Den Gamle By

Living History of Danish Cities

Denmark’s Aarhus is home to Den Gamle By, a living history museum that showcases life in the country from the 1500s through today. The site features authentic buildings moved onto a recreated village green, each telling stories of everyday people and their work. Visitors can walk among historic homes, workshops and farms while learning about traditional crafts and local customs. Interactive displays let guests try old trades like baking or blacksmithing. The museum also hosts seasonal events that bring the past to life through music, food and demonstrations.

Add to list

Museum in Aarhus

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

Safety: 8.8

General Safety:	9
Accessibility:	8

Read details

4/5

English is widely spoken in Aarhus, especially in tourist areas and cultural institutions, facilitating easy communication for international visitors.

Highlights Description Getting there Hotels Tips Safety Articles

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

* We earn a commission from some links on this page.

Den Gamle By Summary

Excellent for living history and cultural exploration. Walk historic streets, enter recreated homes and shops and experience daily life from different eras.

Opening hours:

Mon-Sun:

10:00 - 16:00

Public website:

www.dengamleby.dk

Denmark – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type E , Type K Type C: Type E: Type K: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Danish Krone (DKK) £1 ≈ DKK 8.93
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 Cashless payments are widespread, and cards are accepted almost everywhere. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. Rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is common.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is allowed, especially during festivals and celebrations.
Public smoking:	Smoking is banned in most indoor public spaces and workplaces.

Constitution Day (June)	Celebrations occur, but shops may close early.
Christmas (December)	Markets and festive events are popular.
Easter (March/April)	Many closures and family gatherings.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Uber, Bolt
Other:	Cycling is popular and convenient in Denmark. The country has a focus on sustainability and green living.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Den Gamle By, Denmark

❄️

Jan

❄️

Feb

🌥️

Mar

🌤️

Apr

🌤️

May

🌤️

Jun

🌤️

Jul

🌤️

Aug

🌤️

Sep

🌥️

Oct

☁️

Nov

❄️

Dec

High season:	June - Aug., Dec.
Shoulder season:	April - May, Sep. - Nov.

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Christmas in the Old Town runs late November to early January, with decorated houses and a Christmas market

Open year-round, with longer opening hours in summer and shorter hours in winter

Don't miss

🏘️ Explore authentic Danish streets from 1600s to 1970s
🖼️ Visit the Danish Poster Museum and Toy Museum exhibits
🔨 Watch craftsmen demonstrate traditional trades in historic buildings

You've been here?

Den Gamle By is a pioneer open-air museum, established in 1909, showcasing reconstructed townhouses from various Danish periods. The museum portrays the cultural and social evolution of Danish cities through immersive displays, costumes and live demonstrations.

The site features around 80 buildings from the 16th century to the 1970s, representing different Danish cities. Visitors can explore detailed interior settings, crafts workshops and period-specific shops that bring history to life. Museums within the complex include specialized collections such as clocks, toys and posters that provide additional historical context.

The museum is noted for its interactive approach, with actors in historic dress and hands-on exhibits that make it engaging for visitors of all ages. Cafes and picnic areas within the grounds offer comfortable rest points.

While the museum is expansive and rich in detail, visitors should allow several hours to fully enjoy the experience. The outdoor layout means the visit may be affected by weather, so check forecasts and dress appropriately. Some areas may be less accessible for those with mobility challenges due to cobblestones and uneven paths.

Knowledge before you go

Arrive early to beat the crowds and start with the 1800s district.
Wear comfortable shoes; many cobbled streets and indoor rooms require walking.
Check opening hours and seasonal events on the official site before visiting.
Combine with nearby Aarhus highlights; the town’s layout makes for great photos at sunset.

How to travel to Den Gamle By

Den Gamle By is centrally located in Aarhus, accessible on foot from the city center or via local buses. International travelers typically fly into Aarhus Airport, followed by a short taxi or bus ride to downtown Aarhus.

Access summary

From Aarhus Airport (AAR): Airport bus to city centre, about 45–60 min.
From Aarhus Central Station: Walk or short bus ride, usually around 15–25 min.
From Copenhagen: Direct trains to Aarhus, journey typically about 2.5–3 hours.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay near Den Gamle By

Aarhus offers diverse accommodation options, from boutique hotels to cozy guesthouses, many located near the city center, providing convenient access to Den Gamle By and other attractions.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Aarhus

8.4

Helnan Marselis Hotel

Comwell Aarhus Dolce by Wyndham

Four Points Flex by Sheraton Aarhus Viby

8.0

Scandic The Mayor

7.9

Explore more accommodations

Packing recommendations for Den Gamle By

📷

Camera

👟

Comfortable walking shoes

🚰

Reusable water bottle

Universal travel adaptor

💳

Credit card with no foreign transaction fees

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

+40 %

Daily expenses in the region are around 40% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably more on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-3 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to DKK) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Safety information overview

General safety

Aarhus’s Den Gamle By museum enjoys a very low crime rate, with well‑lit streets and frequent security patrols. Visitors can explore freely during opening hours; just avoid crowded tourist spots at night, keep valuables secure and follow local safety advisories.

Accessibility

Den Gamle By in Aarhus offers good accessibility: wide, level pathways, elevators and wheelchair-friendly exhibits. However, some older buildings lack ramps and signage can be sparse. Visitors should check the museum’s website for specific access details before visiting.