When it comes to Denmark, many people immediately think of Copenhagen, the enchanting capital of fairy tales. However, on the other side of the country lies a small, exquisite city filled with artistic charm—Aarhus. This second-largest city on the eastern coast of the Jutland Peninsula is not only a cultural hub of Denmark but also a university town, and is becoming an increasingly popular destination for European travelers. On this trip, I chose to fly directly to Aarhus from Germany with Ryanair and easyJet, embarking on a budget-friendly Nordic adventure.
1. Budget Flight Surprises: How to Save Big on Airfare to Denmark?
With the rapid development of Europe’s low-cost airline network, flying directly to Aarhus from Germany is no longer an expensive or distant dream. In fact, it’s now an affordable and convenient option for budget-conscious travelers. Ryanair and easyJet, two of Europe’s leading budget airlines, offer direct flights to Aarhus from major German cities such as Berlin, Hamburg, and Düsseldorf. These flights are often priced as low as €20, and during special promotional seasons, you might even find fares as low as €10. This is a game-changer for those looking to explore Denmark without breaking the bank, making Aarhus an accessible and attractive destination for travelers from across Europe.
In addition to the competitive ticket prices, these budget airlines also offer a no-frills service, allowing passengers to choose what they want to spend on. This flexibility means you can save even more money by opting out of extras like checked baggage or meals, which is ideal for those traveling light and on a tight budget.
1.1 Booking Tips: How to Grab Cheap Tickets?
For this particular trip, I booked my flight from Berlin Schönefeld Airport (now Berlin Brandenburg Airport) and was able to secure a round-trip ticket for just €39 on Ryanair’s website a month in advance, which included one carry-on bag. When booking low-cost flights, timing is key. I recommend travelers keep a few strategies in mind to score the best deals:
- Book 4-6 weeks in advance: This is typically the sweet spot for finding the lowest fares, as airlines release discounted tickets at least a month before the departure date. Booking closer to the flight date often results in much higher prices.
- Avoid weekends and holidays: Flights departing midweek, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, are generally cheaper than those on weekends or during holiday periods. If you can be flexible with your travel dates, you’ll have a better chance of landing a lower fare.
- Set up fare alerts: Platforms like Skyscanner or Google Flights allow you to set price alerts for specific routes. This way, you’ll be notified whenever a fare drops, ensuring you never miss out on a great deal.
- Use the “Flexible Destination” feature: Many flight comparison websites offer a “flexible destination” feature that allows you to explore other nearby airports. This can provide significant savings, especially if you’re open to flying into a different airport that is just a short transfer away from your intended destination.
1.2 Flight Experience: Ryanair vs. easyJet
While Ryanair and easyJet may not offer the same level of comfort as traditional airlines, the flight duration of only about 1 hour is sufficient for a short trip. Ryanair seats are slightly more cramped, but their punctuality is excellent, whereas easyJet offers slightly more spacious seating and friendlier cabin service. Both airlines support online check-in, which helps save time.
My flight was punctual throughout, with professional cabin crew and clean cabins. Although it was a budget airline, I had no “budget” experience. If you’re okay with no free checked baggage or meals, these budget flights are definitely a great way to save money.
2. Aarhus Airport Transport Connections: Small but Efficient Nordic Style
Upon arriving at Aarhus Airport, my first impression was that it was “small but beautiful.” The airport is compact, but with clear signage and attentive service, both immigration and baggage claim were very quick.
2.1 Transport from the Airport to the City
It takes about 40 minutes to get from Aarhus Airport to the city center, with the following transportation options:
- Airport Shuttle (925X): Departs approximately every hour. The fare is 115 Danish Krone (around €15), and you can book online or buy tickets at the counter.
- Taxi/ride-sharing: If you need to travel at night, I recommend using Taxi 4×27, with a fare of around 450 Danish Krone.
- Car rental: If you plan to explore more of the Jutland Peninsula, renting a car is an excellent option, with rental counters from Hertz, Europcar, and others at the airport.
I chose the airport shuttle, which was comfortable and provided free Wi-Fi, allowing me to enjoy the rural scenery along the way. After 40 minutes, I arrived at Aarhus Central Station, which was very convenient.
