes to laze away in the afternoon. Their bakes rotate on a seasonal basis depending on the local produce available.
When I was there, I had the Buckwheat Croissant with Honey, Buckwheat and Sea Salt, which was in a round cylindrical shape unlike the usual croissant. It featured buttery and flaky layers and felt more like a kouign amann. The use of buckwheat was interesting.
I also had the Almond Cake made with semolina and olive oil and served with a soft vanilla cream and freshly squeezed lime. The nuttiness of the almond came through nicely and neither the cake nor cream were overly sweet.
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