Europe

Aarhus, Denmark

A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Places to Run in Aarhus

Anders Trærup, Visit Aarhus

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.

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Marienlystparken

Aarhus, Denmark

Runners can find a 1500 meter track as well as 2, 3, and 5 km marked routes throughout the green knolls of Marienlyst park. Connect to the paths around Aarhus University Hospital and the Countryside Route for longer runs.
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Aarhus has a temperate ocean climate. Given the city’s latitude, one would expect colder weather. But summers are pleasant, with average highs about 21C (70F) and lows dipping to 11C (52F). A layer is needed year-round!  Winters are chilly, dark, and damp: temperatures hover near freezing and there can be ice and snow. There is ample precipitation, but the climate is more typified by windy, foggy, and somewhat unsettled norms given the ocean setting. Always be prepared for rain and cool temps!

Most hotels in Aarhus are situated in or around the downtown area, though there are a few further spaced options. Find accommodations on VisitAarhus.com.

Aarhus has lots of great running options to match its running culture. Visit Loberen Aarhus, Racing Denmark, Loebshop, or Sportmaster.

There are also numerous running clubs throughout the city. Aarhus 1900, Runaar, and the Mikkeler Running Club are some of the most popular.

For a terrific guided running tour of Aarhus, we recommend Go! Running Tours.

Aarhus holds a popular city Half Marathon and 11k  in June, the Mikkeller Cross Country Championships, and the Aarhus 1900 Half Marathon. Find more on the Go! Running Tours website.