3. Hotel Recommendations: The Perfect Fusion of Nordic Design and Comfort
While Aarhus is not a large city, it offers a wide range of accommodation options, from high-end design hotels to budget-friendly hostels. I stayed in two hotels of distinct styles, each catering to different budgets and preferences.
3.1 High-End Experience: Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Aarhus
Located next to the City Hall, the Radisson Blu is perfectly situated, just a 5-minute walk to the ARoS Art Museum and shopping streets. The hotel features modern design, spacious and bright rooms, some with views of the city skyline. The breakfast buffet is exquisite, offering Danish cold cuts, hot dishes, and organic fruit.
Price: About €120 per night (including breakfast)
Highlights:
- Free access to the gym and sauna
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Underground parking, ideal for self-drive travelers
3.2 Budget-Friendly: Wakeup Aarhus
Wakeup Aarhus is a highly cost-effective economy hotel, located near the city’s main transport hub, just a 10-minute walk to the Old Town and harbor. While the rooms are smaller, they are well-equipped and feature Nordic minimalist aesthetics, making it a great choice for short-term travelers or backpackers.
Price: About €65 per night
Highlights:
- Efficient self-check-in system
- Free Wi-Fi
- Environmentally friendly design
4. Harbor Cruise: Enjoy the Beauty of Aarhus from the Sea
No visit to Aarhus is complete without experiencing a harbor cruise. As a major North Sea port, Aarhus is not only an industrial hub but also home to a beautiful coastline and charming port architecture.
4.1 Aarhus Harbor Cruise
The harbor cruise operates 1-2 times daily and lasts about 1 hour, passing landmarks like the Dokk1 Library, the Iceberg building complex, and the newly developed dockside residential areas.
Ticket price: Around 80 Danish Krone, available for online booking.
Highlights:
- Audio guides available, explaining the city’s coastal transformation
- Excellent photo opportunities, especially for Instagram-style travel shots
- Sunset cruises are the most popular, so it’s advisable to book in advance
On board, you can also enjoy a local craft beer or coffee while taking in the breathtaking views of the city skyline.
5. Strolling through the City: Art, Coffee, and Culture
The greatest charm of Aarhus lies in its combination of “university town vibrancy” and “Nordic slow life.” Every morning, I started my day with coffee at La Cabra Café in the city center before heading out to explore the following sights:
5.1 ARoS Art Museum
This is one of Denmark’s most important contemporary art museums, with the iconic “Rainbow Panorama” on the roof. The spacious galleries feature a mix of sculptures, photography, and installation art.
5.2 Den Gamle By (Old Town Museum)
This open-air museum brings Denmark’s city life from the 18th to the 20th century to life, with recreated shops, tailor shops, theaters, and more. You might even encounter live actors in period costumes walking through the streets.
5.3 Moesgaard Museum (Archaeology and Anthropology)
Located a bit farther out of town, this museum is worth the detour. The building itself is a work of landscape art, and its exhibits include Denmark’s oldest bog body, the “Grauballe Man.”
6. A Travel Story: A Young Barista’s Hans Christian Andersen Dream
At a small café called Street Coffee near Wakeup Aarhus, I met a young barista named Jakob. He described himself as someone “looking for fairy tales in real life.” Jakob majored in literature at university and now works in the café while creating his own children’s story collection.
Jakob told me, “Aarhus is small, but it has a lot of inspiration. Just like Hans Christian Andersen didn’t have to live in Copenhagen, every corner has the potential for fairy tales.”
This encounter added a special warmth to my journey and reminded me that travel isn’t just about ticking off tourist sites—it’s about those unexpected, soulful connections.
7. Why Your Next Trip to Denmark Should Be to Aarhus
Aarhus may not have the fame of Copenhagen, but it possesses the essence of Nordic art, a friendly cultural atmosphere, and an affordable travel cost. With direct flights from budget airlines, efficient transport systems, and a variety of accommodation options, you can experience endless charm with a limited budget.
If you’re tired of the crowded tourist routes, look towards this rising cultural hub. Take a spontaneous journey with Ryanair or easyJet, and you’ll discover that true “value” lies not just in the price, but in every moment of joy you experience along the way.
