10 Things to Do in Den Gamle By (The Old Town) Aarhus, Denmark
Den Gamle By (The Old Town) in Aarhus, Denmark is one of the oldest open-air museums in the world. This historic site is home to more than 75 historical buildings, all of which have been carefully restored to their original state. It's a great place to explore the history and culture of Denmark, and there are plenty of activities to enjoy. Here are 10 of the best things to do in Den Gamle By.
1. Take a Tour: Den Gamle By offers guided tours that take visitors through the museum's 75 buildings and gardens. The tour guides are knowledgeable and can provide interesting facts and stories about the history of the site.
2. Visit the Museum of Urban History: This museum is dedicated to the history of Aarhus and its people. It has a collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the city's development from the Middle Ages to the present day.
3. Visit the House of the Blacksmith: This house is one of the oldest buildings in the museum and is home to a working blacksmith shop. Visitors can watch the blacksmith at work and even purchase some of his creations.
4. Explore the Gardens: Den Gamle By has a number of gardens, including a rose garden, a herb garden, and a vegetable garden. Visitors can wander through the gardens and take in the sights and smells of the plants.
5. Enjoy a Meal at the Restaurant: The restaurant at Den Gamle By serves traditional Danish food in a historic setting. The menu includes dishes such as herring, smoked salmon, and meatballs.
6. Visit the Toy Museum: This museum is dedicated to toys from the past. It has a collection of more than 10,000 toys, ranging from dolls to model trains.
7. Take a Boat Ride: Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake that is located in the center of the museum. The boat ride takes passengers around the lake, providing a unique view of the museum.
8. Visit the Old Town Hall: The old town hall is one of the oldest buildings in the museum. It is now home to a museum that tells the story of Aarhus' history.
9. Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride: Visitors can take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the museum. This is a great way to explore the museum and get a different perspective of the buildings and gardens.
10. Shop at the Souvenir Shop: The souvenir shop at Den Gamle By sells a variety of souvenirs, including books, postcards, and traditional Danish handicrafts. It's a great place to pick up a unique memento of your visit.
Den Gamle By is a great place to explore the history of Denmark and experience the culture of Aarhus. With so many things to do, it's easy to spend a day or two at the museum and enjoy all that it has to offer.