Aarhus

Silkeborg Lakes
Den Gamle By
Aarhus Town Hall

Find Northern Europe Cruises

Aarhus

The Smallest Big City in the World

Different, modern and fun, Aarhus is one of the happiest cities on Earth and is also known as “the smallest big city in the world.” On an MSC cruise, you will be introduced to this incredible place located on the Jutland peninsula in Denmark full of beaches, forests and nature trails to explore.

Aarhus is rich in attractions and places not to be missed, including the Jelling rune stones, one of UNESCO's World Heritage sites, along with the fjords and coasts. In 2017, it was also elected the European Capital of Culture and hosts many events, performances and exhibitions.
 
The highlight of the city is Den Gamle By, or the “old city”, much more than an open-air museum. With approximately seventy-five buildings from different periods, the urban life of past centuries is faithfully reproduced in every detail. In addition to traditional shops, there are also schools, the customs office, a theater and much more. It is a perfect attraction for taking a fascinating journey back in time. Looking out over the urban buildings of Den Gamle By, you pass from the 18th century to the 1970s.
 
Another stop not to be missed during your visit of Aarhus is at its town hall: known for its modernist structure, the building was designed by the famous Danish architect Arne Jacobsen and inaugurated on June 2, 1941, on the exact day of the 500th anniversary of the foundation of the city.
 
On your holiday with MSC Cruises, you will also have the opportunity to visit the southern Jutland, a breathtaking natural site with rivers, lakes and areas that offer fantastic views. The city of Silkeborg in particular, rich in culture, is a splendid starting point for enjoying its lakes and beautiful countryside by hiking and exploring the best of Danish nature.

Discover excursions in Aarhus

    Denmark

    Cutting edge technology and gastronomy
    Cutting edge technology and gastronomy

    Denmark has achieved nothing short of the unthinkable over the past decade: from a little-known, little-understood country wedged between mainland Europe and the rest of Scandinavia to an international cultural powerhouse with Michelin-starred restaurants, multiple hit TV shows and fashion stars.


    With agriculture its primary industry, technological innovation and a focus on green energy is a big part of the economy of daily life. Culturally, too, it hits all the right marks. A cruise to Denmark will show you impeccable design and great musical offerings (especially jazz) at every turn. What’s more, an ultra-efficient transport infrastructure makes Denmark one of Northern Europe’s most enjoyable countries to explore. Geographically, three main landmasses make up the country – the islands of Zealand and Funen and the peninsula of Jutland, which extends northwards from Germany. Most visitors make for Zealand (Sjælland), and, more specifically, Copenhagen, an exciting focal point with a beautiful old centre and a good array of museums.

    Funen (Fyn) has only one real urban draw, Odense, once home to Hans Christian Andersen; otherwise, it’s renowned for cute villages and sandy beaches. Jutland (Jylland) has, as well as scenery alternating between lonely beaches, gentle hills and heathland, two of the liveliest Danish cities in Århus and Aalborg.