Basic information

Den Gamle By was built in 1909 and officially opened to the public in 1914. It is the world's first open-air museum that showcases urban architectural culture. There are 75 buildings from 20 villages and towns across Denmark. They were moved here intact, perfectly preserving old houses built in different historical periods and representing different architectural styles, mainly in wooden structures. The entire museum is like a complete town, with 27 houses, chapels and kitchens, 34 workshops, 10 grocery stores and shops, 5 gardens, a post office, a customs office, a school and a theater. In addition to these buildings, there are 5 small museums in the museum, focusing on clocks, toys, tableware, ceramics and textiles. ​

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 16:00 (holiday hours may vary) ​

Ticket price: 135 DKK for adults; free for children (0-17 years old); 120 DKK for students ​

Transportation guide

If you start from the center of Aarhus, there are many ways to get to the Old Town Museum of Denmark. One of the most convenient ways is to take a public bus. You can check the specific bus routes through the local transportation application and choose the one that suits you best. Along the way, you can also enjoy the scenery of Aarhus city and feel the unique atmosphere of this city. Of course, if you like walking, you can also choose to stroll there. This is not only a journey of physical exercise, but also gives you more opportunities to discover the hidden little beauties in the city. The route from the city center to the museum is beautiful. You will pass by many characteristic streets and buildings and arrive at your destination unknowingly.

A collection of styles from different periods

2000 - 2014 area​

In the newest area of ​​Den Gamle By, you can see a scene based on Queen Margaret Street. This area shows an area of ​​a Danish city in 2014, with various shops and leisure places frequented by locals. You can get a deep understanding of the lifestyles of different groups of people, visit their homes, listen to their stories, and feel the atmosphere of modern Danish life.

1950 - 1970 area​

Stepping into this area is like traveling back to Denmark's golden age in an instant. From the design of the streets and shops to the houses where people live, the style of that period is perfectly restored. Here, you can see decorations full of retro atmosphere, experience the technological products of that era, and feel the unique atmosphere. Whether it is the popular clothing style or the living habits at that time, you can have a deeper understanding of this period of Danish history. ​

1920s Car Theme Area​

This section mainly revolves around cars and transportation, taking you back to 1927. Here you can see the huge technological leaps made by the automotive industry at that time, visit old car dealerships and learn about the development of transportation in that era. This is an interesting area that witnesses the transformation of human transportation and allows you to clearly see the evolution of automobiles from the past to the present. ​

1600 - 1900s Area​

When you walk into this area, it feels like walking into a Danish town hundreds of years ago. The streets are lined with old half-timbered houses, which are authentically rebuilt according to the appearance of Danish towns in the past. You can stroll through the old streets, touch the traces of history, imagine the living scenes of people at that time, and feel the unique charm of Denmark in that era.

Exciting Activities

Starting in April every year, the museum will be lively. Actors will play characters from various historical periods and show traditional crafts and daily life scenes in the museum. This is a very interactive experience, and you even have the opportunity to participate and try some historical work tasks, such as learning old weaving techniques and making traditional Danish bread. In addition, Den Gamle By hosts a variety of different exhibitions, concerts and children's activities throughout the year. No matter when you come, you can find something new and interesting. For example, during certain time periods, you can enjoy the performance of local traditional music and feel the charm of Danish music culture; for children, there are also activities designed specifically for them, so that children can learn historical knowledge while playing.

Specialty shops

In the museum, there are many historic specialty shops worth visiting. You can walk into an old-fashioned bakery, taste the freshly baked traditional Danish bread, and feel the rich wheat aroma; you can also go to the Toy Museum, which has a collection of more than 6,000 toys from the 19th century to the 1960s. The showroom on the first floor displays German Marcolin cars and trains, mechanical toys from Lehmann, and a large number of wooden toys made by Danish prisoners decades ago. It's like entering a world full of childlike fun, allowing you to recall the good times of your childhood. These shops are not only places to shop, but also windows to understand the history of Danish business, allowing you to see people's shopping methods and life needs in different periods.

Christmas period

When Christmas comes, Den Gamle By will become a charming Christmas market. On Fridays and Saturdays in early December, the museum is open from 18:00 to 21:00, and you can experience the unique festive atmosphere of the museum under the light. There are Christmas-themed tours here, which will give you an in-depth understanding of the origins of Danish Christmas traditions and listen to interesting local stories. You can also stroll through the ancient streets and meet historical figures dressed as bakers' wives, kitchen maids, etc., making history more vivid during this festival. The Christmas market is full of traditional Danish holiday food, drinks and handicrafts. You can taste the food while choosing your favorite souvenirs to leave a good memory of this trip. This is definitely one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Denmark and you can't miss it.

Den Gamle By is like a living historical city. It shows people Denmark's past in a unique way. Whether it is architecture, culture, food or various activities, it is full of charm. I hope this guide can help you better plan your journey to the old town museum in Denmark, so that you can spend an unforgettable time here and experience the profound heritage of Danish history and culture firsthand.