Aarhus (Århus) is the second largest city in Denmark, located on the Jutland Peninsula northwest and across the bay from Copenhagen. As the cultural and economic center of Jutland, Aarhus is a popular conference location and a growing cruise ship destination for its shopping, museums, and jazz history. Running in Aarhus is great, owing to its geography and a bike- and pedestrian- friendly layout. Note that there isn’t a seamless waterfront run, in the sense that Aarhus is very much a working port with numerous ‘basins’.
The locals have done some of the work for us by creating the “Sunbeams over Aarhus,” seven trails of varying length and terrain radiating out from the center of Aarhus. Favorites include the “Blue Route” around the Aarhus River and lakes, the “Park Route” through beautiful parks and gardens, and the “Coastal Route” along the forested trails of the south shore. For those who want to stick close to the center of the city, use our ‘Runseeing’ Tour of Aarhus to explore the architecture and culture of downtown. Other great places to run in Aarhus include our mapped routes around Egå Marina, Marienlystparken, and the nearby suburbs of Tranbjerg, and Skodstrup. Note: If you’d like to have a guided running experience in Aarhus, we highly recommend our affiliate partner Go! Running Tours.
Aarhus is easily walkable or bikeable, especially due to the presence of the Sunbeams, and bike lanes/sidewalks on most streets. Free city bikes are available in many areas. There are also widespread buses and the Aarhus Letbane light rail, which can be used to access our suburban routes. Visitors should consider an AarhusCard for discounts on transportation as well as local activities.