See Aarhus in air-conditioned comfort and with the greatest of ease on a panoramic drive that will present the city’s most compelling highlights. Once you settle in, you will pass landmark attractions such as Aarhus University, the second-oldest and second-largest in the country. How fitting for the second-largest city in Denmark. City hall stands out as it was finished in 1941 during the German occupation of Aarhus, when much of Europe was being destroyed. While driving past the open-air museum Den Gamle By, you will gain further architectural insight, as its dozens of buildings were constructed centuries ago. The circular rainbow-colored walkway that you will spot atop the ARoS museum is a modern art installation that offers sweeping views of the surrounding urban landscape. If the Danish royal family isn’t in attendance, you will stop for photos at Marselisborg Palace, their summer residence. It was built in 1902 as a wedding gift for the then prince and princess.

Settle in for a wonderfully panoramic drive through Denmark’s second-largest city with enlightening stops at two of its most historical landmarks. You will appreciate the diversity of Aarhus when passing attractions such as the Botanical Garden, ARoS Art Museum and the city hall that visionary architects Arne Jacobsen and Erik Møller designed. As much as Aarhus has evolved over the years, it still celebrates its past in buildings such as the cathedral, whose construction began in the 12th century. It is the longest and tallest church in Denmark, but its significance goes far beyond size. Be sure to note its exquisite frescoes and unusual baptismal font featuring the four Evangelists with symbolic animal heads. The dozens of buildings that make up the open-air museum Den Gamle By will show you how Danish life has changed from the 15th century through the 1970s. To add authenticity, the staff wear costumes and act like villagers did during those time periods.

Discover the considerable charms of the Old Town district of Ebeltoft, an urban experience that a picturesque drive through Mols Bjerge National Park will complement perfectly. The narrow cobblestone streets and traditional half-timbered houses lend a rare and delightful ambiance to Ebeltoft, which was founded in 1301. As you walk through this historical part of town, the guide will point out the most intriguing attractions, such as the steam-driven, screw-powered warship Jylland, now a museum anchored in the old port. Free time will also be allotted to further explore Ebeltoft, whether you prefer to follow the guide’s suggestions or just browse on your own. There is plenty to see either way. The sights will be just as spectacular, but quite different, in the national park on the outskirts of town. The last Ice Age left its mark on the topography, which woodlands, open meadows and heaths now cover. More than half the wild flora in Denmark flourishes there.

Walk through the districts closest to the pier and come away with an understanding of how Aarhus evolved to become the second-largest city in Denmark. Vikings first settled the area, but the oldest buildings in Aarhus are from medieval times, the most prominent being the 13th-century cathedral. Expect to be taken by its size, as the enormous red-brick building is Denmark’s longest and tallest church. The nearby Latin Quarter was built on the site of the earliest Viking fortifications and is considered Aarhus’ oldest district. Its Church of our Lady contains a crypt from the 11th century. The second half of the walk will focus more on eclectic attractions such as the quaint lane Møllestien, the Arne Jacobsen-designed city hall and ARoS, the most-visited art museum in Scandinavia. You can’t miss the circular walkway with rainbow-colored glass walls on its roof. You will enjoy a panoramic view of Aarhus from the terrace atop the Salling department store.

Gain an understanding of Viking life during the 10th-century reign of Danish king Harald Bluetooth by visiting an ancient fortress and farmstead. Situated on a protected inlet near Viking trading routes, Fyrkat fortress features a classic ring design with four entrances around a circle. Decades of excavations have unearthed walkways, foundations and burial grounds that reveal how the site was used in peace time and when under attack. The replica of a longhouse built outside the earthworks fortress lends a different perspective of Viking life. Similarly, the Viking farmstead nearby depicts the agricultural lifestyle in the Middle Ages. It is an accurate reconstruction of a Viking farm in Jelling, Bluetooth’s hometown. While meandering about, you can observe the costumed staff performing various household chores and cultural activities. You may have the opportunity to sample typical foods that the Vikings ate, such as herring, berries, fruit and porridge.

Delve into Danish history by exploring a private castle that has been in the Rosenkrantz family since the mid-16th century and a manor home that’s even older. Rosenholm Castle rises from an island in the middle of a lake, a location that offered natural protection over the centuries. Once inside, you will behold an elaborate interior beautifully furnished in the Rococo style. Tapestries embellish many of the rooms, all of which are decorated with period furniture. Still, the most striking piece is the portrait in the Great Hall of Frederik V, known as the Winter King. It is the work of C.G. Pilo, the official painter to the Danish Royal Court in the 18th century. Not far off, you will find the Renaissance estate Gammel Estrup Manor, which has been a museum for nearly 100 years. Completed in 1460, it presents a window into the lives of Denmark’s nobility and their servants.

OVERVIEW

Cruise off Aarhus in a wooden vintage-style boat and see architectural highlights that reveal the city’s history and vision for the future. The M/S Helene was purpose-built for sightseeing with an open-air upper deck and large viewing windows below. As you cruise along the inner harbor and the Bay of Aarhus, you may hear about the Vikings that first settled the area and how fishing was once the main commercial activity. While passing the revitalized urban neighborhood Aarhus Ø, you will see Lighthouse – a modern residential landmark that is Denmark’s tallest building – reflected in the sea. Farther up the coast, you will find Risskov, a forested park that was a royal hunting ground in medieval times. The landscape along the lowland peninsula Djursland is so dramatic that it inspired author J.R.R. Tolkien to name some of the locations in “The Lord of the Rings” and his other novels after places there.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy sparkling wine and canapés while cruising off Aarhus in a retro-style boat.
• Behold modern marvels such as Lighthouse, the tallest building in Denmark.
• Pass a forested park that was once a royal hunting ground.
• Cruise along Djursland, an inspiring naturally beautiful peninsula.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Browse the inspiring collection of predominately modern art in ARoS, the most visited art museum in Scandinavia. The building itself is a work of art, as it is crowned by a circular walkway with rainbow-colored glass walls, through which you can see a spectrum of sights through a spectrum of colors. The museum may look rather severe on the exterior, but its white interior is bathed in natural light and brightly illuminated to show off the international art. As you meander about, you will be struck by the power of landmark works such as “Boy,” a massive, almost uncomfortably realistic glass-fiber sculpture. Similarly, you can’t miss the monumental textile installation that hangs from the ceiling and stretches over 160 feet. It is a collaborative work that 50 full-time artists created. Also, be sure to see “9 Spaces,” another piece of installation art whose title refers to the nine circles of hell described in Dante’s classic “Inferno.”